- Adjusted funds flow (AFF)1 of
$5.49/share
- Record annual production of 22,587 boe / day
(27% increase over 2022)
- Return on average capital employed (ROACE)1 of
21%
- Increased total proved plus probable Net Present Value by
9% year-over-year to $2.8 billion
(NPV10)
- 2024 guidance reaffirmed
CALGARY,
AB, March 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Kiwetinohk Energy
Corp. (TSX: KEC) today reported its 2023 financial and operational
results and year-end reserves evaluation. As companion documents to
this news release, please review the Company's year end 2023
management discussion and analysis (MD&A), consolidated
financial statements and annual information form (available on
kiwetinohk.com or www.sedarplus.ca) for additional financial and
operational details.
Message to shareholders
"I am extremely pleased with the team's performance throughout
2023. Kiwetinohk delivered robust financial and operational
results, meeting or exceeding corporate expectations," said
Pat Carlson, Chief Executive
Officer.
"This success is underscored by 27% annual production growth
culminating in a record annual production level of 22,587 boe/d and
year-end monthly exit production of approximately 30,150 boe/d.
Equally important, our commitment to safety remained unwavering
with the team executing a significant capital program with zero
lost time incidents or reportable spills. The strength of the
Company's reserves continues to demonstrate the inherent value of
our asset base. Our updated reserves report confirms a notable
share price value gap. As of December 31,
2023, our proved developed producing (PDP) reserves alone
are estimated to have a before tax net present value discounted at
10% (NPV10) of $15.70/share exceeding
the year end trading price of $11.35/share by approximately 38%. Total proved
(1P) and total proved plus probable (2P) NPV 10 values are
estimated at $35.79/share and
$63.10/share, respectively,
reinforcing the underlying value of our upstream development
program which is further bolstered by our current portfolio of gas
fired and renewable power development projects which continue to
progress.
"Kiwetinohk is executing on its 2024 budget priorities with a
focus on financial discipline given anticipated ongoing volatility
in commodity prices. Since year end, three Duvernay wells at the 8-23 pad have been
brought on production and we have finished drilling our first two
wells of our 2024 program at the 1-27 pad; one in the Duvernay and one in the Montney. Looking forward, the upstream
development program is on track, production is substantially hedged
at favourable prices over the balance of the year and our operating
and financial outlook remains in-line with our guidance provided
last December.
"We continue to make progress against project milestones across
our power portfolio and are encouraged by the Alberta government's February 28, 2024 announced new policy direction
for renewable energy development which we believe brings clarity to
solar developments going forward and which our projects are well
positioned to address. We continue to pro-actively engage with
federal and provincial governments to get better clarity on the
broader evolving electricity policy and regulation and its
potential impact on power development. In January 2024, extreme cold weather led to peak
energy demand in Alberta,
demonstrating electricity supply challenges that we believe will
persist into the future. Kiwetinohk's power development portfolio
would provide a combination of power sources that would help
Alberta address these supply
challenges through clean, reliable, dispatchable and affordable
power."
_______________________________
|
1
Non-GAAP and other financial measure that does not have any
standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" section of the Company's MD&A for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
|
Financial and operating results for the quarter
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q4
2023
|
Q4
2022
|
2023
|
2022
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
Oil & condensate
(bbl/d)
|
8,407
|
8,423
|
7,183
|
6,197
|
NGLs (bbl/d)
|
3,507
|
2,664
|
2,769
|
2,012
|
Natural gas
(Mcf/d)
|
76,756
|
81,949
|
75,810
|
57,859
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
24,707
|
24,745
|
22,587
|
17,852
|
Oil and condensate % of
production
|
34 %
|
34 %
|
32 %
|
35 %
|
NGL % of
production
|
14 %
|
11 %
|
12 %
|
11 %
|
Natural gas % of
production
|
52 %
|
55 %
|
56 %
|
54 %
|
Realized
prices
|
|
|
|
|
Oil & condensate
($/bbl)
|
95.66
|
104.96
|
96.90
|
115.82
|
NGLs ($/bbl)
|
51.44
|
68.82
|
53.07
|
74.06
|
Natural gas
($/Mcf)
|
3.32
|
8.12
|
3.76
|
8.69
|
Total
($/boe)
|
50.17
|
70.04
|
49.95
|
76.72
|
Royalty expense
($/boe)
|
(4.84)
|
(5.72)
|
(4.72)
|
(6.78)
|
Operating expenses
($/boe)
|
(8.55)
|
(7.20)
|
(8.52)
|
(9.70)
|
Transportation expenses
