All financial information contained within this news release has been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This news release includes forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to review the “Forward-Looking Information and Statements” at the conclusion of this news release. Readers are also referred to “Information Regarding Reserves, Resources and Operational Information”, “Notice to U.S. Readers” and “Non-GAAP Measures” at the end of this news release for information regarding the presentation of the financial, reserves, contingent resources and operational information in this news release, as well as the use of certain financial measures that do not have standard meaning under U.S. GAAP. A copy of Enerplus’ 2017 Financial Statements and MD&A is available on our website at www.enerplus.com, under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the EDGAR website at www.sec.gov. All amounts in this news release are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified.
CALGARY, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW/ – Enerplus Corporation (“Enerplus” or the “Company”) (TSX & NYSE: ERF) today reported fourth quarter 2017 net income of $15.3 million, or $0.06 per share, and fourth quarter adjusted funds flow of $199.6 million. Full year 2017 net income was $237.0 million, or $0.98 per share, and full year 2017 adjusted funds flow was $524.1 million.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Fourth quarter adjusted funds flow was $199.6 million, which includes $50.1 million related to a portion of the expected U.S. Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) refund. Excluding the AMT refund, adjusted funds flow was $149.5 million, a 65% increase quarter-over-quarter
- Full year 2017 adjusted funds flow, excluding the AMT refund, increased by 55% compared to 2016
- Fourth quarter netback before hedging improved by 44% to $21.45 per BOE compared to the previous quarter
- Delivered 28% crude oil production growth from the first quarter to the fourth quarter of 2017
- North Dakota production increased by 70% from the first quarter to the fourth quarter of 2017
- Balance sheet remains among the strongest in the North American peer group, ending 2017 with a net debt to adjusted funds flow ratio of 0.6 times
- Replaced 189% of 2017 production through proved plus probable (“2P”) reserves additions, revisions and economic factors at a finding and development (“F&D”) cost of $9.68 per BOE. This included material reserves growth in North Dakota where the Company replaced 414% of 2017 production
“In 2017 we accomplished what we set out to do, namely delivering profitable growth, maintaining our disciplined approach to capital allocation, and continuing our strong operating momentum,” stated Ian C. Dundas, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We also continued to have success in focusing our business through divesting non-strategic assets which has further improved our cost structure and margin and reduced liabilities. As evidenced by our strong fourth quarter cash flow and netback, our company is well positioned to continue to generate robust cash flow per share growth and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
FOURTH QUARTER & FULL YEAR 2017 SUMMARY
Production
Fourth quarter 2017 production was 88,590 BOE per day, above the Company’s fourth quarter guidance range of 86,000 to 88,000 BOE per day, and an increase of 12% from the third quarter of 2017. The Company’s crude oil and natural gas liquids production averaged 46,822 barrels per day (91% oil) in the fourth quarter, also above its fourth quarter guidance range of 45,000 to 46,000 barrels per day, and an increase of 20% from the third quarter of 2017. The production outperformance in the fourth quarter was primarily driven by higher than forecasted North Dakota and Marcellus volumes, which together accounted for 76% of fourth quarter production.
Full year 2017 production averaged 84,711 BOE per day, including 40,793 barrels per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids (91% oil). Full year production was just above the Company’s guidance of 84,000 BOE per day of total production and 40,500 barrels per day of crude oil and natural gas liquids.
Adjusted Funds Flow, Netback and Net Income
The continued improvement of Enerplus’ pricing realizations in the Bakken and Marcellus, combined with the reductions to the Company’s cost structure, have significantly strengthened the cash flow generating capability of the business. Fourth quarter 2017 adjusted funds flow was $199.6 million, which included $50.1 million related to a portion of the AMT refund receivable as a result of the enactment of U.S. tax reform legislation on December 22, 2017. Excluding the impact of the AMT refund, Enerplus’ fourth quarter normalized adjusted funds flow was $149.5 million, 65% higher than the previous quarter. Full year 2017 adjusted funds flow was $524.1 million, or $474.0 million excluding the impact of the AMT refund, representing a 55% increase compared to 2016.
Enerplus’ netback, before commodity hedging, was $21.45 per BOE in the fourth quarter of 2017. This represents a 44% increase from the prior quarter and a 47% increase from the same period in 2016. The significant improvement in operating netback was driven by improved pricing differentials in the Bakken and Marcellus, the Company’s lower cost structure, and higher benchmark oil prices.
