CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – April 2, 2014) – Arcan Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:ARN) (“Arcan” or the “Corporation“) announces its reserves as well as financial and operating results for the year ended December 31, 2013.
“Arcan achieved several key operational and financial objectives in 2013. We aligned our operations with our strategic objectives with our focus on stability, simplicity and value creation,” said Terry McCoy, Arcan’s Chief Executive Officer. “We have reduced costs and increased reserves while investing within funds from operations. In addition we continue to focus on our properties through expanded waterfloods and lowering new well costs to approximately $4.7 million per well in 2014 from $6.1 million in 2012, and these will remain our priorities through 2014.”
Arcan’s 2013 production averaged 3,848 barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day, in line with guidance of 3,800 to 4,000 BOE per day. Total Proved reserves at December 31, 2013 grew by 14 percent from December 31, 2012 as a result of expanded and optimized waterflood activities, adding approximately two barrels of proved reserves for every barrel of production. On a net basis after divestitures and production, Arcan’s proved reserves at December 31, 2013 increased about seven percent compared to December 31, 2012. In addition, Arcan funded 2013 capital investments with funds from operations and reduced proven finding, development and acquisition costs by about 63 percent to $17.83 per barrel. This cost reduction reflects substantial infrastructure investments during 2012, which are foundational long-term production facilities. Operating costs in 2013 fell 11 percent to $17.84 per BOE from $20.08 per BOE in 2012 and are expected to average between $16.00 and $17.00 per BOE in 2014.
“We met our 2013 production goal with capital investment of a net $28.4 million ($42.7 million of expenditures less $14.3 million in asset sales) while completing just two wells between May and December 2013. This was achieved as a result of improving operational efficiency in the waterflooded areas. We also trimmed operating costs with the successful electrification of Deer Mountain Unit #2 (“DMU2″) through to the beginning of 2014 and by installing pipelines to single well batteries, which reduced trucking expenses. Cost reduction will continue to be a priority as we take advantage of our existing infrastructure, including completion of the Ethel clean oil sales line,” McCoy said.
“Our strategy for 2014 remains straightforward and transparent. We plan to continue taking advantage of the new infrastructure we have in place to expand waterflood operations. We will target wells with the highest production potential. Already in the first quarter of 2014, early results from four new wells on existing pads indicate our winter drilling program has been the most successful in our history based on capital efficiency and production. Arcan remains focused on strengthening its balance sheet in 2014 through cash flow as well as pursing alternatives such as joint ventures, farm-outs as well as strategies surrounding its outstanding debentures. A planned sale of light oil assets announced last fall is seeing renewed interest following slower market conditions in 2013 due to tight capital and an abundance of properties for sale. Arcan plans to use any funds from assets sales to reduce Arcan’s debt and expects to continue to focus on core assets through cash flow or avenues such as joint ventures,” commented Doug Penner, Arcan’s President.
