CALGARY, March 20, 2017 /CNW/ - Journey Energy Inc. (JOY – TSX)
("Journey" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial results for 2016. The complete set of
financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2016
are posted on www.sedar.com and on the Company's website
www.journeyenergy.ca.
HIGHLIGHTS
Strategic Acquisition
Journey is pleased to announce that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a private company to acquire
interests in our Central Alberta core for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$35.6 million (the "Acquisition"), comprised of $29.6 million of cash
and 2.1 million common shares of Journey. The Acquisition consists of approximately 2,000 boe/d (average for 2017; 28% oil &
NGLs) of high value, long reserve life, operated, high working interest (75% average WI) liquids-rich gas production. This
low-decline (16% decline) production base provides a stable estimated funds flow stream of $8-9
million for 2017, on an annualized basis. Journey will acquire a high working interest in two strategic gas plants
and a network of greater than 250 kilometers of pipelines. Journey has identified a number of low-risk, low-cost, near term
development opportunities that will allow Journey to maintain production on the assets over the remainder of the year for
approximately 30% of forecasted funds flow.
The Acquisition is consistent with Journey's expansion strategy within its central Alberta
core area by increasing Journey's extensive network of strategic infrastructure and further expanding its portfolio of low-risk
multi-zone liquids focused horizontal drilling opportunities. Further details on the Acquisition are contained herein.
Highlights for the fourth quarter and the year ended 2016 are as follows:
- Realized funds flow of $8.4 million in the fourth quarter or $0.19 per basic share. For 2016 funds flow was $27.5 million or $0.63 per basic share.
- Achieved average production of 8,505 boe/d in the fourth quarter bringing the annual average for the year to 8,712 boe/d.
- Liquids (oil and natural gas liquids) production accounted for 4,137 boe/d or 49% of total production during the quarter.
- Received a corporate average commodity price of $33.46/boe in the fourth quarter. For 2016,
the corporate average commodity price was $27.36/boe.
- Drilled 5 (4.1 net) wells in the fourth quarter bringing the year to date drilling activity to 7 (6.1 net) wells.
- Recompleted in excess of 300 net, existing wellbores in the Countess area resulting in approximately 1,100 boe/d of
initial, incremental, CBM production at an aggregate cost of approximately $2.0 million.
- Closed the purchase of 44 boe/d (100% natural gas) consisting of complimentary working interests in Journey's Countess core
area.
- Closed two asset swaps with aggregate value of approximately $350 thousand. The acquired
assets were in the Berrymoor and Westerose areas and are complimentary to existing production
and drilling opportunities.
|
Three Months ended
December 31,
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Twelve months ended
December 31,
|
Financial ($000's except per share amounts)
|
2016
|
2015
|
%
change
|
2016
|
2015
|
%
change
|
Production revenue
|
26,181
|
25,008
|
5
|
87,239
|
119,907
|
(27)
|
Funds flow
|
8,354
|
9,527
|
(12)
|
27,472
|
49,542
|
(45)
|
|
Per basic share
|
0.19
|
0.22
|
(14)
|
0.63
|
1.13
|
(44)
|
|
Per diluted share
|
0.19
|
0.21
|
(10)
|
0.63
|
1.10
|
(43)
|
Net income (loss)
|
49,314
|
38,586
|
28
|
52,593
|
(111,337)
|
(147)
|
|
Per basic share
|
1.13
|
0.89
|
27
|
1.21
|
(2.55)
|
(147)
|
|
Per diluted share
|
1.13
|
0.86
|
31
|
1.21
|
(2.55)
|
(147)
|
Net capital expenditures, cash
|
9,708
|
8,554
|
13
|
6,962
|
48,099
|
(86)
|
Net debt
|
86,916
|
106,534
|
(18)
|
86,916
|
106,534
|
(18)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share Capital (000's)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic, weighted average
|
43,680
|