Fourth quarter net income was $15.3 million and included a $46.2 million non-cash deferred income tax expense from the remeasurement of the Company’s U.S. deferred income tax assets for the U.S. federal income tax rate reduction from 35% to 21%. This expense is net of the reversal of the valuation allowance previously recorded on the Company’s AMT credit carryovers. Full year 2017 net income was $237.0 million.
Pricing Realizations and Cost Structure
Enerplus’ realized Bakken crude oil price differential averaged US$1.61 per barrel below WTI in the fourth quarter, an improvement from US$3.24 per barrel in the previous quarter. Spot Bakken prices strengthened considerably throughout 2017 due to the improved egress capacity from the Bakken. Enerplus’ average Bakken crude oil price differential for the full year 2017 was US$3.72 per barrel below WTI, in-line with the Company’s guidance of US$4.00 per barrel. The Company expects the strength in Bakken pricing to continue and is projecting a 2018 realized differential of US$2.50 per barrel below WTI.
Enerplus’ realized Marcellus natural gas sales price differential narrowed to US$0.81 per Mcf below NYMEX in the fourth quarter, compared to US$1.02 per Mcf in the previous quarter. Although Marcellus pricing was weak during October, it strengthened considerably in November and December in response to seasonal heating demand and additional industry pipeline capacity coming into service. Enerplus’ average Marcellus natural gas price differential for the full year 2017 was US$0.76 per Mcf below NYMEX, in-line with the Company’s guidance of US$0.80 per Mcf. Enerplus believes that the continued build-out of takeaway capacity is structurally improving pricing dynamics in the Marcellus region, and with an expected 2.1 Bcf per day of incremental takeaway projects in 2018 impacting northeast Pennsylvania, the Company anticipates the strength in regional pricing will continue. Enerplus has constructed its Marcellus marketing portfolio with a view to balancing risk mitigation through firm sales and transport commitments, with retaining exposure to in-basin pricing. As a result, Enerplus is positioned to realize the benefit of improving in-basin pricing with only modest transportation commitments. Enerplus expects its 2018 realized Marcellus differential will average US$0.40 per Mcf below NYMEX, which excludes the Company’s Marcellus firm transportation cost of US$0.18 per Mcf in 2018.
Enerplus continued to drive reductions to its cost structure in 2017 through divesting higher-cost assets and maintaining its focus on cost control and execution. Fourth quarter 2017 operating, transportation, and cash general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses per BOE were all lower compared to the prior quarter.
- Operating expenses in the fourth quarter were $6.39 per BOE, 5% lower compared to the prior quarter. Full year 2017 operating expenses were $6.37 per BOE, 12% lower compared to 2016.
- Transportation costs in the fourth quarter were $3.20 per BOE, 11% lower compared to the prior quarter. Full year 2017 transportation costs were $3.60 per BOE, 15% higher compared to 2016 primarily due to the increased weighting of U.S. production with higher associated transport costs.
- Cash G&A expenses in the fourth quarter were $1.55 per BOE, 4% lower compared to the prior quarter. Full year 2017 cash G&A expenses were $1.63 per BOE, 7% lower compared to 2016.
Capital Expenditures and Balance Sheet Position
Capital spending was $116.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017, bringing full year 2017 capital spending to $458.0 million, in-line with the Company’s $450 million 2017 budget.
Enerplus further strengthened its financial position during 2017, reducing net debt by 13% year-over-year. Total debt net of cash at December 31, 2017 was $325.8 million. Total debt was comprised of $672.3 million in senior notes outstanding. The Company was undrawn on its $800 million bank credit facility and had a cash balance of $346.5 million. At December 31, 2017, Enerplus’ net debt to adjusted funds flow ratio was 0.6 times.
Divestment Activity and Asset Retirement Obligation
During the fourth quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018, Enerplus closed a portion of the previously announced divestments of non-core properties in Alberta. These divestments had associated production of approximately 1,000 BOE per day. Enerplus continues to explore options to divest additional Canadian natural gas assets.
Throughout 2017, Enerplus divested approximately 7,700 BOE per day (66% natural gas) of production in aggregate from predominantly lower-margin properties in Canada. These divestments have helped reduce Enerplus’ asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) by 35% year-over-year. The present value of the Company’s ARO was $117.7 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $181.7 million at December 31, 2016.