Achievement Against Strategic Objectives
Arcan’s specific goals during the last six quarters have been:
2013 Highlights – 96 percent Light Oil & 31 Year Reserve Life
Waterflood Progress
Operations Update
Consolidated Financial and Operating Summary
Certain selected financial and operations information for the three months and year ended December 31, 2013, and the comparative information for 2012 is outlined below and should be read in conjunction with Arcan’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, together with the notes thereto, and accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | ||||
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||
Financials ($000s except per share amounts) | |||||
Oil and NGL sales | 25,691 | 28,809 | 122,415 | 133,181 | |
Natural gas sales | 120 | 65 | 420 | 398 | |
Petroleum and natural gas revenue | 25,811 | 28,874 | 122,835 | 133,579 | |
Pumping and stimulation services revenue | 1,815 | 1,896 | 4,001 | 6,428 | |
Cash flow from operating activities | 9,059 | 5,952 | 41,830 | 44,886 | |
Funds from operations (1) | 6,944 | 7,793 | 39,434 | 39,214 | |
Per share basic and diluted (1)(3) | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.40 | 0.40 | |
Profit (loss) from continuing operations | (17,988) | (27,187) | (24,518) | (48,984) | |
Per share basic and diluted (3) | (0.18) | (0.28) | (0.25) | (0.50) | |
Net cash capital expenditures | (2,024) | 5,579 | 28,399 | 151,095 | |
Total assets | 609,071 | 624,108 | 609,071 | 624,108 | |
Total liabilities | 383,368 | 376,121 | 383,368 | 376,121 | |
Debenture face value | 171,250 | 171,250 | 171,250 | 171,250 | |
Shareholders’ equity | 225,703 | 247,987 | 225,703 | 247,987 | |
Bank loan | 159,423 | 159,422 | 159,423 | 159,422 | |
Net debt and working capital (1) | 313,311 | 305,270 | 313,311 | 305,270 | |
Operating | |||||
Production: | |||||
Crude oil and NGLs (bbls/day) | 3,433 | 3,944 | 3,781 | 4,437 | |
Natural gas (Mcf/day) | 429 | 201 | 402 | 395 | |
BOE per day (6:1) (2) | 3,504 | 3,978 | 3,848 | 4,503 | |
Average realized price: | |||||
Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) | 81.36 | 79.39 | 88.71 | 82.01 | |
Natural gas ($/Mcf) | 3.03 | 3.52 | 2.86 | 2.76 | |
Combined price per BOE ($/BOE) | 80.07 | 78.90 | 87.46 | 81.05 | |
Netback ($ per BOE) | |||||
Petroleum and natural gas sales | 80.07 | 78.90 | 87.46 | 81.05 | |
Pumping and stimulation services revenue | 5.63 | 5.18 | 2.85 | 3.90 | |
Royalties | (17.01) | (13.07) | (16.64) | (12.60) | |
Production and operating expenses | (18.58) | (19.24) | (17.84) | (20.08) | |
Cost of sales for pumping and stimulation services | (7.09) | (10.27) | (5.30) | (5.66) | |
Consolidated operating netback ($/BOE) (1) | 43.02 | 41.50 | 50.53 | 46.61 | |
Realized economic hedging gains (losses) – cash | (2.33) | 2.86 | (1.42) | 0.33 | |
Cash G&A (1) | (7.37) | (10.84) | (7.25) | (8.33) | |
Cash finance expenses (1) | (13.88) | (11.82) | (12.67) | (9.17) | |
Corporate netback (1) | 19.44 | 21.70 | 29.19 | 29.44 | |
Common Shares (000s) | |||||
Shares outstanding | 97,860 | 97,860 | 97,860 | 97,860 | |
Weighted average – basic and diluted (3) | 97,860 | 97,860 | 97,860 | 97,828 | |
Notes: | |||||
(1) The reader is referred to the section “Non-IFRS Measurements”. | |||||
(2) The reader is referred to the section “Legal Advisories”. | |||||
(3) Basic and diluted weighted average shares are the same in 2013 and 2012 as the Corporation incurred a loss in these periods. |
2013 Reserves Highlights
Reserves Volumes (MMBOE) | Reserves Values ($MM NPV 10) | |||
December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | |
PDP | 10.9 | 11.4 | 238.5 | 278.1 |
TP | 25.0 | 23.4 | 401.6 | 399.1 |
P+P | 39.0 | 38.7 | 582.8 | 611.6 |
Reserves Volumes (MMBOE) | Dec 31/13 | Dec 31/12 | Change | 2013 Production | Asset Sales | 2013 Reserve Additions | Additions Percentage |
PDP | 10.9 | 11.4 | (0.5) | (1.4) | (0.2) | 1.1 | 9.6 |
TP | 25.0 | 23.4 | 1.6 | (1.4) | (0.2) | 3.2 | 13.7 |
P+P | 39.0 | 38.7 | 0.3 | (1.4) | (0.5) | 2.2 | 5.7 |
Oil and Gas Reserves
Arcan’s Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information, Report on Reserves Data by Independent Qualified Reserves Evaluator and Report of Management and Directors on Oil and Gas Disclosure were prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook for the year ended December 31, 2013, and is dated March 26, 2014.