43,540
|
-
|
43,632
|
43,715
|
-
|
Basic, end of period
|
43,703
|
43,615
|
-
|
43,703
|
43,615
|
-
|
Fully diluted
|
50,085
|
49,681
|
1
|
50,085
|
49,681
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Daily Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas volumes (mcf/d)
|
26,212
|
25,972
|
1
|
24,547
|
28,677
|
(14)
|
Crude oil (bbl/d)
|
3,786
|
4,598
|
(18)
|
4,110
|
4,888
|
(16)
|
Natural gas liquids (bbl/d)
|
351
|
667
|
(47)
|
511
|
642
|
(20)
|
Barrels of oil equivalent (boe/d)
|
8,505
|
9,593
|
(11)
|
8,712
|
10,309
|
(15)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas ($/mcf)
|
3.00
|
2.37
|
27
|
2.08
|
2.64
|
(21)
|
Crude Oil ($/bbl)
|
51.87
|
42.84
|
23
|
42.65
|
48.60
|
(12)
|
Natural gas liquids ($/bbl)
|
31.35
|
24.06
|
30
|
23.75
|
25.73
|
(8)
|
Corporate ($/boe)
|
33.46
|
28.33
|
18
|
27.36
|
31.87
|
(14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Netbacks ($/boe)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Realized prices
|
33.46
|
28.33
|
18
|
27.36
|
31.87
|
(14)
|
Royalties
|
(4.16)
|
(1.61)
|
158
|
(3.11)
|
(3.72)
|
(17)
|
Operating expenses
|
(12.25)
|
(12.46)
|
(2)
|
(11.64)
|
(14.00)
|
(17)
|
Transportation expense
|
(0.45)
|
(0.56)
|
(20)
|
(0.40)
|
(0.83)
|
(52)
|
Operating netback
|
16.60
|
13.70
|
21
|
12.21
|
13.32
|
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wells drilled
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross
|
5
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
16
|
(56)
|
Net
|
4.1
|
3.1
|
32
|
6.1
|
13.2
|
(54)
|
Success rate (%)
|
100
|
100
|
|
100
|
100
|
|
OPERATIONS
Journey achieved production of 8,505 boe/d (49% liquids) in the fourth quarter, representing a 4% decrease from third quarter
levels. During 2016 Journey sold approximately 1,290 boe/d of production and purchased approximately 650 boe/d resulting in
net proceeds to the Company of $9.3 million. The impact of the net dispositions in the year
was offset by our very successful coal bed methane ("CBM") project, which commenced in the third quarter. By the end of the
CBM program Journey had recompleted in excess of 300 net, existing wellbores in the Countess area resulting in approximately
1,100 boe/d of initial, incremental, CBM production. These wells were recompleted at an aggregate cost of approximately
$2.0 million to Journey. The incremental operating costs for these wells is less than
$1.00/mcf as all the recompletions were within existing wellbores which are already serviced by
existing Journey infrastructure and field operations staff.
Over the course of 2016, Journey participated in 7 (6.1 net) wells as compared to 16 (13.2 net) wells in 2015. The
reduction in drilling activities was reflective of the low commodity prices in 2016, and particularly the first half of the
year. The majority of the wells drilled were in the fourth quarter (5 gross (4.1 net)) to capitalize on positive signs that
commodity prices were stabilizing at levels higher than those experienced earlier in the year. As the majority of our
exploration and development capital was spent in the fourth quarter Journey realized only a partial benefit in 2016 from these
new wells.
The low commodity prices in early 2016 forced our entire industry to focus on controllable costs. Journey was successful in
reducing its field costs (operating and transportation) by 19% to $12.04/boe in the year from
$14.83 in 2015. A portion of this reduction was attributable to the Company's acquisition and
divestiture ("A&D") program. Certain higher operating cost properties were disposed of and this was offset with the
acquisition of a strategic processing facility in the Brooks area. The $3.3 million Brooks
acquisition in June also included 200 boe/d of predominantly light oil production. In the third quarter, Journey
constructed a pipeline connecting two newly drilled oil wells in the area to the acquired facility, thereby eliminating trucking
and water disposal costs for this production.