($/boe)
|
(5.49)
|
(5.27)
|
(5.61)
|
(5.31)
|
Operating netback
1 ($/boe)
|
31.29
|
51.85
|
31.10
|
54.93
|
Realized gain (loss) on
risk management ($/boe) 2
|
0.23
|
(6.58)
|
1.50
|
(13.33)
|
Realized gain (loss) on
risk management - purchases ($/boe) 2
|
1.20
|
(2.36)
|
1.69
|
(5.23)
|
Net commodity sales
from purchases (loss) ($/boe) 1
|
(0.51)
|
3.16
|
(0.80)
|
7.07
|
Adjusted operating
netback 1
|
32.21
|
46.07
|
33.49
|
43.44
|
Financial
results ($000s, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity sales from
production
|
114,038
|
159,457
|
411,826
|
499,898
|
Net commodity sales
from purchases (loss) 1
|
(1,152)
|
7,174
|
(6,642)
|
46,069
|
Cash flow from
operating activities
|
58,946
|
87,028
|
240,760
|
242,850
|
Adjusted funds flow
from operations 1
|
63,697
|
101,506
|
241,311
|
264,082
|
Per share
basic
|
1.46
|
2.30
|
5.49
|
6.00
|
Per share
diluted
|
1.44
|
2.26
|
5.43
|
5.92
|
Net debt to annualized
adjusted funds flow from operations 1
|
0.77
|
0.46
|
0.77
|
0.46
|
Free funds flow
deficiency from operations (excluding acquisitions/dispositions)
1
|
(12,713)
|
(1,202)
|
(65,674)
|
(5,647)
|
Net income
(loss)
|
48,302
|
115,308
|
111,896
|
190,989
|
Per share
basic
|
1.11
|
2.61
|
2.54
|
4.34
|
Per share
diluted
|
1.09
|
2.57
|
2.52
|
4.28
|
Capital expenditures
prior to (dispositions) acquisitions 1
|
76,410
|
102,708
|
306,985
|
269,729
|
Net (dispositions)
acquisitions
|
(18,000)
|
—
|
(19,995)
|
57,323
|
Capital expenditures
and net (dispositions) acquisitions 1
|
58,410
|
102,708
|
286,990
|
327,052
|
Balance sheet
($000s, except share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
1,085,615
|
932,650
|
1,085,615
|
932,650
|
Long-term
liabilities
|
305,735
|
221,731
|
305,735
|
221,731
|
Net debt
1
|
186,523
|
122,304
|
186,523
|
122,304
|
Adjusted working
capital surplus (deficit) 1
|
7,565
|
(3,105)
|
7,565
|
(3,105)
|
Weighted average shares
outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
43,710,734
|
44,168,157
|
43,971,108
|
44,045,613
|
Diluted
|
44,172,101
|
44,887,920
|
44,467,348
|
44,593,528
|
Shares outstanding end
of period
|
43,662,644
|
44,176,710
|
43,662,644
|
44,176,710
|
Return on average
capital employed ("ROACE") 1
|
|
|
21 %
|
30 %
|
Reserves
|
|
|
|
|
Proved reserves (MMboe)
3
|
|
|
123.2
|
125.5
|
Proved reserves per
share (boe) 3
|
|
|
2.8
|
2.9
|
Proved plus probable
reserves (MMboe) 3
|
|
|
224.5
|
214.5
|
Proved plus probable
reserves per share (boe) 3
|
|
|
5.1
|
4.9
|
1 – Non-GAAP and other
financial measure that does not have any standardized meaning under
IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" section of the Company's MD&A.
|
2 – Realized gain
(loss) on risk management contracts includes settlement of
financial hedges on production and foreign exchange, with gains on
contracts associated with purchases presented
separately.
|
3 – Oil and natural gas
reserves are as determined by the Company's independent qualified
reserve evaluator with an effective date of December 31 for the
years shown in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation
Handbook and are shown as net working interest reserves before
royalties.
|
Fourth quarter highlights
- Record annual production of 22,587 boe/d, a 27%
increase year-over-year. Fourth quarter production of 24,707 boe/d,
grew 16.4% over the third quarter of 2023; year-end exit production
for the month of December 2023 was
approximately 30,150 boe/d.
- Strong quarterly operating netback2 of
$31.29/boe drove adjusted funds
from operations during the fourth quarter of $63.7 million, or $1.46/share. This represents a 14% increase over
the third quarter of 2023 and results in annual adjusted funds from
operations2 of $241.3
million or $5.49/share.
- Fourth quarter capital expenditures (before
acquisitions/dispositions)2 of $76.4 million brought full year capital
expenditures to $307.0 million. The
capital program was executed while maintaining a strong balance
sheet; the ratio of net debt to annualized adjusted funds flow from
operations[2] was 0.77x at December 31,
2023.
- Disposed of non-core assets for proceeds of $18.0 million in the fourth quarter bringing
annual disposition total proceeds to $21.3
million in 2023 and related gains on sale of $7.6 million. The disposition of non-core assets
reflects the Company's current focus on the development of its core
Simonette and Placid development assets.
- Return on average capital employed2 of 21% in
2023 demonstrating a strong return while significantly
expanding gas processing infrastructure. Including 2022 return on
average capital employed of 30%, Kiwetinohk's ROACE has averaged
approximately 26% over the last two years through the development
of its high quality Duvernay and
Montney assets.
- Exited 2023 with $165.6
million or 37% of capacity remaining under existing
credit facilities which is available to support continued growth in
2024.