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves – Forecast Prices and Costs
The table below provides a summary of the oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves attributable to Arcan, as evaluated by Arcan’s independent qualified reserves evaluator, GLJ, and contained in the GLJ Report based on forecast price and cost assumptions. The tables summarize the data contained in the GLJ Report and, as a result, may contain slightly different numbers than those contained in the original report due to rounding. Also due to rounding, certain columns may not add exactly. Readers should review the definitions and information contained in “Presentation of Arcan’s Oil and Gas Reserves” and “Abbreviations” in Arcan’s Annual Information Form, dated April 1, 2014, in conjunction with the following table and notes. All of Arcan’s reserves are on-shore in Canada.
Light & Medium Oil | Natural Gas Liquids | Natural Gas(1) | Total | ||||||
Reserves Category | Gross (2) (Mbbls) |
Net (3) (Mbbls) |
Gross (2) (Mbbls) |
Net (3) (Mbbls) |
Gross (2) (MMcf) |
Net (3) (MMcf) |
Gross (2) (Mbbls) |
Net (3) (Mbbls) |
|
Proved | |||||||||
Developed Producing | 9,421 | 6,886 | 1,169 | 786 | 2,143 | 1,913 | 10,946 | 7,991 | |
Developed Non-Producing | 363 | 321 | 26 | 20 | 121 | 112 | 410 | 359 | |
Undeveloped | 11,499 | 9,201 | 1,569 | 1,224 | 3,218 | 2,997 | 13,604 | 10,924 | |
Total Proved | 21,283 | 16,407 | 2,764 | 2,029 | 5,481 | 5,022 | 24,961 | 19,274 | |
Total Probable | 11,832 | 8,607 | 1,589 | 1,163 | 3,735 | 3,434 | 14,044 | 10,343 | |
Total Proved + Probable | 33,115 | 25,015 | 4,353 | 3,193 | 9,216 | 8,456 | 39,004 | 29,617 | |
Notes: | |||||||||
(1) Estimates of reserves of natural gas include associated and non-associated gas. | |||||||||
(2) “Gross” reserves are Arcan’s working interest share of remaining reserves before the deduction of royalties. | |||||||||
(3) “Net” reserves are Arcan’s working interest share of remaining reserves less all Crown, freehold, and overriding royalties and interests owned by others. |
GLJ employed the following pricing, exchange rate and inflation rate assumptions as of December 31, 2013, in the GLJ Report in estimating reserves data using forecast prices and costs(1):
Medium and Light Crude Oil | Natural Gas | ||||||
Year | Inflation | WTI Cushing Oklahoma 40°API (US$/bbl) |
Edmonton Par Price 40°API ($/bbl) |
Cromer Medium 29.3°API ($/bbl) |
Alberta Gas Reference Price Plant Gate ($/MMBTU) |
AECO – C Spot ($/MMBTU) |
Exchange Rate (US$/CDN$) |
2013 (actual) | 1.0 | 97.88 | 93.33 | 88.05 | 2.99 | 3.24 | 0.971 |
2014 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 92.76 | 86.27 | 3.81 | 4.03 | 0.950 |
2015 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 97.37 | 90.55 | 4.04 | 4.26 | 0.950 |
2016 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 100.00 | 93.00 | 4.28 | 4.50 | 0.950 |
2017 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 100.00 | 93.00 | 4.51 | 4.74 | 0.950 |
2018 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 100.00 | 93.00 | 4.75 | 4.97 | 0.950 |
2019 | 2.0 | 97.50 | 100.00 | 93.00 | 4.98 | 5.21 | 0.950 |
2020 | 2.0 | 98.54 | 100.77 | 93.71 | 5.11 | 5.33 | 0.950 |
2021 | 2.0 | 100.51 | 102.78 | 95.58 | 5.21 | 5.44 | 0.950 |
2022 | 2.0 | 102.52 | 104.83 | 97.49 | 5.32 | 5.55 | 0.950 |
2023 | 2.0 | 104.57 | 106.93 | 99.44 | 5.42 | 5.66 | 0.950 |
Note: | |||||||
(1) All pricing in the above table, excluding inflation and the exchange rate, is escalated at 2.0 percent per year thereafter Thereafter, inflation is assumed to be constant at 2.0 percent and the exchange rate is assumed to be constant at 0.950 US$/Cdn$. |
Net Asset Value
As detailed in the table below, the NAV of $2.53 per diluted share at December 31, 2013 (on the basis of P+P reserves discounted at 10 percent) has decreased by 11 percent from $2.85 per diluted share at December 31, 2012. In 2013, Arcan invested a net $28.4 million (after divestitures of $14.3 million) and although the Corporation’s proved developed producing reserves reduced by 0.5 MMBOE, its proved reserves grew by 1.6 MMBOE and its proved and probable reserves grew by 0.3 MMBOE.