FINANCIAL
Journey realized funds flow of $8.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to
$9.5 million in the same quarter last year. Average commodity prices were 18% higher, and
production volumes were 11% lower in the fourth quarter compared to 2015. The combination of net dispositions of producing
assets, a significantly reduced drilling program and normal declines during the year caused production to decrease compared to
2015. Conserving capital and protecting the balance sheet were major initiatives throughout the year. Journey focused
its attention on items that were within its control and in particular concentrated on reducing its operating costs. These
initiatives paid off, as operating costs of $14.00/boe in 2015 were reduced to $11.64/boe in 2016. Funds flow per share was $0.19 (basic and diluted) in
the fourth quarter and for the year was $0.63 (basic and diluted). Journey forecasts that these
cost reductions will continue to yield benefits in future years.
Journey realized net income of $49.3 million or $1.13 per basic
and diluted share in the fourth quarter. For 2016 the entire years' net income was $52.6
million or $1.21 per basic and diluted share. The largest items affecting net income
were net impairment recoveries. While Journey recognized $24.0 million in additional asset
impairments in respect of two of its operating areas in the fourth quarter, the Company also recorded reversals of previous
impairments of $103.4 million in five other areas. The reversals were directly attributable
to Journey's successful efforts in enhancing petroleum and natural gas reserves value even in the face of low commodity
prices. The initiatives we embarked on during the year and that created this value included: operating cost reductions that
are expected to continue into the future; lower drilling costs; the successful CBM recompletion program; asset acquisition and
divestment activities; and the results of Journey's organic drilling program. All of these initiatives were factored into
the December 31, 2016 reserve report and the impairment reversals were reflective of these value
creation strategies.
Journey's production mix moved to a slightly higher natural gas weighting at 51% in the fourth quarter and 47% for the
year. The increase in gas weighting was primarily the result of the successful CBM recompletion program as well as the sale
of a higher operating cost oil weighted property in Manola at the end of the second quarter. Even though the natural gas
weighting increased, liquids (oil and NGL's) were the largest contributor to total revenues at 73%. The efforts taken by
Journey to become even more sustainable have paid off in the fourth quarter. The lower cost structure was a direct
contributor to an 18% increase in field netbacks in the fourth quarter to $16.60/boe as compared to
the third quarter while average commodity prices increased by only 10% in this same period.
Commensurate with increasing oil and natural gas prices in the latter part of 2016, royalty costs were up 158% in the fourth
quarter to average $4.16/boe as compared to $1.61/boe in the same
quarter of 2015. The average royalty rate (as a percentage of revenue) was up significantly to 12.4% in the fourth quarter
of 2016 compared to 5.7% in 2015. Journey considers a royalty rate of 12% to be more representative in the current commodity
price environment. Operating costs were down 13% in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $9.6 million
compared to $11.0 million in 2015. On a per boe basis the rate was down 2% to $12.25/boe from $12.46 in the same quarter of 2015. General and
administrative costs continued to improve and were $3.13/boe in the fourth quarter compared to
$4.00 in the same quarter of 2015. Cash interest costs were higher at $1.66/boe compared to $1.07/boe in the fourth quarter of 2015. Even though
borrowings were down in the fourth quarter, higher bank interest rates, and the new term debt interest rate, coupled with
lower production levels caused the per boe rate to increase.
Commodity prices had a significant impact on capital spending within our industry in 2016. AECO natural gas prices sunk
to a low of $1.10/mcf in April before reversing course. It wasn't until the fourth quarter
that gas prices showed signs of a rebound, increasing to a high of $3.46/mcf in December. WTI
oil prices hit a low of $30.62/bbl USD in February and stayed in the low to mid-$40 USD range until they increased to $52.17/bbl in December after a new OPEC
production agreement was reached. The low prices realized throughout the first nine months of the year created significant
uncertainty, adversely affecting Journey's capital spending plans. However, the Company took these challenges in stride and
capitalized on the opportunities that materialized to make accretive acquisitions that increased reserve value and, in turn,
borrowing value from our banking syndicate.
Journey reduced its bank borrowing throughout the year. At the start of 2016 Journey had bank debt of $90 million and at the end of the year it was $52.5 million. The company
used the combination of the term debt proceeds of $30 million in October and funds flow in excess
of net capital spending of $20.5 million to reduce its bank borrowings.