______________________
|
2
Non-GAAP and other financial measure that does not have any
standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other entities. See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" section of the Company's MD&A for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
|
Kiwetinohk continues to execute on its upstream and power
development plans and is maintaining guidance provided on
December 13, 2023 with no changes to
expectations. The Company has provided updated sensitivities on
adjusted funds flow from operations2 (see below) to
reflect a lower outlook for natural gas pricing. Despite this
reduction, we have increased the low end of the projected range of
adjusted funds flow as a result of strong early first quarter
results, the Company's hedging program, and a decision in late 2023
to extract more natural gas liquids from the Company's processing
plants. This adjustment demonstrates the robustness of the
Duvernay and Montney assets in Fox Creek and the Company's ability to manage
its owned infrastructure to protect returns for shareholders.
The Company continues to protect the cash flows required to
execute our program and manage commodity price risk and volatility
through a prudent management program. For 2024, approximately
~50% of condensate production is hedged against WTI with an average
floor price of approximately US$70.00
/bbl and structures that allow for upside participation to
approximately $80.00/bbl. In
addition, approximately 45% of natural gas production is hedged at
an average floor price of approximately $3.20/MMbtu with structures that allow for upside
price participation to approximately $4.00/MMbtu. Our strategy provides protection to
the downside while maximizing upside exposure. Additional details
of the current hedges in place can be found in the Company's
MD&A for the year ended December 31,
2023.
For a detailed breakdown of guidance for 2024 please refer to
the Company's MD&A for the year ended December 31, 2023.
|
|
|
Select 2024
Financial & Operational Guidance
|
|
|
2024 Adjusted
Funds Flow from Operations commodity pricing sensitivities
1
|
|
US$70/bbl WTI &
US$2.00/MMBtu HH
|
CAD$MM
|
$260
- $290
|
US$80/bbl WTI &
US$3.00/MMBtu HH
|
CAD$MM
|
$305
- $340
|
US$ WTI +/- $1.00/bbl
2
|
CAD$MM
|
+/- $3.5
|
US$ Chicago +/-
$0.10/MMBtu 2
|
CAD$MM
|
+/- $1.4
|
CAD$ AECO 5A +/-
$0.10/GJ 2
|
CAD$MM
|
+/- $0.9
|
Exchange Rate
(CAD$/US$) +/- $0.01 2
|
CAD$MM
|
+/- $3.1
|
2024 Net
debt to Adjusted Funds Flow from Operations sensitivities
1
|
|
US$70/bbl WTI &
US$2.00/MMBtu HH
|
X
|
0.7x
- 0.8x
|
US$80/bbl WTI &
US$3.00/MMBtu HH
|
X
|
0.4x
- 0.5x
|
1.
|
Non-GAAP measure that
does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities.
Please refer to the section "Non-GAAP Measures"
herein.
|
2.
|
Assumes US$75/bbl WTI,
US$2.50/mmbtu HH, US$0.80/mmbtu HH - AECO basis diff, $0.74
USD/CAD.
|
2023 year-end reserves highlights
- Conversions to PDP replaced approximately 119% of 2023
production with total proved plus probable (2P) reserve replacement
of 550%.
- Grew 2P reserves by 5% or ~10.0 MMboe after dispositions
(~27.1 MMboe) and annual production. Within the Company's core
development areas of Simonette and Placid, 2P reserves grew by 20%
or ~37.1 MMboe after annual production.
- 2P net present value (NPV10) grew by 9% year over year
to $2.8 billion (net of
$0.2 billion in dispositions) with
lower average year over year commodity prices.
- Improved plant liquids recovery and increased total liquids
share of production from 43% to 48% in Simonette in response
to redeployment of capital to liquids rich inventory.
- Underlying reserve base highlights significant value
relative to today's share price: PDP NPV10 (BT) $15.70/share; Total Proved (1P) NPV10 (BT)
$35.79/share; and 2P NPV10 (BT)
$63.10/share compared to a
December 31, 2023 share price of
$11.35.
- PDP reserve life index (RLI) of 4.60, 1P of 13.70 and 2P
of 24.90 years.
- 2P finding and development costs (F&D) of $19.84. Over the life of the reserves, the
reserve report estimates undeveloped 1P F&D costs of
$18.74/boe (future development
capital divided by proved undeveloped reserves) and undeveloped 2P
F&D cost of $13.97/boe.
- 3-year finding, development and acquisition (FD&A)
recycle ratios were 2.4x for PDP, 2.1x for 1P and 2.6x for 2P
based on the three year average operating netback of $39.81/boe.
Upstream operational update
In mid-November, Kiwetinohk began production from its new 14-29
four-well Duvernay pad. These
wells combined to produce approximately 11,900 boe/d on average in
December 2023 and contributed to a
record year-end exit production of approximately 30,150 boe/d. The
14-29 pad continues to provide strong production in the new year.
In addition, three wells at the Company's 8-23 Duvernay pad in Simonette have recently been
completed and were brought on stream at the end of February,
slightly ahead of schedule. Since the first number of days where
the wells were cleaning up, they have been averaging wellhead rates
of between 8-10 mmcf/d of natural gas and associated liquids in
addition to between 1,000-1,200 bbls/day of condensate per well.
The wells continue to be choked back and while it is very early
days, the early production rates appear to be in-line with the
Company's expectations in this core Simonette development area.