The following NAV calculations are presented for December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and incorporate estimates that may not be comparable year-over-year and are presented as at one point in time. To simplify the computation, Arcan has not included values related to land or Stimsol Canada Inc. (StimSol), Arcan’s wholly-owned services subsidiary as it had in prior years. The working capital deficit (including working capital, bank debt and debentures) based upon the December 31, 2013 audited financial statements and there are no dilution proceeds included as all stock options are out of the money at December 31, 2013 (compared to the $0.34 December 31, 2013 closing share price of Arcan). GLJ performed an independent evaluation on Arcan’s reserves. Reserve estimates are derived from the GLJ Report, which has an effective date of December 31, 2013. Readers are cautioned that this presentation does not reflect all aspects of the Corporation and that estimates of future net revenue do not represent fair market value. The January 1, 2014 pricing assumptions are listed above with market changes having a material impact on this NAV calculation.
Net Asset Value | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | ||
($000s except number of shares and per share) | (P+P discounted at 5%) |
(P+P discounted at 10%) | (P+P discounted at 5%) | (P+P discounted at 10%) |
Present value of reserves | 857,599 | 582,824 | 894,871 | 611,582 |
Working capital deficit (including debt) (1) | (334,828) | (334,828) | (332,403) | (332,403) |
Dilution proceeds(2) | — | — | 31 | 31 |
Estimated value | 522,771 | 247,996 | 562,499 | 279,210 |
Shares (thousands) (2) | 97,860 | 97,860 | 97,895 | 97,895 |
Estimated NAV per share (2) | 5.34 | 2.53 | 5.75 | 2.85 |
Note: | ||||
(1) Debt for 2013 and 2012 includes both series of Arcan convertible debentures at their full face value of $171.3 million. | ||||
(2) Share figures for 2013 include all dilutive securities, namely: 97,860,013 common shares and no stock options as none are in the money based on the December 31, 2013 closing share trading price of $0.34. Share figures for 2012 include all dilutive securities, namely: 97,860,013 common shares and 35,000 stock options that are in the money at their average exercise price of $0.88 (these were all dilutive securities exercisable below the $1.02 December 31, 2012 share trading price). |
FD&A Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2013 (removing the impact of dispositions), Arcan added 2.2 MMBOE of P+P reserves (39.0 MMBOE closing reserves plus 1.4 MMBOE production plus 0.5 MMBOE of asset sales less 38.7 MMBOE opening reserves) to its $81.7 million capital program ($42.7 million of capital from the December 31, 2013 financial statements (audited) plus $460.5 million of closing future development capital in the GLJ Report (P+P) less $427.1 million closing future development capital in Arcan’s December 31, 2012 reserve report (P+P) plus $5.6 million of future capital related to asset sales) to calculate a $37.14 FD&A cost per P+P BOE. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent fiscal year and the change during that year in estimated future development costs generally will not reflect total FD&A costs related to reserves additions for that year.