In the fall, Journey renewed its credit facility at $90 million. In addition, Journey
welcomed a new financing partner, Alberta Investment Management Company ("AIMCo") with a $30
million term debt financing. The term debt provided Journey ample room on its banking credit facility to pursue
additional acquisitions to expand our business plan, ultimately resulting in the acquisition of complementary Crystal interests
in the first quarter and the Strategic Acquisition described herein. On March 2, 2017 AIMCo
exercised the warrants they received in the term debt placement well in advance of their expiry. The resultant $13.6 million in proceeds went to reduce outstanding borrowings with the banks. However, the proceeds
will ultimately be used to partially finance the Strategic Asset Acquisition. The bank facility is currently
undergoing its annual review. We expect this review will be completed by the end of April.
STRATEGIC ACQUISITION
Journey is pleased to announce that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with a private company to acquire
interests in its Central Alberta core area with a focus on upstream and midstream assets in the
greater Gilby area for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $35.6 million (the
"Acquisition"), subject to certain closing adjustments. The assets are largely contiguous with Journey's existing Central
core region. The consideration to be paid is comprised of $29.6 million of cash and 2.1
million common shares of Journey, representing additional consideration of $6.0 million, based upon
the Journey share price of $2.89 being the 10-day volume weighted average price preceding the
execution of purchase and sale agreement. The Acquisition is consistent with Journey's expansion strategy within its
central Alberta core area by increasing Journey's extensive network of strategic infrastructure
and further expanding its portfolio of low-risk multi-zone liquids focused horizontal opportunities.
The cash component of the Acquisition will be funded entirely within Journey's existing credit facility. In addition to
the proceeds of $13.6 million from the AIMCo exercise of 4.95 million share purchase warrants (see
the March 3, 2017 press release), Journey is currently evaluating divestment opportunities for
certain of its assets deemed to be non-core.
The Effective Date of the Acquisition is March 1, 2017 (the "Effective Date"). The
transaction is anticipated to close in early May, and is subject to the successful waiver of rights of first refusals.
Upon closing of the Acquisition, Journey anticipates to be drawn approximately $70 million on
its existing $90 million syndicated credit facility. Journey is anticipating an increase to
its credit facility due to the results from its highly successful 2016 operations and due to incremental lending value associated
with the Acquisition. With the implementation of its currently planned $35 million
exploration and development capital program, Journey forecasts net debt levels to be approximately $86
million by the end of 2017, including bank debt of less than $50 million. This debt
level is expected to result in a net debt to annualized fourth quarter debt to funds flow ratio of less than 1.5:1.
Asset Description
The Acquisition consists of approximately 2,000 boe/d (28% oil & NGLs) of high value, long reserve life, liquids-rich gas
production with an annual decline estimated at 16%. Consistent with Journey's strategy, the production will be
predominantly Journey operated with an average working interest of 75%. This low-decline production base is expected to
provide a stable funds flow stream of approximately $8-9 million for 2017, on an annualized
basis. Journey has identified a number of low-risk, low-cost, near term development opportunities on the acquired assets
including, the installation of compression and a pipeline tie in which will allow Journey to maintain production on the assets
over the remainder of the year for approximately 30% of forecasted funds flow. In addition, Journey forecasts operating
cost synergies of over $300,000 per year due to the integration of the acquired assets with our
existing assets.
The Acquisition includes approximately 161,700 gross (83,700 net) acres of land focused primarily in the Gilby area of central
Alberta. The assets have established multi-zone production and potential focused primarily on the liquids-rich Glauconite
in the Hoadley Barrier complex. The portfolio of projects includes 19 gross (14.4 net) horizontal locations in the
Glauconite. Other established targets in the immediate region are Cardium oil, Belly River oil, and an emerging play in the
liquid rich window of the Duvernay shale zone. The Acquisition also includes a significant
proprietary seismic data set consisting of more than 200 square kilometers of 3D seismic and over 400 kilometers of 2D seismic
that will allow for further prospective well delineation.