Kiwetinohk has finished drilling the first two wells of its 2024
capital program, including one Duvernay well and the first of two
Montney wells scheduled to be
drilled in Simonette. This Montney
well is the first that Kiwetinohk is drilling in the Simonette area
since acquiring the assets. It is in a different part of the
Montney than the Placid wells that
were drilled last year and has a significant amount of inventory to
exploit. The second Montney well
is scheduled to be drilled in the third quarter. Kiwetinohk has
also recently commenced drilling a three well Duvernay pad in the liquids rich area at Tony
Creek, and is in the process of moving a second rig into Tony Creek
for another three well pad. These wells are all scheduled to come
on-stream in the third quarter of this year. This is part of an
overall capital program that includes plans to drill twelve
Duvernay wells and three
Montney wells. Flexibility has
been retained to accelerate three additional Duvernay wells with an investment decision
anticipated in the second quarter of 2024.
There are no changes to previously disclosed upstream operating
guidance, which can be referenced in the fourth quarter MD&A
and the news release originally dated December 13, 2023. Kiwetinohk is targeting
average production to grow to an average of 24.0 - 27.0 thousand
boe/d for calendar 2024, while continuing to reduce unit operating
costs by increasing volumes flowing through owned and
operated infrastructure.
Power update
In August 2023 the Alberta government enacted the Generation
Approvals Pause Regulation, which immediately paused AUC approval
of new renewable energy projects greater than one megawatt until
February 29, 2024. The Alberta government also directed the AUC to
conduct an inquiry regarding the policy and procedures for the
development of renewable electricity generation. On February 28, 2024, the Alberta government announced new policy
direction for renewable development going forward.
"We support the Alberta
government's renewable power policy updates as it provides
consistent high standards for developers. Kiwetinohk has assessed
the impact of this announcement on our solar portfolio and we
currently believe our projects are well positioned and will not be
impacted. Our planned solar projects are on Class 3 lands and
incorporate best practices outlined by the government such as
agrivoltaics. We will continue to evaluate our overall power
strategy in light of recent announcements," said Fareen Sunderji, President Power
Division.
During the fourth quarter, Kiwetinohk advanced four power
development projects through the AESO regulatory queue,
with the Black Bear (NGCC) project advancing to Stage 3. The
Company believes that its development portfolio remains
competitively well positioned within the Alberta market and is currently seeking
external non-dilutive capital to finance power projects. Kiwetinohk
has engaged a financial advisor to help in sourcing potential
financing partners and/or acquirers of the Company's two most
advanced projects, Homestead Solar and Opal Firm Renewable which
together provide 500MW of generation capacity. Transactions may
include a partial or outright sale of a project with proceeds
helping to fund ongoing development of the remaining portfolio.
Capital cost estimates for the Homestead Solar
project continue to be refined as Kiwetinohk advances through
detailed engineering work. The Company has continued to optimize
the design and development plan for its 400 MW Homestead solar
project and is reducing capital cost estimates by $50.0 million to a revised Class 2 cost estimate
of approximately $675.0 million. We
already have the AUC power plant approval and continue to advance
power purchase agreement discussions and work on obtaining a
transmission line approval with an anticipated FID in the second
half of 2024.
Capital cost estimates and timelines for Opal and the remaining
portfolio continue to be evaluated and updated through the normal
course and are expected to reflect increases related to general
inflationary conditions and supply chain challenges. Pricing for
Opal will be determined and disclosed as we finalize estimates in
conjunction with a FID decision.
Reserves update
McDaniel & Associates conducted an independent reserves
evaluation and prepared the Company's reserve report according to
National Instrument 51-101 standards as outlined by the Society of
Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE) and the Canadian Oil and Gas
Evaluation Handbook (COGEH).
The reserves evaluation was based on the average forecast
pricing of McDaniel's, GLJ Petroleum Consultants and Sproule
Associates Limited and foreign exchange rates at January 1, 2024 which is available on McDaniel's
website at www.mcdan.com. Reserves included below are presented on
a company gross basis and reflect the Company's total working
interest reserves before the deduction of any royalties and do not
include any royalty interests payable to the Company.
Future development costs (FDC) reflect McDaniel's best estimate
of the future cost to bring Kiwetinohk's proved and probable
developed and undeveloped reserves on production. Actual costs may
be greater than or less than the estimates contained in the
McDaniel Report and referenced in this news release and FDC will be
re-forecast on an annual basis to account for changes in
development activities, new well design or performance, inflation
expectations and various other estimates.