The FD&A costs are depicted below. Arcan has invested substantially in its infrastructure and waterflood through facilities, pipelines, drilling water source wells, and drilling and converting producing vertical wells into injector wells. In waterflood projects, the majority of the capital expended were one-time expenses at the front end that are anticipated to produce results over the long-term. With a front loaded capital profile and recoveries expected to elevate over time, Arcan anticipates that the full impact of its waterflood development in Swan Hills and the related shift in reserves will be realized over the next few years, reducing FD&A costs in the future through the benefit of existing infrastructure.
P+P FD&A Costs (including Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life To Date |
Total capital ($ millions) (1) | 76.1 | 117.0 | 711.8 | 1,190.8 |
Disp. / Acq. capital ($millions) | (14.3) | (30.8) | (21.1) | 31.7 |
Total capital ($ millions) | 61.8 | 86.2 | 690.7 | 1,222.5 |
Reserve additions (MMBOE) | 1.7 | (0.5) | 22.3 | 45.9 |
P+P FD&A ($ per BOE) | $36.35 | — | $30.97 | $26.63 |
Proved FD&A Costs (including Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life To Date |
Total capital ($ millions) (1) | 67.8 | 203.2 | 627.7 | 1,048.4 |
Disp. / Acq. capital ($millions) | (14.3) | (30.8) | (21.1) | 31.7 |
Total capital ($ millions) | 53.5 | 172.4 | 606.6 | 1,080.1 |
Reserve additions (MMBOE) | 3.0 | 3.6 | 15.5 | 31.9 |
Proven FD&A ($ per BOE) | $17.83 | $47.67 | $39.14 | $33.86 |
P+P FD&A Costs (excluding Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life To Date |
Total capital ($ millions) (1) | 81.7 | 170.6 | 758.4 | 1,190.8 |
Reserve additions (MMBOE) | 2.2 | 5.2 | 28.5 | 48.9 |
Proven FD&A ($ per BOE) | $37.14 | $32.97 | $26.61 | $24.35 |
Proved FD&A Costs (excluding Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life To Date |
Total capital ($ millions) (1) | 68.1 | 238.9 | 663.7 | 1,048.4 |
Reserve additions (MMBOE) | 3.2 | 6.6 | 18.7 | 36.9 |
Proven FD&A ($ per BOE) | $21.28 | $36.27 | $35.49 | $28.41 |
Note: | ||||
(1) Total capital is calculated by using Arcan’s 2013 capital expenditures of $42.7 million and then adjusted by the changes in future development capital from the December 31, 2012 reserve report to the December 31, 2013 reserve report. |
Recycle Ratio
Recycle ratio is a measure for evaluating the effectiveness of a company’s reinvestment program. The ratio measures how well a company replaced every BOE of production. The table below depicts that Arcan received a net $52.98 per BOE sold and it cost $37.14 in 2013 to find a replacement BOE. Arcan strives for a recycle ratio of 2.0 or higher. In 2013, Arcan achieved a recycle ratio of 1.4 times. Arcan determined it was important to demonstrate the effectiveness of the combination of the horizontal multi-stage fracture wells across the Ethel land base, where waterflood has been started and will be expanded in 2014, as well as drilling in new areas across the land base.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Arcan estimated that it had a 1.5 times recycle ratio on 5.2 MMBOE P+P reserve additions and a $32.97 FD&A cost (including changes to future development capital). Life to date, Arcan estimates it has a recycle ratio of 1.8 times based on a $24.35 P+P FD&A (including changes to future development capital) and a $43.74 operating netback.