The strategic infrastructure to be acquired pursuant to the Acquisition complements Journey's extensive network of
infrastructure within its central core area. Journey will acquire a high working interest in two strategic gas plants and
associated gathering systems and sales lines. The key infrastructure at Gilby includes a 43.3% non-operated working
interest in the 01-04-42-03W5 Tidewater gas plant having 75 mmcf/d of gas processing capability (20% current utilization),
superior liquids recovery, and a strategic network of greater than 250 kilometers of pipelines. The existing ownership
structure provides Journey the ability to maintain its low-cost structure. Additionally, this infrastructure generates
annual revenues of approximately $1.0 million from third-party processing fees. Journey's
focus is to continue to grow both Company volumes and third party volumes in the Crystal/Gilby area to effectively utilize its
infrastructure and lower the operating cost structure of the Company.
In conjunction with the transaction, Journey has acquired natural gas hedges from the vendor, which represents approximately
50% of the acquired gas production in 2017 at an average price of $3.00/gj; and 40% of production
in 2018 at an average price of $2.73/gj. Journey is not currently anticipating any additional
general and administrative expenses associated with the Acquisition.
Strategic Rationale
The Acquisition is consistent with Journey's previously communicated portfolio strategy focused on high quality; predictable,
low-decline, oil and liquids focused assets with associated infrastructure capable of delivering strong free funds flow to
maintain growth while preserving a healthy balance sheet. This combination of characteristics provides management the
flexibility to deliver efficient growth to shareholders through technical and operational expertise and by taking advantage of
synergies associated with having a significant presence in a focused core area.
The key benefits to Journey shareholders, pro forma the Acquisition, are:
- When viewed in combination with non-core asset sales and the exercise of the AIMCo warrants this transaction is
approximately 10% accretive to 2016 fourth quarter funds flow per share.
- The current production of 2,000 boe/d (28% liquids) for the acquired assets has an annual decline rate of 16%, less than
Journey's existing decline rate.
- The transaction has a balanced revenue stream with 40-45% of funds flow coming from oil and natural gas liquids; 40-45% of
funds flow from natural gas; and 10-20% of funds flow from custom processing revenues.
- The transaction reduces corporate costs and operating costs on a per boe basis.
- The asset purchase increases the quality of Journey's NGL's and the heating value of Journey's natural gas production.
- Near term upside, already identified by Journey will allow Journey to reduce operating costs on a per boe basis while
maintaining production over the remainder of the year for less than 30% of running funds flow.
- The strategic infrastructure associated with the asset purchase, including but not limited to a 43.3% working interest in
the Tidewater Gilby 75 mmcf/d processing facility, will create future acquisition and consolidation opportunities for Journey
in our central core region.
- The asset purchase results in an anticipated improvement to Journey's corporate LMR ratio to 2.44, due to an LMR ratio of
3.24 for the acquired assets.
Summary of the Acquisition
The Acquisition and the assets to be acquired pursuant thereto have the following characteristics and metrics:
Total purchase price (1)
|
$35.6 million
|
Current production (2017 average)
|
2,000 boe/d (28% light oil and NGLs)
|
Forecasted annual decline rate
|
16%
|
Proved developed producing reserves(2)
|
5.7 million boe (25% light oil and NGLs)
|
Proved reserves (2)
|
8.3 million boe (24% light oil and NGLs)
|
Proved plus probable reserves (2)
|
13.0 million boe (23% light oil and NGLs)
|
RLI (3)
|
Proved - 11.4 years;
Proved plus Probable – 17.8 years
|
December 2016 operating netback (4) (5)
|
$11.80/boe
|
LMR (March 2017)
|
3.24
|
Current Production metric
|
$17,800/boe/d
|
December 2016 funds flow multiple (6)
|
4.1 x
|
Recycle ratio – proved plus probable (7)
|
2.0 x
|
|
Notes to the table above:
|
|
(1) The purchase price will be adjusted for activity that
occurred between the Effective Date and the closing date of the Acquisition.
|
|
(2) Working interest reserves before the calculation for
royalties and before the consideration of royalty interest reserves. Reserve estimates are based on the Company's
internal evaluation effective December 31, 2016, and were prepared in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation
Handbook by a staff member at Journey who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with National Instrument 51-101
- Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities.
|
|
(3) The reserve life index ("RLI") is calculated by
dividing internally estimated proved and proved plus probable reserves respectively, by 2017 forecast
production.
|
|
(4) Operating netback does not have any standard meaning
prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measures for other entities.