Additional details of Kiwetinohk's 2023 year end reserves can be
found in the Company's AIF available on the Company website and on
the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
The following reserve summary table details the Company's 2023
gross volumetric and valuation reserve results:
|
Tight oil
(Mbbl)
|
Shale gas
(MMcf)
|
Natural
gas liquids
(Mbbl)
|
2023 Total
(Mboe)
|
2022 Total
(Mboe)
|
Proved
producing
|
827
|
132,612
|
18,293
|
41,222
|
40,399
|
Proved developed
non-producing
|
—
|
175
|
25
|
54
|
413
|
Proved
undeveloped
|
—
|
250,336
|
40,185
|
81,908
|
84,731
|
Total proved
|
827
|
383,123
|
58,503
|
123,184
|
125,543
|
Probable
|
161
|
314,809
|
48,642
|
101,271
|
88,924
|
Total proved plus
probable
|
988
|
697,932
|
107,145
|
224,455
|
214,467
|
Net present value before tax summary:
$ Millions
|
0 %
|
5 %
|
10 %
|
15 %
|
20 %
|
Proved developed
producing
|
879,351
|
797,511
|
685,480
|
599,039
|
534,060
|
Proved developed
non-producing
|
574
|
602
|
564
|
511
|
458
|
Proved
undeveloped
|
1,988,682
|
1,288,371
|
876,795
|
616,435
|
441,787
|
Total proved
|
2,868,607
|
2,086,484
|
1,562,839
|
1,215,985
|
976,305
|
Probable
|
3,285,837
|
1,862,022
|
1,192,487
|
832,003
|
617,405
|
Total proved plus
probable
|
6,154,444
|
3,948,506
|
2,755,326
|
2,047,988
|
1,593,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PDP value / share
1
|
$
20.14
|
$
18.27
|
$
15.70
|
$
13.72
|
$
12.23
|
1P value / share
1
|
$
65.70
|
$
47.79
|
$
35.79
|
$
27.85
|
$
22.36
|
2P value / share
1
|
$
140.95
|
$
90.43
|
$
63.10
|
$
46.90
|
$
36.50
|
1 - based on 43,662,644
shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023
|
Future development costs ("FDC")
The following is McDaniel's estimate of FDC required to bring
total proved and total proved plus probable reserves onto
production:
Year
|
Total
proved
($MM)
|
Total
proved plus
probable
($MM)
|
2024
|
212.3
|
212.3
|
2025
|
334.4
|
334.4
|
2026
|
330.9
|
330.9
|
2027
|
342.0
|
342.0
|
2028
|
298.0
|
298.5
|
Thereafter
|
17.2
|
992.6
|
Total FDC,
Undiscounted
|
1,534.8
|
2,510.7
|
Total FDC, Discounted
at 10%
|
1,206.7
|
1,720.7
|
1P/2P Future Undeveloped F&D Costs:
Proved
Undeveloped
|
|
1P
|
2P
|
FDC
|
$MM
|
1,535
|
2,510.7
|
Proved undeveloped
reserves
|
Mboe
|
81,908
|
179,720
|
F&D
|
$/boe
|
$
18.74
|
$
13.97
|
Sustainability update
Kiwetinohk joined the Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0
(OGMP 2.0), the flagship oil and gas reporting and mitigation
program of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Kiwetinohk is the first Canadian member to join OGMP 2.0, the only
comprehensive, measurement-based reporting framework for the oil
and gas industry. In 2023 Kiwetinohk took steps towards improving
the accuracy and transparency associated with its methane emissions
reporting through installation of continuous emissions monitoring
at most of its sites and set a 50% vented methane reduction target
(from 2022 levels).
Kiwetinohk supports the Government of Alberta's announced policy direction to
support the sustainability of solar projects in the province
including integration of agrivoltaics and reclamation security best
practices that Kiwetinohk has already adopted.
Conference call, annual general meeting and first quarter
2024 reporting date
Kiwetinohk management will host a conference call on
March 7, 2024, at 8 AM MT (10 AM ET)
to discuss results and answer questions. Participants will be able
to listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-664-6383
(North America toll free) or
416-764-8650 (Toronto and area). A
replay of the call will be available until March 14, 2024, at 1-888-390-0541 (North America toll free) or 416-764-8677
(Toronto and area) by using the
code 519452.
Kiwetinohk plans to release its first quarter 2024 results prior
to TSX opening on May 9, 2024 and
hold its annual general meeting later that same day.
About Kiwetinohk
We, at Kiwetinohk, are passionate about addressing climate
change and the future of energy. Kiwetinohk's mission is to build a
profitable energy transition business providing clean, reliable,
dispatchable, affordable energy. Kiwetinohk develops and produces
liquids-rich natural gas and related products and is in the process
of developing renewable and natural gas-fired power generation
projects with a vision of also incorporating carbon capture
technology and hydrogen production, all as part of a broader,
integrated portfolio of clean energy assets that will support
energy transition in the markets that it serves. We view climate
change with a sense of urgency, and we want to make a difference.
Kiwetinohk's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the symbol KEC. Additional details are available within the
year-end documents available on Kiwetinohk's website
at kiwetinohk.com and SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Oil and gas advisories
For the purpose of calculating unit costs, natural gas is
converted to a barrel of oil equivalent using six thousand cubic
feet of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil unless otherwise
stated. The term barrel of oil equivalent (boe) may be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio for gas
of 6 Mcf:1 boe is based on an energy equivalency conversion method
primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a
value equivalency at the wellhead.
This news release includes references to sales volumes of "Oil
and condensate", "NGLs" and "Natural gas" and revenues therefrom.