Recycle Ratio (including Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life to Date |
Exploration and production operating netback ($/BOE) | 52.98 | 48.37 | 43.38 | 43.74 |
Proven finding and development costs ($/BOE) | 17.83 | 47.67 | 39.14 | 33.86 |
Proven reinvestment efficiency ratio | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
Proven plus probable finding and development costs ($/BOE) | 36.35 | — | 30.97 | 26.63 |
Proven plus probable reinvestment efficiency ratio | 1.5 | — | 1.4 | 1.6 |
Recycle Ratio (excluding Dispositions & Acquisitions) | 2013 | 2012 | 3 year | Life to Date |
Exploration and production operating netback ($/BOE) | 52.98 | 48.37 | 43.38 | 43.74 |
Proven finding and development costs ($/BOE) | 21.28 | 36.27 | 35.49 | 28.41 |
Proven reinvestment efficiency ratio | 2.5 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.5 |
Proven plus probable finding and development costs ($/BOE) | 37.14 | 32.97 | 26.61 | 24.35 |
Proven plus probable reinvestment efficiency ratio | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.8 |
Reserve Life Index
Using the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013 average production of 3,504 BOE per day and December 31, 2013 year-end proved plus probable reserves, Arcan has a reserve life index of approximately 31 years. Arcan estimates that the reserve life index will decline as production rates elevate.
Production (fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013 average BOE per day) | 3,504 |
Proved reserves (MBOE) | 24,961 |
Proved reserve life index (years) | 19.5 |
Proved plus probable reserves (MBOE) | 39,004 |
Proved plus probable reserve life index (years) | 30.5 |
Audited Financial Statements, Management Discussion and Analysis, and Annual Information Form
Arcan has filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities its audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three months and year ended December 31, 2013. Arcan has also filed its Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2013. These filings are available at www.sedar.com and on the Corporation’s website at www.arcanres.com.
Annual and Special General Meeting
Arcan’s annual and special meeting is currently scheduled for June 24, 2014, at 3:00 PM in the McMurray Room of the Petroleum Club, located at 319 – 5th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta.
About Arcan Resources Ltd.
Arcan Resources Ltd. is an Alberta, Canada corporation that is principally engaged in the exploration, development and acquisition of petroleum and natural gas located in Canada’s Western Sedimentary Basin.
[expand title=”Advisories & Contact”]Legal Advisories
All information contained in the press release relating to reserves comes from the GLJ Report dated March 26, 2014, which has an effective date of December 31, 2013, and was prepared by GLJ, a qualified reserves evaluator, in accordance with NI 51-101 and the COGE Handbook. The disclosure was made assuming that development of each property in respect of which the estimate is made will occur, without regard to the likely availability of funding required for that development. Readers are also cautioned that the estimated future net revenue values do not represent fair market value.
BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. The calculation of BOEs is based on a conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf“) of natural gas to one barrel (“bbl“) of oil based on an energy equivalency conversion primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared to natural gas may be significantly different from six to one, utilizing a BOE conversion ratio of six Mcf to one bbl could be misleading as an indication of value.
Estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.
Additional information about the Corporation, including the Corporation’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2013, is available under Arcan’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Non-IFRS Measurements
Readers are cautioned that this press release contains the term “funds from operations”, which should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, “cash provided by operating activities” or “net earnings” as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of Arcan’s performance. Arcan also presents “funds from operations per share”, whereby funds from operations are divided by the basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares of Arcan (each, a “share”) outstanding to determine per share amounts. Arcan also presents “net debt and working capital” which should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, “current liabilities” or “working capital”. Net debt and working capital is calculated by subtracting the current liabilities (excluding bank debt), bank debt, and convertible debentures from current assets. Arcan also presents “cash general and administrative expenses” (“Cash G&A”) which should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, “general and administrative expenses”. Cash G&A is calculated by subtracting stock based compensation included in general and administrative expenses, from general and administrative expenses. Arcan also presents “cash finance expenses” which should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, “finance expenses”. Cash finance expenses is calculated by subtracting accretion of convertible debenture liability and accretion of decommissioning obligations, from finance expenses.
Operating netbacks are presented on an operating segment and consolidated basis. “Operating netbacks” for the exploration and production segment, or “exploration and production netbacks”, represent Arcan’s petroleum and natural gas revenue, less royalties and production and operating expenses. “Operating netbacks” for the pumping and stimulation segment, or “pumping and stimulation operating netbacks”, represent pumping and stimulation services revenue, less cost of sales for pumping and stimulation services. “Consolidated operating netbacks” represent the sum of the operating netbacks for the exploration and production and pumping and stimulation segments. “Corporate netbacks” represent Arcan’s consolidated operating netback, plus other revenue, plus or minus realized economic hedging gains or losses, less Cash G&A and cash finance expenses in order to determine the amount of funds generated by production. Operating and corporate netbacks have been presented on a per barrel of oil equivalent (“BOE”) basis, as well.