Operating netback equals total petroleum and natural gas sales less royalties, operating and transportation costs and
calculated on a boe basis.
|
|
(5) The operating netback is based on the data and
information the Vendor provided as actual results for the period of December 2016.
|
|
(6) Funds flow multiple is calculated by dividing the
purchase price by the estimate of funds from operations from the acquired asset for December 2016 on an annualized
basis.
|
|
(7) The recycle ratio was calculated by taking the purchase
price for the Acquisition, adding internally estimated future development costs for proved plus probable reserves and
dividing this by the internally estimated proved plus probable reserves. The result of $5.76/boe was then divided into
the December, 2016 operating netback of $11.80 to arrive at the proved plus probable recycle ratio.
|
REVISED 2017 GUIDANCE
Journey's revised 2017 guidance, which reflects the Acquisition, is as follows:
Annual average production
|
10,100 – 10,500 boe/d (49% liquids)
|
Exit 2017 production
|
10,700 – 11,100 boe/d (49% liquids)
|
Exploration and development capital
|
$35 million
|
Net acquisition and divestiture capital
|
$35 million
|
Funds flow
|
$50 - 54 million
|
Year-end net debt
|
$82 – 86 million
|
Funds flow per basic share (weighted average shares)
|
$1.01 – 1.09 share
|
Corporate annual decline rate
|
17%
|
Journey's revised 2017 forecasted funds flow from operations of $50-54 million is based upon the
following average prices: WTI of US$54/bbl; AECO gas of CDN$2.65/mcf;
and a foreign exchange rate of $0.75 US$/CDN$. The Company will operate substantially all of
its 2017 capital program with an average working interest in excess of 90%. Because of this, Journey can remain flexible
with its budget by increasing or decreasing its spending levels should commodity prices change materially. Although Journey
has the ability to provide additional growth within funds flow, Journey remains steadfast in its commitment to preserve financial
flexibility during volatile times.
In the near term Journey will commence its semi-annual review of its syndicated bank line, which is anticipated to conclude by
the end of April. Journey is anticipating increased credit capacity due to its strong 2016 reserves additions and the
lending value of the Acquisition. Journey projects it has sufficient liquidity for the continued execution of its growth
oriented capital program for 2017 and beyond. With the execution of Journey's 2017 budget, and after giving effect to the
funds flow associated with the acquired assets, Journey forecasts the net debt to annualized fourth quarter 2017 funds flow ratio
to decrease to less than 1.5 times. Journey's 2017 funds flow guidance range represents an 85% improvement from 2016.
This increase in funds flow is after taking into account approximately $6.0 million in
forecasted hedging losses based on current strip prices. Further improvement in funds flow for 2018 is anticipated if the
current commodity strip prices materialize.
Journey forecasts annual production of between 10,100 and 10,500 boe/d in 2017, with the drilling of 14 gross (13 net)
wells. Capital spending is currently allocated evenly between Journey's Central and South core areas. Journey intends
to prudently expand long lead-time waterflood projects in addition to its drilling program. Approximately 25% of Journey's
2017 growth capital is directed toward waterflood expansion projects. These exploitation projects do not provide immediate
production uplifts but generate high rates of return as they contribute to the sustainability of Journey's long term business
model, which is focused on low cost, low decline, high quality conventional oil pools and liquids projects.
On behalf of Journey's management team and its directors, Journey would like to thank its shareholders for their continued
support through this challenging time. There are few companies within Journey's peer group that share the same upside
leverage to rising commodity prices that Journey does. With only 50.7 million pro forma basic outstanding shares after the
Acquisition is closed, a fourth quarter net debt to funds flow ratio of less than 1.5:1, and a development inventory of over
twenty years, Journey is poised to provide significant growth in shareholder value over the longer term.
Advisors
Eight Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to Journey with respect to the Acquisition.