National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities, includes condensate within the NGLs product type. The
Company has disclosed condensate as combined with crude oil and
separately from other NGLs since the price of condensate as
compared to other NGLs is currently significantly higher, and the
Company believes that this crude oil and condensate presentation
provides a more accurate description of its operations and results
therefrom. Crude oil therefore refers to light oil, medium oil,
tight oil, and condensate. NGLs refers to ethane, propane, butane,
and pentane combined. Natural gas refers to conventional natural
gas and shale gas combined.
This news release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and
natural gas industry. Each of these metrics is determined by the
Company as set out below or elsewhere in this news release. The
metrics are F&D cost, FD&A cost, recycle ratio, reserves
replacement ratio (excl A&D), and reserve life index. These
metrics do not have standardized meanings and may not be comparable
to similar measures presented by other companies. As such, they
should not be used to make comparisons. Management uses these oil
and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide
shareholders with measures to compare the Company's performance
over time; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of
the Company's future performance and future performance may not
compare to the performance in previous periods and therefore should
not be unduly relied upon. Refer to the "Non-GAAP Financial Ratios"
section of this news release for a description of the calculation
and use of F&D cost, FD&A cost, recycle ratio.
F&D reserve replacement (excl A&D) is calculated by
dividing: (i) the net changes to reserves in such reserves category
from the prior period from extensions & improved recovery,
technical revisions, economic factors, acquisitions, and
dispositions, expressed in boe; by (ii) the actual annual
production for the year. Reserves replacement ratio is a measure
commonly used by management and investors to assess the rate at
which reserves depleted by production are being replaced.
Reserve life index is calculated by dividing: (i) the reserves
by category, expressed in boe; by (ii) the annualized Q4 average
production rate, expressed in boe/d.
Reserves Data
Reserves data set forth in this news release is based upon an
evaluation of the Company's reserves prepared by McDaniel &
Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") dated March 5, 2024 and effective December 31, 2023 (the "McDaniel Report"). The
reserves referenced in this news release are gross reserves. The
price forecast used in the McDaniel Report is the three consultant
average forecast prices of McDaniel & Associates Consultants
Ltd., GLJ Ltd. and Sproule Associates Limited as of January 1, 2024 ("Jan
2024 Consultant Avg.") price forecast. The estimates of
reserves contained in the McDaniel Report and referenced in this
news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the
estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be
greater than or less than the estimates contained in the McDaniel
Report and referenced in this news release. There is no assurance
that the forecast prices and costs assumptions used in the McDaniel
Report will be attained, and variances could be material. Estimated
future net revenue does not represent fair market value. Readers
should refer to the Company's annual information form for the year
ended December 31, 2023, available on
Kiwetinohk's website at www.kiwetinohk.com and the Company's
profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, for a complete description
of the McDaniel Report (including reserves by the specific product
types of shale gas, conventional natural gas, NGLs, tight oil and
light and medium crude oil) and the material assumptions,
limitations and risk factors pertaining thereto.
Forward looking information
Certain information set forth in this news release contains
forward-looking information and statements including, without
limitation, management's business strategy, management's assessment
of future plans and operations. Such forward-looking statements or
information are provided for the purpose of providing information
about management's current expectations and plans relating to the
future. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain
statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect",
"plan", "intend", "estimate", "project", "potential", "may" or
similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding
future performance and outlook. Readers are cautioned that
assumptions used in the preparation of such information may prove
to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results
to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of
which are beyond the control of the Company.
In particular, this news release contains forward-looking
statements pertaining to the following:
- drilling and completion activities on certain wells and pads
and the expected timing for certain pads to be brought
on-stream;
- expectations regardiing the Company's reserves, including the
reserve life index, recycle ratios and future development costs of
such reserves;
- electricity supply challenges faced by Alberta and the combination of projects
required to address the challenge through clean, reliable,
dispatchable and affordable power;
- receipt of regulatory approvals, including AUC transmission
line approval, for the Company's power projects, including the
Homestead Solar and Opal Firm Renewable projects and the timing
thereof;
- the Company's ongoing engagement with federal and provincial
governments with respect to regulations affecting the Company's
operations;
- the timing for various projects, including the Company's
Homestead Solar project, reaching FID;
- the Company's 2024 financial and operational guidance;
- the Company's operational and financial strategies and
plans;
- the Company's business strategies, objectives, focuses and
goals and expected or targeted performance and results;
- the Company's target to reduce vented methane emissions by 50%
and the timing thereof; and
- the timing of the release of the Company's first quarter 2024
results.
Statements relating to reserves are also deemed to be forward
looking information, as they involve the implied assessment, based
on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described
exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the
reserves can be profitably produced in the future.