The measures referenced above do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes that funds from operations and both operating and corporate netbacks are useful supplemental measures as they indicate Arcan’s ability to fund future growth through capital investment and/or to repay debt. These measures have been described and presented in this MD&A in order to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding Arcan’s liquidity and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. Please see the section “Results of Operations – Netbacks” in the MD&A for reconciliations between both operating netbacks and corporate netbacks to revenue. Please see the MD&A for reconciliations to net debt and working capital, cash G&A and cash finance expense.
Arcan determines funds from operations as cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital as follows:
Funds from Operations | ||||
Three Months Ended | Year Ended | |||
($000’s) | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 | December 31, 2013 | December 31, 2012 |
Cash flow from operating activities (per IFRS) | 9,059 | 5,952 | 41,830 | 44,886 |
Change in non-cash working capital and RSU’s | (2,115) | 1,841 | (2,396) | (5,672) |
Funds from operations | 6,944 | 7,793 | 39,434 | 39,214 |
Readers are cautioned that this press release contains the term “net asset value”, which Management believes is a useful supplemental measure as it provides a measure of the potential value of the Corporation. Arcan’s method for calculating NAV is detailed in this press release in the section “Net Asset Value” and may differ from that of other companies, and, accordingly, may not be comparable. This measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes there is no GAAP measure that is directly comparable to the NAV calculation, although there are GAAP financial statement amounts used in the calculation that have been articulated in that section of the press release, and readers are cautioned in their use of the measure.
Readers are cautioned that this press release contains the term “finding, development, and acquisition” costs which Management believes is a useful supplemental measure as it provides a measure of the capital costs to add proved and probable reserves. Arcan’s method for calculating FD&A costs is detailed in this press release in the section “FD&A Costs” and may differ from that of other companies, and, accordingly, may not be comparable. This measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes there is no GAAP measure that is comparable to the FD&A calculation, although there are GAAP financial statement amounts used in the calculation that have been articulated in that section of the press release, and readers are cautioned in their use of the measure.
Readers are cautioned that this press release contains the term “recycle ratio” which Management believes is a useful supplemental measure as it provides a measure for evaluating the effectiveness of a Corporation’s reinvestment program. Arcan’s method for calculating the recycle ratio is detailed in this press release in the section “Recycle Ratio” and may differ from that of other companies, and, accordingly, may not be comparable. This measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes there is no GAAP measure that is comparable to the recycle ratio calculation, although there are GAAP financial statement amounts used in the calculation that have been articulated in that section of the press release, and readers are cautioned in their use of the measure.
