Palliser Oil & Gas Corporation Reports First Quarter 2013 Financial and Operating Results

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CALGARY , May 16, 2013 /CNW/ – Palliser Oil & Gas Corporation (“Palliser” or the “Company“) (TSXV: PXL) is pleased to announce financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 . Certain selected financial and operational information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with Palliser’s unaudited condensed financial statements complete with the notes to the financial statements and related MD&A which will be available at www.sedar.com and the Company’s website atwww.palliserogc.com.

Operating & Financial Highlights – Three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)

Financial ( $000 ‘s except per share amounts)

First Quarter 2013 Highlights

• Achieved production of 2,215 boe/d.  Production increased 23% compared to the prior year;
• Executed an $8.7 million capital program. The capital program included 10 wells completed for heavy oil production with a 100% success rate, expansion of the Company’s salt water disposal infrastructure, and three strategic property acquisitions;
• Increased undeveloped heavy oil land position. The Company’s undeveloped heavy oil land position at March 31, 2013 was 33,988 net acres, a 4% increase from year end;
• Maintained a significant prospect inventory. The Company’s prospect inventory stands at 140 locations, none of which are included in the 2012 independent reserves report; and
• Increased rail shipments to improve operating netbacks. Palliser increased rail shipments to 729 boe/d, or 34% of the Company’s production.

Operations

The first quarter of 2013 was a very active quarter for Palliser, with capital expenditures totalling $8.7 million , representing 36% of the budgeted yearly capital program of $24 million . This 100% working interest capital program included 11 wells, which resulted in 10 heavy oil wells and one salt water disposal well, for a 100% success rate. These wells were all brought on production late in the quarter, and thus had no impact on first quarter production. The Company also expanded its net undeveloped heavy oil land holdings to 33,988 net acres and closed three strategic property acquisitions during the quarter.

As previously announced, first quarter 2013 production was below budget, largely due to offset drilling, which necessitated the temporary shut in of approximately 300 bbl/d. First quarter 2013 production averaged 2,215 boe/d (98% oil weighting) which represents a 23% increase over the first quarter of 2012. These lower production volumes, combined with unusually harsh winter operating conditions, resulted in production, operating and transportation expenses of $29.90 per barrel in the first quarter of 2013, which represents a 13% increase from the same quarter in 2012.

Financial

The first quarter of 2013 saw a dramatic widening of heavy oil differentials between West Texas Intermediate “WTI” and Western Canadian Select “WCS” pricing. This unusually wide differential resulted in a 26% reduction in net sales price from the first quarter of the previous year and a 38% reduction in funds flow from operating activities over the same time period. Operating netback was also reduced by 34% compared to the prior year comparative quarter.

The Company’s net debt at quarter end was $41.7 million , relative to an existing total credit facility of $52.0 million , which was renewed in May 2013 . The remaining $15.3 million capital program budgeted for 2013 will be financed through cash flow and existing credit facilities with year-end net debt budgeted to be approximately $39 million . The Company also closed an equity financing during the first quarter of 2013 with gross proceeds of $3.15 million .

Outlook

The first quarter of 2013 presented several challenges to the Company, however, we are on track and well positioned to deliver continued strong results in 2013.  Production continues to ramp up from the first quarter, with current production of approximately 2,600 boe/d based on field estimates. In anticipation of a harsh spring breakup, Palliser proactively increased the operating budget for snow removal, road enhancements, and well and facility maintenance. Although this resulted in increased operating expenditures during the first quarter, we are benefiting from this expenditure and are well positioned to see production continue to increase and operating costs decrease through the second quarter of 2013. As a result, we believe the Company is on track to achieve its 2013 production guidance of 2700 – 2800 boe/d. With production, operating and transportation costs expected to return to approximately $23 /boe, the Company remains on track to be a sustainable low operating cost heavy oil producer.

The dramatic widening in heavy oil differentials, seen during the first quarter of 2013, have narrowed favorably with the second quarter differentials expected to return to more historic averages near the $20 per barrel level. Funds flow from operating activities in the second quarter continues to increase favorably due to improved current heavy oil pricing, growing production, and the return to lower production, operating, and transportation expenses. We believe this keeps us on track to achieve our 2013 budget: funds flow from operating activities of approximately $20 million , operating netbacks of $26 /boe, and year-end net debt of $39 million .

To reduce funds flow risk from commodity price volatility, Palliser currently has approximately 33% of budgeted 2013 production volumes hedged at an average WTI CAD price of $100 per barrel and approximately 14% of budgeted volumes hedged at an average WCS price of $78 per barrel. This should provide the Company with greater certainty and funds flow support.

Palliser has continued to increase its shipment of oil by rail, and is currently shipping approximately 40% of total production to the Gulf Coast. The Company is realizing a significant price premium on volumes shipped by rail. By year end, we will have the ability to increase our rail shipments to in excess of 50% of production, if pricing conditions make it favourable to do so, with minimal incremental capital expenditure required.

Our original $24 million capital budget for 2013 assumed US$93.00 WTI per barrel and CAD$63.00 WCS per barrel pricing. Our internally driven capital program is to be funded by cash flow and credit facilities. As previously noted, the heavy oil differential has narrowed favourably, and WCS pricing for the second quarter is forecast to be higher than the budgeted $63.00 WCS per barrel. If heavy oil differentials continue to remain favourable, the Company will be well positioned with flexibility to deploy any excess funds flow to the most prudent use of funds.

Palliser is a Calgary-based emerging junior oil and gas company currently focused on high netback heavy oil production in the greater Lloydminster area of both Alberta and Saskatchewan. For further information regarding Palliser Oil & Gas Corporation, the reader is invited to visit the Company’s website at www.palliserogc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements or information (collectively “forward-looking statements“) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, including, but not limited to management’s assessment of future plans and operations, including: commodity focus; drilling plans and potential locations; expected production levels; development plans; reserves growth; production and operating sales and expenses; reservoir characteristics; the results of applying certain operational development techniques; certain economic factors; and capital expenditures.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project” and similar words suggesting future events or performance or may be identified by reference to a future date. In addition, statements relating to oil and gas reserves and resources are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves or resources described, as the case may be, exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and can be profitably produced in the future.  With respect to forward-looking statements herein, Palliser has made assumptions regarding, among other things; future capital expenditure levels; future oil and natural gas prices; “differentials” between West Texas Intermediate and Western Canadian Select benchmark pricing; future oil and natural gas production levels; future water disposal capacity; future exchange rates and interest rates; ability to obtain equipment and services in a timely manner to carry out development activities; ability to market oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the impact of increasing competition; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; and the ability to add production and reserves through development and exploitation activities. Although Palliser believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein, and the assumptions on which such forward-looking statements are made, are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements included herein, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause Palliser’s actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections.  Additional information on these and other factors that could affect Palliser’s results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, and may be accessed through the SEDAR website atwww.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date hereof. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, Palliser does not undertake any obligation to, nor does it intend to, publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.  In addition, readers are cautioned that historical results are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Production volumes are commonly expressed on a barrel of equivalent (“BOE”) basis whereby natural gas volumes are converted at a ratio of six thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil.  The intention is to convert oil and natural gas measurement units into one basis for improved analysis of results and comparisons with other industry participants. The term BOE may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation.  The conversion ratio is based on an energy equivalent method and does not represent an economic value equivalency at the wellhead.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Press release.

SOURCE: Palliser Oil & Gas Corporation