In addition to other factors and assumptions that may be
identified in this news release, assumptions have been made
regarding, among other things:
- the Company's ability to generate a pathway to achieve
additional value for shareholders through its future development
program and power development portfolio;
- the Company's ability to execute on its 2024 budget
priorities;
- the timing and costs of the Company's capital projects,
including drilling and completion of certain wells;
- the impact of the federal government's draft clean electricity
regulations on the portfolio and uncertainties regarding same;
- the timing and costs of the Company's capital projects,
including drilling and completion of certain wells;
- the Company's ability to negotiate deal structures and terms on
the Company's power projects;
- the impact of increasing competition;
- the general stability of the economic and political environment
in which the Company operates;
- general business, economic and market conditions;
- the Company's expectations on value generation related to its
power portfolio;
- the impact that the Company's projects under development will
have on the power grid, including its ability to create a stable
and sustainable power supply;
- the Company's expectation of a competitive position in the
Alberta power market;
- the Company's unique position to deliver additional value to
shareholders;
- the ability of the Company to obtain qualified staff, equipment
and services in a timely and cost efficient manner;
- future commodity and power prices;
- the Company's expectations and ability to execute solar
projects and the level of risk associated with curtailment;
- currency, royalty, exchange and interest rates;
- the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes, power,
renewable and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which
the Company operates;
- the ability of the Company to obtain the required capital to
finance its exploration, development and other operations and meet
its commitments and financial obligations;
- the ability of the Company to secure adequate product
processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on
acceptable terms and the capacity and reliability of
facilities;
- the impact of war, hostilities, civil insurrection, pandemics
(including Covid-19), instability and political and economic
conditions (including the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and
conflict in the Middle East) on
the Company;
- the ability of the Company to successfully market its
products;
- power project debt will be held at the project level;
- power projects will be funded by third parties, as currently
anticipated;
- expectations regarding access of oil and gas leases in light of
caribou range planning; and
- the Company's operational success and results being consistent
with current expectations.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all factors and assumptions that have been used. Although the
Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-
looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance
should not be placed on forward-looking statements as the Company
can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be
correct.
Forward-looking statements or information involve a number of
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in
the forward-looking statements or information. These risks and
uncertainties include, among other things:
- those risks set out in the Annual Information Form (AIF) under
"Risk Factors";
- the ability of management to execute its business plan;
- general economic and business conditions;
- risks of war, hostilities, civil insurrection, pandemics
(including Covid-19), instability and political and economic
conditions (including the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and
conflict in the Middle East) in or
affecting jurisdictions in which the Company operates;
- the risks of the power and renewable industries;
- operational and construction risks associated with certain
projects;
- the possibility that government policies or laws may change or
governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld;
- risks relating to regulatory approvals and financing;
- the ability to market in Alberta for power projects;
- uncertainty involving the forces that power certain renewable
projects;
- the Company's ability to enter into or renew leases;
- potential delays or changes in plans with respect to power and
solar projects or capital expenditures;
- risks associated with rising capital costs and timing of
project completion;
- fluctuations in commodity and power prices, foreign currency
exchange rates and interest rates;
- risks inherent in the Company's marketing operations, including
credit risk;
- health, safety, environmental and construction risks;
- risks associated with existing and potential future lawsuits
and regulatory actions against the Company;
- uncertainties as to the availability and cost of
financing;
- the ability to secure adequate processing, transportation,
fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms;
- processing, pipeline and fractionation infrastructure outages,
disruptions and constraints;
- financial risks affecting the value of the Company's
investments; and
- other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this
document and in Kiwetinohk's other filings with Canadian securities
authorities.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive
of all possible risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking statements and information contained in this
news release speak only as of the date of this news release and the
Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, except as expressly
required by applicable securities laws.
Non-GAAP and other financial measures
This news release uses various specified financial measures
including "non-GAAP financial measures", "non-GAAP financial
ratios" and "capital management measures", as defined in National
Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure
and explained in further detail below. These non-GAAP and other
financial measures presented in this news release should not be
considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures
prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction
with the Financial Statements and MD&A. Readers are
cautioned that these non-GAAP measures do not have any standardized
meanings and should not be used to make comparisons between
Kiwetinohk and other companies without also taking into account any
differences in the method by which the calculations are
prepared.
Please refer to the Corporation's MD&A as at and for the
year ended December 31, 2023, under
the section "Non-GAAP and other financial measures" for a
description of these measures, the reason for their use and a
reconciliation to their closest GAAP measure where applicable. The
Corporation's MD&A is available on Kiwetinohk's website at
kiwetinohk.com or its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Capital expenditures, capital expenditures and net acquisitions
(dispositions), operating netback, adjusted operating netback, and
net commodity sales from purchases (loss), are measures that are
not standardized measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to
similar financial measures presented by other companies.
The most directly comparable GAAP measure to capital
expenditures and capital expenditures and net acquisitions
(dispositions) is cash flow used in investing activities. The most
directly comparable GAAP measure to operating netback and adjusted
operating netback is commodity sales from production. The most
directly comparable GAAP measure to net commodity sales from
purchases (loss) is commodity sales from purchases.
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted funds flow from operations, free funds flow
(deficiency) from operations, adjusted working capital surplus
(deficit), net debt, net debt to annualized adjusted funds flow
from operations and net debt to adjusted funds flow from operations
are capital management measures that may not be comparable to
similar financial measures presented by other companies. These
measures may include calculations that utilize non-GAAP financial
measures and should not be considered in isolation or construed as
alternatives to their most directly comparable measure disclosed in
the Company's primary financial statements or other measures of
financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS.