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION(1)
Three months ended |
Twelve months ended |
||||||
Oil & NGL (Mbbl/d) |
Natural gas (MMcf/d) |
Total Production (Mboe/d) |
Oil & NGL (Mbbl/d) |
Natural gas (MMcf/d) |
Total Production (Mboe/d) |
||
Williston Basin |
35.8 |
20.1 |
39.2 |
28.7 |
19.2 |
31.9 |
|
Marcellus |
– |
193.2 |
32.2 |
– |
198.0 |
33.0 |
|
Canadian Waterfloods(2) |
9.6 |
6.6 |
10.7 |
10.9 |
12.2 |
12.9 |
|
Other(2) |
1.4 |
30.7 |
6.5 |
1.2 |
34.0 |
6.9 |
|
Total |
46.8 |
250.6 |
88.6 |
40.8 |
263.5 |
84.7 |
(1) |
Table may not add due to rounding. |
(2) |
Includes volumes from Canadian properties that were divested in 2017. |
SUMMARY OF WELLS BROUGHT ON-STREAM(1)
Three months ended |
Twelve months ended |
||||||||||
Operated |
Non Operated |
Operated |
Non Operated |
||||||||
Gross |
Net |
Gross |
Net |
Gross |
Net |
Gross |
Net |
||||
Williston Basin |
7 |
5.2 |
6 |
2.1 |
36 |
28.5 |
8 |
2.5 |
|||
Marcellus |
– |
– |
28 |
3.4 |
– |
– |
70 |
7.2 |
|||
Canadian Waterfloods |
– |
– |
– |
– |
6 |
6.0 |
– |
– |
|||
Other |
– |
– |
– |
– |
1 |
1.0 |
– |
– |
|||
Total |
7 |
5.2 |
34 |
5.4 |
43 |
35.5 |
78 |
9.7 |
(1) |
Table may not add due to rounding. |
2017 RESERVES SUMMARY
- Replaced 189% of 2017 production, adding 58.0 MMBOE (61% oil) of 2P reserves from development activities (including revisions and economic factors).
- Material reserves growth was realized in North Dakota and the Marcellus. The Company replaced 414% of 2017 North Dakota production, adding 42.2 MMBOE of 2P reserves and 132% of 2017 Marcellus production, adding 95.4 Bcf of 2P reserves (including revisions and economic factors).
- F&D costs were $13.17 per BOE for proved developed producing reserves, $11.32 per BOE for proved reserves, and $9.68 per BOE for 2P reserves, including future development costs (“FDC”).
- Three-year average F&D costs were $9.66 per BOE for proved developed producing reserves, $9.16 per BOE for proved reserves, and $7.86 per BOE for 2P reserves, including FDC.
- Finding, development and acquisition (“FD&A) costs were $12.48 per BOE for proved reserves and $10.98 per BOE for 2P reserves, including FDC. 2017 divestments were generally comprised of lower-margin Canadian properties. No reserves were acquired in 2017.
- Three-year average FD&A costs were $3.41 per BOE for proved reserves and $1.05 per BOE for 2P reserves, including FDC.
- Total 2P reserves, net of divestments, were 397.4 MMBOE at year-end 2017, representing a 4% increase from year-end 2016. Excluding divestments, 2P reserves increased by 7% in 2017.
- 2P reserves were comprised of 48% crude oil, 5% natural gas liquids, and 47% natural gas at year-end 2017.
- Total proved reserves account for 70% of 2P reserves. Proved developed producing reserves represent 67% of total proved reserves and 47% of 2P reserves.
- Enerplus’ 2P reserves life index increased to 12.6 years at year-end 2017, from 12.3 years at year-end 2016.
ASSET ACTIVITY
Williston Basin
Williston Basin production averaged 39,195 BOE per day (83% oil) during the fourth quarter of 2017, 27% higher than the third quarter. Fourth quarter Williston Basin production was comprised of 35,474 BOE per day in North Dakota and 3,721 BOE per day in Montana. Enerplus re-established meaningful growth in North Dakota during 2017 delivering a 70% production increase over the course of the year (from the first quarter to the fourth quarter of 2017).
In the fourth quarter, Enerplus brought on-stream seven gross operated wells (74% average working interest) across its acreage at Fort Berthold with an average completed lateral length of 7,540 feet per well and average peak 30-day production rates per well of 1,443 BOE per day (76% oil, on a three-stream basis). This average rate includes production from two wells that were producing at restricted rates.