About the Company
Journey is a Canadian exploration and production company focused on conventional oil and liquids-rich natural gas operations
in western Canada. Journey's strategy is to grow its production base by drilling on its
existing core lands, implementing water flood projects, executing on accretive acquisitions. Journey seeks to optimize its legacy
oil pools on existing lands through the application of best practices in horizontal drilling and, where feasible, with water
floods.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS AND OTHER ADVISORIES
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively "forward looking
information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's plans and other aspects of our
anticipated future operations, management focus, strategies, financial, operating and production results, industry conditions,
commodity prices and business opportunities. In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this press
release contains forward-looking information regarding decline rates, anticipated netbacks, drilling inventory, estimated average
drill, complete and equip and tie-in costs, anticipated potential of the Assets including, but not limited to, EOR performance
and opportunities, capacity of infrastructure, potential reduction in operating costs, production guidance, total payout ratio,
capital program and allocation thereof, future production, decline rates, funds flow, net debt, net debt to funds flow, exchange
rates, reserve life, development and drilling plans, well economics, future cost reductions, potential growth, and the source of
funding our capital spending. Forward-looking information typically uses words such as "anticipate", "believe", "project",
"expect", "goal", "plan", "intend" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, statements that actions, events or conditions
"may", "would", "could" or "will" be taken or occur in the future.
The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by our management, including
expectations and assumptions concerning prevailing commodity prices and differentials, exchange rates, interest rates, applicable
royalty rates and tax laws; future production rates and estimates of operating costs; performance of existing and future wells;
reserve and resource volumes; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells;
the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future
drilling operations; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business; results of operations; performance;
business prospects and opportunities; the availability and cost of financing, labour and services; the impact of increasing
competition; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions, including the Acquisition,
the ability to market oil and natural gas successfully and our ability to access capital. Although we believe that the
expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be
placed on the forward-looking information because Journey can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since
forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature they involve inherent risks and
uncertainties. Our actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the
forward-looking information and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking
information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that we will derive therefrom. Management has
included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this press release in
order to provide securityholders with a more complete perspective on our future operations and such information may not be
appropriate for other purposes.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other
factors that could affect our operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities
regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).These forward looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and we disclaim any
intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, 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 future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, "FOFI")
about Journeys prospective results of operations, funds flow, netbacks, debt, payout ratio well economics and components thereof,
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 press release was made as of the date of this press release and was provided for the purpose
of providing further information about Journey's anticipated future business operations. Journey disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise any FOFI contained in this press 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 press release should
not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. Information in this press release that is not current or
historical factual information may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of securities laws, which involves
substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the control of Journey, including, without
limitation, those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Forward Looking Statements" in the Annual Information Form filed on
www.SEDAR.com on March
31, 2016. Forward-looking information may relate to our future outlook and anticipated events or results and
may include statements regarding the business strategy and plans and objectives. Particularly, forward-looking information in
this press release includes, but is not limited to, information concerning Journey's drilling and other operational plans,
production rates, and long-term objectives. Journey cautions investors in Journey's securities about important
factors that could cause Journey's actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements
included in this press release. Information in this press release about Journey's prospective funds flows and financial position
is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and courses of action, based on management's
assessment of the relevant information currently available. Readers are cautioned that information regarding Journey's financial
outlook should not be used for purposes other than those disclosed herein. Forward-looking information contained in this press
release is based on our current estimates, expectations and projections, which we believe are reasonable as of the current
date. No assurance can be given that the expectations set out in the Prospectus or herein will prove to be correct and
accordingly, you should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of
any other date. While we may elect to, we are under no obligation and do not undertake to update this information at any
particular time except as required by applicable securities law.
Non-IFRS Measures
The company uses the following non-IFRS measures in evaluating corporate performance. These terms do not have a
standardized meaning prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards and therefore may not be comparable with the
calculation of similar measures.by other companies.
(1)
|
The Company considers "funds flow" as a key performance measure as it
demonstrates the Company's ability to generate funds necessary to repay debt and to fund future growth through capital
investment. Funds flow is calculated by taking cash from operating activities as reported in the Company's financial
statements and adding or deducting the following items: changes in non-cash working capital; transaction costs and
decommissioning costs. Journey's determination of funds flow may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.