Readers are cautioned that this press release contains the term “reserve life index” which Management believes is a useful supplemental measure as it provides a measure for estimating the number of years it will take to produce the Corporation’s reserves at current production levels. Arcan’s method for calculating the reserve life index is detailed in this press release in the section “Reserve Life Index” and may differ from that of other companies, and, accordingly, may not be comparable. This measure does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management believes there is no GAAP measure that is comparable to the reserve life index calculation and readers are cautioned in their use of the measure.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “guidance”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “possible” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, the following: oil and gas reserves and resources; current and year-to-date anticipated production and production to be brought on stream; the application and modification of horizontal, multi-stage fracture technologies including expectations respecting the application of additional fracture stimulation stages; Arcan’s expectations respecting its growth and activities throughout the remainder of 2014, including its continued evolution into a sustainable producer of oil reserves; Arcan’s execution of its business plans; future growth including development, exploration, acquisition, construction and operational activities and related expenditures; Arcan’s debt and liquidity position; Arcan’s evaluation of asset sales; Arcan’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for StimSol; the plans for, timing, method and results of drilling and waterflood operations; the focus of the 2013 waterflood expansion activities; waterflood and CO2 recoveries and its benefits; future acid requirements; net asset value; future liquidity and financial capacity and resources; the potential inherent in Arcan’s Swan Hills land base and the expected benefits from the development thereof; reserve life index; the timing and location of the upcoming shareholder meeting; estimated additional drilling locations; the benefits of the Ethel pipeline; expectations relating to increased shareholder value and growth per share; results from operations and financial ratios; the volume and product mix of Arcan’s oil and gas production; Arcan’s income taxes and tax liabilities; oil and natural gas prices and the US$ to CDN$ exchange rate; recovery; and capital expenditures.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Arcan including, without limitation: that Arcan will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; the accuracy of current horizontal production data, historical well production and waterflood and CO2 recovery results; the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed industry conditions; continuity of reservoir conditions across Arcan’s Swan Hills land base; availability of debt and/or equity sources to fund Arcan’s capital and operating requirements as needed; the continuance of existing and, in certain circumstances, proposed tax and royalty regimes; the accuracy of the estimates of Arcan’s reserve volumes; the accuracy of current horizontal production data; and certain commodity price and other cost assumptions.
Arcan believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information and statements included in this press release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: for reasons currently unanticipated, Arcan’s production rates may not increase in the manner currently expected; the application and modification of horizontal, multi-stage fracture technologies including the application of additional fracture stimulation stages may not have the impact currently anticipated by Arcan; Arcan’s capital spending and operational plans for 2014 may not be completed in the timelines anticipated, in the manner anticipated or at all and the execution of such plans may not have the results currently anticipated by Arcan; water injection and CO2 may not have the impact on production currently anticipated by Arcan; currently unforeseen issues may arise in the continuing integration of the business and operations of Arcan and StimSol and acquisition may not positively impact Arcan’s business and operations in the manner currently anticipated or at all; changes in commodity prices; unanticipated operating results or production declines; waterflood and CO2 impacts; Arcan may be unable to solve its mechanical/operational issues in the timelines anticipated, in the manner anticipated or at all; shareholder value may not be maximized in the manner suggested by Arcan or at all; changes in tax or environmental laws or royalty rates; increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Arcan’s oil and gas reserves volumes; limited, unfavourable or no access to debt or equity capital markets; inaccuracies in Arcan’s calculation of reserve life index; for reasons currently unforeseen, the current drilling locations identified by Arcan may prove to be unsuitable or unavailable and drilling on the locations identified may not occur; increased costs and expenses; the impact of competitors; reliance on industry partners; reviews of Arcan’s credit facility and/or budget may not occur on the timelines anticipated or at all; and certain other risks detailed from time to time in Arcan’s public disclosure documents including, without limitation, those risks identified in this press release, and in Arcan’s annual information form, copies of which are available on Arcan’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
This press release contains reserves information. The process of estimating reserves is complex. It requires significant judgments and decisions based on available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. These estimates may change substantially as additional data from ongoing development activities and production performance becomes available and as economic conditions impacting oil and gas prices and costs change. The reserve estimates contained herein are based on current production forecasts, prices and economic conditions. As circumstances change and additional data becomes available, reserve estimates also change. Estimates made are reviewed and revised, either upward or downward, as warranted by the new information. Revisions are often required due to changes in well performance, prices, economic conditions and governmental restrictions. Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure that reserve estimates are accurate, reserve estimation is an inferential science. As a result, the subjective decisions, new geological or production information and a changing environment may impact these estimates. Revisions to reserve estimates can arise from changes in year-end oil and gas prices, and reservoir performance. Such revisions can be either positive or negative.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and Arcan does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required pursuant to applicable laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Terry McCoy
Chief Executive Officer
tmccoy@arcanres.com
Douglas Penner
President
dpenner@arcanres.com
Arcan Resources Ltd.
Suite 2200, 500 – 4th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, AB T2P 2V6
Telephone (403) 262-0321
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