Enerplus continued to see strong outperformance from the four wells on its Snakes pad that were brought on-stream toward the end of the third quarter. On average, the Snakes wells have produced approximately 160,000 barrels of oil per well in 120 days on production, including the Smooth Green well which has produced over 240,000 barrels of oil in 120 days.
The Company drilled six gross operated wells (77% average working interest) in the fourth quarter.
Enerplus expects a decline in production from North Dakota in the first quarter of 2018, relative to the fourth quarter of 2017, followed by sequential quarterly production growth for the remainder of the year. The expected decline in the first quarter is due to a completions schedule that results in on-stream activity weighted to the back half of the first quarter – in part to mitigate the impact of severe weather during December and January.
Enerplus expects to spend approximately 75% of its 2018 capital budget in North Dakota running two-operated drilling rigs and one dedicated completions crew in 2018. North Dakota production in 2018 is projected to grow by over 30% year-over-year.
Marcellus
Marcellus production averaged 193 MMcf per day during the fourth quarter, a 2% increase from the previous quarter. Fourth quarter production was impacted by approximately 35 MMcf per day of price related production curtailments during October. Enerplus returned to producing at higher rates in November and December in response to strengthening regional natural gas prices. Full year 2017 production from the Marcellus averaged 198 MMcf per day.
Twenty-eight gross non-operated wells (12% average working interest) were brought on-stream during the quarter, of which 22 currently have over 30-days on production. These 22 wells have an average completed lateral length of 5,800 feet per well and average peak 30-day production rates per well of 13.1 MMcf per day.
The Company participated in drilling nine gross non-operated wells (20% average working interest) during the fourth quarter.
Enerplus expects to spend approximately 10% of its 2018 capital budget in the Marcellus which is projected to keep production levels broadly flat relative to 2017.
Canadian Waterfloods
Canadian waterflood production averaged 10,671 BOE per day (88% oil) during the fourth quarter, a decrease of 8% from the previous quarter primarily due to the planned shut-in of certain production wells at Ante Creek in preparation for conversion to water injection wells, and weather related downtime at Medicine Hat.
Enerplus expects to spend approximately 10% of its 2018 capital budget across its Canadian waterflood portfolio.
DJ Basin
Through leasing and farm-in activity, Enerplus has established a land position of approximately 35,000 net acres in the DJ Basin, located in northwest Weld County, Colorado, for a modest entry price. Enerplus has drilled and completed one well (Maple 8-67-36-25C) to date. The pilot-hole was drilled to a total vertical depth of 7,480 feet and a 388 foot section was cored spanning the entire Niobrara-Codell interval. Core data indicated significant oil saturations throughout the entire interval. Subsequent to coring, Enerplus drilled a 9,272 foot horizontal well in the Codell formation and completed the well using a high-proppant and high-fluid intensity slick water completion. The well has produced 46,920 barrels of oil in 156 days on production and had a peak consecutive 90 day production rate of 434 BOE per day (78% oil). Due to the high fluid intensity completion and flowback management, the oil cut and oil rate inclined for most of the well’s initial production period. The well was shut in for several weeks during the first quarter of 2018 for surface facility modifications and was only recently brought back on production. Prior to this the well was producing at a relatively stable rate of approximately 400 BOE per day (78% oil) after over five months on production and is tracking cumulative production of 100,000 BOE in its first 12 months.
The well is producing light oil with a gravity of approximately 39 degrees API which has allowed for oil sales at the lease at a differential below WTI of US$2.25 per barrel. Enerplus will continue to monitor the results of the Maple well and plans to continue delineation activity to test the extent of commerciality across its acreage position. Enerplus is planning to drill up to three wells in the DJ Basin in 2018.
2018 GUIDANCE
Enerplus’ previously announced and unchanged 2018 guidance is provided below.
Capital spending |
$535 – 585 million |
Average annual production |
86,000 – 91,000 BOE/d |
Average annual crude oil and natural gas liquids production |
46,000 – 50,000 bbl/d |
Average royalty and production tax rate |
25% |
Operating expense |
$7.00/BOE |
Transportation expense |
$3.60/BOE |
Cash G&A expense |
$1.65/BOE |
2018 Differential/Basis Outlook(1) |
|
U.S. Bakken crude oil differential (compared to WTI crude oil) |
US$(2.50)/bbl |
Marcellus basis (compared to NYMEX natural gas) |
US$(0.40)/Mcf |
(1) |
Excluding transportation costs |
RISK MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Enerplus’ commodity hedging positions, as at February 20, 2018, are provided in the tables below. Based on the mid-point of its 2018 production guidance (net of royalties), Enerplus has approximately 65% of 2018 crude oil production protected and 61% of 2019 crude oil production protected.