Capital expenditures, capital expenditures and net acquisitions,
F&D cost, FD&A cost, and recycle ratio, presented on a
$/boe basis are non-GAAP ratios as they each have a non-GAAP
financial measure as a component. These measures are not
standardized measures under IFRS and might not be comparable to
similar financial measures presented by other companies. These
measures should not be considered in isolation or construed as
alternatives to their most directly comparable measure disclosed in
the Company's primary financial statements or other measures of
financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS.
F&D costs are calculated by dividing: (i) capital
expenditures, excluding power projects (a non-GAAP financial
measure) for the applicable reserves category and period; by (ii)
the net changes to reserves in such reserves category from the
prior period from extensions & improved recovery, technical
revisions, and economic factors, expressed in boe. F&D costs
are a measure commonly used by management and investors to assess
the relationship between capital invested in oil and gas
exploration and development projects and reserve additions.
FD&A costs are calculated by dividing: (i) capital
expenditures and net acquisitions, excluding power acquisitions (a
non-GAAP financial measure) for the applicable reserves category
and period; by (ii) the net changes to reserves in such reserves
category from the prior period from extensions & improved
recovery, technical revisions, economic factors, acquisitions, and
dispositions, expressed in boe. FD&A costs are a measure
commonly used by management and investors to assess the
relationship between capital invested in oil and gas exploration
and development projects, acquisitions net of dispositions, and
reserve additions.
Recycle ratio is calculated by dividing the netback (a non-GAAP
financial measure) per boe for the period by the F&D costs or
the FD&A costs for the period. Recycle ratio is used by
investors and management to compare the cost of adding reserves to
the netback realized from production.
Readers should refer to the information under the heading
"Statement of Reserves Data – Reserves Reconciliation" in the
Company's Annual Information Forms ("AIF") for the year ended
December 31, 2023, which is available
on Kiwetinohk's website at www.kiwetinohk.com and SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of the net changes to reserves
in each reserves category from the prior year.
Supplementary Financial Measures
This news release contains supplementary financial measures
expressed as: (i) cash from operating activities, adjusted funds
flow on a per share – basic and per share – diluted basis, (ii)
realized prices, petroleum and natural gas sales, adjusted funds
flow, revenue, royalties, operating expenses, transportation,
realized loss on risk management, and net commodity sales from
purchases on a $/bbl, $/Mcf or $/boe basis and (iii) royalty
rate.
Cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow and free
cash flow on a per share – basic and diluted basis are calculated
by dividing the cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow
or free cash flow, as applicable, over the referenced period by the
weighted average basic or diluted shares outstanding during the
period determined under IFRS.
Metrics presented on a $/bbl, $/Mcf or $/boe basis are
calculated by dividing the respective measure, as applicable, over
the referenced period by the aggregate applicable units of
production (bbl, Mcf or boe) during such period.
Royalty rate is calculated by dividing royalties by petroleum
and natural gas sales less royalty and other revenue.
Future oriented financial information
Financial outlook and future-oriented financial information
referenced in this news release about prospective financial
performance, financial position or cash flows is based on
assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and
proposed courses of action, based on management's assessment of the
relevant information currently available. These projections contain
forward-looking statements and are based on a number of material
assumptions and factors set out above and are provided to give the
reader a better understanding of the potential future performance
of the Company in certain areas. Actual results may differ
significantly from the projections presented herein. These
projections may also be considered to contain future oriented
financial information or a financial outlook. The actual results of
the Company's operations for any period will likely vary from the
amounts set forth in these projections, and such variations may be
material. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's AIF published on the
Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca for a further
discussion of the risks that could cause actual results to vary.
The future oriented financial information and financial outlooks
contained in this news release have been approved by management as
of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned that any
such financial outlook and future-oriented financial information
contained herein should not be used for purposes other than those
for which it is disclosed herein.
Abbreviations
$/bbl
|
dollars per
barrel
|
$/boe
|
dollars per barrel
equivalent
|
$/Mcf
|
dollars per thousand
cubic feet
|
AESO
|
Alberta Electric
Systems Operator
|
AIF
|
Annual Information
Form
|
AUC
|
Alberta Utilities
Commission
|
bbl/d
|
barrels per
day
|
boe
|
barrel of oil
equivalent, including crude oil, condensate, natural gas liquids,
and natural gas (converted on the basis of one boe per six Mcf of
natural gas)
|
Mboe
|
thousand barrels of oil
equivalent
|
MMboe
|
million barrels of oil
equivalent
|
boe/d
|
barrel of oil
equivalent per day
|
DCET
|
Drill, Complete, Equip
and Tie-in
|
FID
|
Final Investment
Decision
|
Mcf
|
thousand cubic
feet
|
Mcf/d
|
thousand cubic standard
feet per day
|
MD&A
|
Management Discussion
& Analysis
|
MMcf/d
|
million cubic feet per
day
|
MW
|
one million
watts
|
NGLs
|
natural gas liquids,
which includes butane, propane, and ethane
|
For more information on Kiwetinohk, please contact:
Investor Relations
IR email: IR@kiwetinohk.com
IR phone: (587) 392-4395
Pat Carlson, CEO
Jakub Brogowski, CFO
SOURCE Kiwetinohk Energy