Production
The Company achieved its published exit production target of 5,000 boe/d in November with the month of November’s production averaging in excess of 5,000 boe/d. The increase in production from the October 1, 2012 level of 4,500 boe/d, post the closing of asset sales associated with the Strategic Review Process, is a result of additional volumes from the Company’s Cardium resource development brought on production in early November. Based on field estimates, fourth quarter volumes were 4,920 boe/d (30% oil and NGL’s) compared to the Company’s original guidance of 4,750 boe/d (25% oil and NGL’s).
Santonia has also focused on increasing its liquids production. Based on fourth quarter 2012 field estimates, liquids production was 1,460 bbls/d, an increase of 20% from its liquids level on October 1, 2012. Fourth quarter liquids volumes were comprised of 983 bbls/d of condensate and light oil and 477 bbls/d of natural gas liquids.
Current production is between 4,500 and 4,600 boe/d. Production volumes have tracked forecasted declines from November of 2012 (the last date of new well production additions) and current production includes approximately 200 boe/d of temporary restrictions at the Company’s Wild River and Clive properties.
Operations
During the fourth quarter of 2012 Santonia drilled a horizontal Cardium well (33% WI) at North Harlech located at 1-6-46-17W5. The well has a 1,200 metre horizontal section in the Cardium and completion operations are underway. The well has a planned tie-in distance of approximately eight miles and will likely commence production in the third quarter of 2013.
The Company also recently finished the drilling of a multi-zone vertical well at Harlech. The well is being completed in four zones and is expected to be on production in late February. Recent results from these multi-zone vertical wells have been impressive with 30 day initial rates of 300 boe/d (including 150 bbls/d of condensate) resulting in netbacks of $30/boe, on-stream costs of $11,000 per boe/d and rates of return of approximately 45%.
Financial
Santonia recently announced a revised credit facility of $80 million. Year end 2012 net debt is estimated to be $16 million ($2 million lower than previous guidance of $18 million) and the Company anticipates that it will spend approximately $15 million of capital in the first half of 2013.
Based on field estimates the Company had fourth quarter operating costs of $9.12 per boe and a field netback in excess of $24 per boe.
The Company anticipates releasing its full year results, including reserves, on Monday March 4, 2013.
Mr. Steven VanSickle, President and CEO of Santonia, will be presenting at the National Bank Intermediate Energy and Growth and Yield Conference on February 14th, 2013 at the Ritz-Carlton in Toronto, Ontario. In conjunction with the energy conference a new corporate presentation is available on Santonia’s website.
Santonia is a crude oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Santonia’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “STE”.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information set forth in this press release contain forward-looking statements including management’s assessment of future plans including drilling plans and timing of completion operations, production rates, estimated net debt at the end of the second quarter of 2013 and commodity mix. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Santonia’s control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with oil and gas exploration, development, exploitation, production, marketing and transportation, loss of markets, delays resulting from or the inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, inability to retain and delays in retaining drilling rigs and other services, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, incorrect assessment of the value of acquisitions, failure to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risks that could affect Santonia’s operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com), or at Santonia’s website (www.santoniaenergy.com). Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The actual results, performance or achievement of Santonia could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Santonia will derive there from. Santonia disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Barrels of Oil Equivalency
Natural gas volumes are converted to barrels of oil equivalent (boe) on the basis of 6,000 cubic feet (mcf) of gas for 1 barrel (bbl) of oil. The term “barrels of oil equivalent” may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency of the 6:1 conversion ratio, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value.
Initial Production Rates
Initial production rates disclosed herein may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery.
Netbacks
Netbacks are calculated by subtracting royalties, transportation costs and operating costs from revenue.