WTI Crude Oil (US$/bbl) (1) |
|||||||
Jan 1, – Jan |
Feb 1, – Mar |
Apr 1 – Jun |
Jul 1 – Sep |
Oct 1 – Dec |
Jan 1, – Mar |
Apr 1, – Dec |
|
Swaps |
|||||||
Sold Swaps |
$55.38 |
$58.32 |
$55.38 |
$53.73 |
$53.73 |
$53.73 |
– |
Volume (bbls/d) |
5,000 |
7,000 |
5,000 |
3,000 |
3,000 |
3,000 |
– |
Three-Way Collars |
|||||||
Sold Puts |
$42.83 |
$42.83 |
$42.92 |
$42.71 |
$42.74 |
$44.05 |
$44.09 |
Volume (bbls/d) |
13,000 |
13,000 |
15,000 |
18,000 |
20,000 |
16,000 |
20,000 |
Purchased Puts |
$53.04 |
$53.04 |
$52.90 |
$52.53 |
$52.48 |
$53.69 |
$53.94 |
Volume (bbls/d) |
13,000 |
13,000 |
15,000 |
18,000 |
20,000 |
16,000 |
20,000 |
Sold Calls |
$61.99 |
$61.99 |
$61.73 |
$61.22 |
$61.10 |
$63.44 |
$63.84 |
Volume (bbls/d) |
13,000 |
13,000 |
15,000 |
18,000 |
20,000 |
16,000 |
20,000 |
(1) |
Based on weighted average price (before premiums). |
NYMEX Natural Gas (US$/Mcf) (1) |
|||
Jan 1 – Mar 31, |
Apr 1, – Oct 31, |
Nov 1, – Dec 31, |
|
Collars |
|||
Purchased Puts |
$2.75 |
$2.75 |
$2.75 |
Volume (Mcf/d) |
30,000 |
40,000 |
30,000 |
Sold Calls |
$3.47 |
$3.38 |
$3.47 |
Volume (Mcf/d) |
30,000 |
40,000 |
30,000 |
(1) Based on weighted average price (before premiums). |
SELECTED FINANCIAL RESULTS |
Three months ended |
Twelve months ended |
|||||||||
December 31, |
December 31, |
||||||||||
2017 |
2016 |
2017 |
2016 |
||||||||
Financial (000’s) |
|||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) |
$ |
15,272 |
$ |
840,325 |
$ |
236,998 |
$ |
397,416 |
|||
Adjusted Funds Flow(4) |
199,559 |
107,730 |
524,064 |
305,605 |
|||||||
Dividends to Shareholders |
7,264 |
7,214 |
29,033 |
35,439 |
|||||||
Debt Outstanding – net of Cash and Restricted Cash |
325,831 |
375,520 |
325,831 |
375,520 |
|||||||
Capital Spending |
116,827 |
57,462 |
458,015 |
209,135 |
|||||||
Property and Land Acquisitions |
3,805 |
118,452 |
13,276 |
126,126 |
|||||||
Property Divestments |
(1,385) |
389,750 |
56,196 |
670,364 |
|||||||
Debt to Adjusted Funds Flow Ratio(4) |
0.6x |
1.2x |
0.6x |
1.2x |
|||||||
Financial per Weighted Average Shares Outstanding |
|||||||||||
Net Income/(Loss) – Basic |
$ |
0.06 |
$ |
3.49 |
$ |
0.98 |
$ |
1.75 |
|||
Net Income/(Loss) – Diluted |
0.06 |
3.43 |
0.96 |
1.72 |
|||||||
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (000’s) |
242,129 |
240,483 |
241,929 |
226,530 |
|||||||
Selected Financial Results per BOE(1)(2) |
|||||||||||
Oil & Natural Gas Sales(3) |
$ |
41.72 |
$ |
32.81 |
$ |
36.93 |
$ |
25.88 |
|||
Royalties and Production Taxes |
(10.65) |
(7.60) |
(8.91) |
(5.77) |
|||||||
Commodity Derivative Instruments |
(0.39) |
1.12 |
0.28 |
2.36 |
|||||||
Cash Operating Expenses |
(6.42) |
(7.22) |
(6.39) |
(7.31) |
|||||||
Transportation Costs |
(3.20) |
(3.44) |
(3.60) |
(3.14) |
|||||||
General and Administrative Expenses |
(1.55) |
(1.63) |
(1.63) |
(1.75) |
|||||||
Cash Share-Based Compensation |
(0.01) |
(0.17) |
(0.03) |
(0.09) |
|||||||
Interest, Foreign Exchange and Other Expenses |
(1.17) |
(0.97) |
(1.24) |