Journey also presents Funds Flow per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted average shares
outstanding consistent with the calculation of net income per share, which per share amount is calculated under IFRS and
is more fully described in the notes to the financial statements.
|
(2)
|
Net debt is a non-IFRS measure and represents current assets less:
current liabilities, bank debt and the promissory notes outstanding. For purposes of Journey's net calculation, the
impact of the potential future liability (or asset) related to the mark-to-market measurement of derivative contracts as
well as the provision for decommissioning liabilities have been excluded from the calculation.
|
(3)
|
Operating netback is a non-IFRS measure, is calculated on a per boe
basis and equals total revenue (excluding hedging gains and losses); minus the aggregate of: royalties, transportation
and field operating costs. Journey considers operating netback as an important measure to evaluate its operational
performance as it demonstrates its field level profitability relative to current commodity prices.
|
Barrel of Oil Equivalents
Where amounts are expressed in a barrel of oil equivalent ("boe"), or barrel of oil equivalent per day ("boe/d"), natural
gas volumes have been converted to barrels of oil equivalent at six (6) thousand cubic feet ("Mcf") to one (1) barrel. Use of the
term boe may be misleading particularly if used in isolation. The boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 barrel ("Bbl") of oil or
natural gas liquids is based on an energy equivalency conversion methodology primarily applicable at the burner tip, and does not
represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. This conversion conforms to the Canadian Securities Regulators' National
Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities.
Oil and Gas Measures and Metrics
All reserve references in this press release are "Company Gross Reserves". Company gross reserves are the Company's total
working interest share of reserves before deduction of any royalties and excluding any royalty interests of the Company.
All future net revenues are stated prior to provision of general and administrative expenses, interest, but after the
deduction of royalties, operating costs, estimated abandonment and reclamation cost for wells with reserves attributed to them;
and estimated future capital expenditures. Future net revenues have been presented on a before tax basis. Estimated values of
future net revenue disclosed herein are not representative of fair market value.
The Company uses the following metrics in assessing its performance and comparing itself to other companies in the oil and
gas industry. These terms do not have a standardized meaning and therefore may not be comparable with the calculation of
similar measures.by other companies :
1)
|
Corporate Decline is the rate at which production from a grouping of
assets falls from the beginning of a fiscal year to the end of that year.
|
2)
|
IP 365 is the average daily production rate of a well in its first 365
days of production expressed in boe's.
|
Oil and Gas Advisories
The reserves information contained in this press release are based on Journey's internal evaluation and were prepared by a
member of Journey's staff who is a qualified reserves evaluator in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 effective
December 31, 2016. Such estimates are based on values that Journey's management believes to be
reasonable and are subject to the same limitations discussed above under "Forward-Looking Statements and Other Advisories".
Listed below are cautionary statements applicable to the reserves information that are specifically required by NI 51-101: (i)
individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves for all properties due to the effects of
aggregation; and (ii) this press release contains estimates of the net present value of the future net revenue from the reserves
to be acquired - such amounts do not represent the fair market value of such reserves. EOR is an oil recovery method that reduces
residual oil saturated within the reservoir and improves the efficiency of a waterflood. This press release discloses drilling
inventory in three categories: (i) proved locations; (ii) probable locations; and (iii) unbooked locations. Proved locations and
probable locations are derived from an internal reserves evaluation effective December 31, 2016 and
account for drilling locations that have associated proved and/or probable reserves, as applicable. Unbooked locations are
internal estimates based on our prospective acreage and an assumption as to the number of wells that can be drilled per section
based on industry practice and internal review. Unbooked locations do not have attributed reserves or resources. Of the 14.4 net
total drilling locations identified within the assets to be acquired, 8.5 net are proved locations, 5.9 net are probable
locations and no locations are unbooked.
Abbreviations
bbl
|
barrel
|
bbls
|
barrels
|
boe
|
barrels of oil equivalent
|
gj
|
gigajoules
|
Mbbls
|
Thousand barrels
|
MMBtu
|
Million British thermal units
|
NGL
|
Natural gas liquids
|
Mcf
|
thousand cubic feet
|
Mmcf
|
Million cubic feet
|
Mmcf/d
|
Million cubic feet per day
|
Mboe
|
Thousand boe
|
$M
|
Thousands of dollars
|
No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release.
SOURCE Journey Energy Inc.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2017/20/c5683.html