(1.28) |
|||||||
Current Tax Recovery |
6.15 |
0.26 |
1.55 |
0.07 |
|||||||
Adjusted Funds Flow(4) |
$ |
24.48 |
$ |
13.16 |
$ |
16.96 |
$ |
8.97 |
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS |
Three months ended |
Twelve months ended |
|||||||
December 31, |
December 31, |
||||||||
2017 |
2016 |
2017 |
2016 |
||||||
Average Daily Production(2) |
|||||||||
Crude Oil (bbls/day) |
42,374 |
37,128 |
36,935 |
38,353 |
|||||
Natural Gas Liquids (bbls/day) |
4,448 |
4,413 |
3,858 |
4,903 |
|||||
Natural Gas (Mcf/day) |
250,607 |
284,515 |
263,506 |
299,214 |
|||||
Total (BOE/day) |
88,590 |
88,960 |
84,711 |
93,125 |
|||||
% Crude Oil and Natural Gas Liquids |
53% |
47% |
48% |
46% |
|||||
Average Selling Price(2)(3) |
|||||||||
Crude Oil (per bbl) |
$ |
65.91 |
$ |
53.91 |
$ |
58.69 |
$ |
44.84 |
|
Natural Gas Liquids (per bbl) |
32.26 |
21.31 |
30.01 |
15.29 |
|||||
Natural Gas (per Mcf) |
3.03 |
2.89 |
3.21 |
2.06 |
(1) |
Non‑cash amounts have been excluded. |
(2) |
Based on Company interest production volumes. See “Basis of Presentation” section in the Company’s management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2017 (“2017 MD&A”). |
(3) |
Before transportation costs, royalties and commodity derivative instruments. |
(4) |
These non‑GAAP measures may not be directly comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. See “Non‑GAAP Measures” section in the 2017 MD&A. |
Three months ended |
Twelve months ended |
|||||||||
December 31, |
December 31, |
|||||||||
Average Benchmark Pricing |
2017 |
2016 |
2017 |
2016 |
||||||
WTI crude oil (US$/bbl) |
$ |
55.40 |
$ |
49.29 |
$ |
50.95 |
$ |
43.32 |
||
AECO natural gas – monthly index (CDN$/Mcf) |
1.96 |
2.81 |
2.43 |
2.09 |
||||||
AECO natural gas – daily index (CDN$/Mcf) |
1.69 |
3.09 |
2.16 |
2.16 |
||||||
NYMEX natural gas – last day (US$/Mcf) |
2.93 |
2.98 |
3.11 |
2.46 |
||||||
US/CDN average exchange rate |
1.27 |
1.33 |
1.30 |
1.32 |
Share Trading Summary |
CDN(1) – ERF |
U.S.(2) – ERF |
||
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 |
(CDN$) |
(US$) |
||
High |
$ |
13.35 |
$ |
10.21 |
Low |
$ |
8.97 |
$ |
6.52 |
Close |
$ |
12.31 |
$ |
9.79 |
(1) TSX and other Canadian trading data combined. (2) NYSE and other U.S. trading data combined. |
2017 Dividends per Share |
CDN$ |
US$(1) |
||
First Quarter Total |
$ |
0.03 |
$ |
0.02 |
Second Quarter Total |
$ |
0.03 |
$ |
0.02 |
Third Quarter Total |
$ |
0.03 |
$ |
0.02 |
Fourth Quarter Total |
$ |
0.03 |
$ |
0.02 |
Total Year to Date |
$ |
0.12 |
$ |
0.08 |
(1) |
CDN$ dividends converted at the relevant foreign exchange rate on the payment date. |
INDEPENDENT RESERVES EVALUATION
All of the Company’s reserves, including its U.S. reserves, have been evaluated in accordance with NI 51-101. Independent reserves evaluations have been conducted on properties comprising approximately 92% of the net present value (discounted at 10%, before tax, using January 1, 2018 forecast prices and costs) of the Company’s total 2P reserves.
McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd (“McDaniel”), an independent petroleum consulting firm based in Calgary, Alberta, has evaluated properties which comprise approximately 59% of the net present value (discounted at 10%, before tax, using McDaniel’s January 1, 2018 forecast prices and costs) of the Company’s 2P reserves located in Canada and all of the Company’s reserves associated with the Company’s properties located in North Dakota, Montana and Colorado. The Company has evaluated the remaining 41% of the net present value of its Canadian properties using similar evaluation parameters, including the same forecast price and inflation rate assumptions utilized by McDaniel. McDaniel has reviewed the Company’s internal evaluation of these properties. Netherland, Sewell & Associates (NSAI), independent petroleum consultants based in Dallas, Texas, has evaluated all of the Company’s reserves associated with the Company’s properties in Pennsylvania. For consistency in the Company’s reserves reporting, NSAI used McDaniel’s January 1, 2018 forecast prices and inflation rates to prepare its report.
The following information sets out Enerplus’ gross and net crude oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves volumes and the estimated net present values of future net revenues associated with such reserves as at December 31, 2017 using forecast price and cost cases, together with certain information, estimates and assumptions associated with such reserves estimates. Under different price scenarios, these reserves could vary as a change in price can affect the economic limit associated with a property. It should be noted that tables may not add due to rounding.
Reserves Summary
Reserves Summary |
Light & |
Heavy Oil |
Tight Oil |
Total Oil |
Natural |
Conventional |
Shale Gas (MMcf) |
Total |
|
Gross |
|||||||||
Proved producing |
8,515 |
19,976 |
48,731 |
77,222 |
8,236 |
54,332 |
552,114 |
186,532 |
|
Proved developed non-producing |
21 |
– |
650 |
671 |
43 |
– |
4,611 |
1,482 |
|
Proved undeveloped |
354 |
2,576 |
41,721 |
44,651 |
4,720 |
1,660 |
246,294 |
90,697 |
|
Total proved |
8,890 |
22,552 |
91,101 |
122,543 |
13,000 |
55,992 |
803,018 |
278,712 |
|
Total probable |
2,719 |
7,635 |
58,125 |
68,479 |
7,752 |
21,289 |
233,742 |
118,737 |
|
Proved plus Probable |
11,609 |
30,187 |
149,227 |
191,023 |
20,752 |
77,281 |
1,036,760 |
397,448 |
|
Net |
|||||||||
Proved producing |
7,233 |
16,704 |
39,274 |
63,211 |
6,706 |
52,431 |
444,439 |
152,729 |
|
Proved developed non-producing |
21 |
– |
533 |
554 |
35 |
– |
3,657 |
1,198 |
|
Proved undeveloped |
332 |
2,170 |
33,436 |
35,938 |
3,784 |
1,295 |
195,795 |
72,569 |
|
Total proved |
7,586 |
18,873 |
73,242 |
99,701 |
10,525 |
53,726 |
643,891 |
226,496 |
|
Total probable |
2,381 |
6,249 |
46,591 |
55,221 |
6,247 |
20,225 |
185,576 |
95,768 |
|
Proved plus Probable |
9,966 |
25,122 |
119,833 |
154,921 |
16,772 |
73,951 |
829,467 |
322,264 |
Reserves Reconciliation
The following tables outline the changes in Enerplus’ proved, probable and proved plus probable reserves, on a gross basis, from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017.
Proved Reserves – Gross Volumes (Forecast Prices) |
|||||||||
Light & |
Heavy |
Tight Oil |
Total Oil |
Natural |
Conventional |
Shale |
Total |
||
Proved Reserves at |
11,621 |
30,232 |
77,566 |
119,419 |
11,825 |
95,769 |
726,614 |
268,307 |
|
Acquisitions |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Dispositions |
(691) |
(4,730) |
(134) |
(5,555) |
(122) |
(22,970) |
(127) |
(9,527) |
|
Discoveries |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Extensions & improved recovery |
354 |
390 |
19,609 |
20,353 |
2,231 |
28 |
78,672 |
35,701 |
|
Economic factors |
(138) |
(113) |
(517) |
(768) |
(177) |
(5,316) |
(3,296) |
(2,380) |
|
Technical revisions |
(541) |
(1,012) |
4,084 |
2,531 |
581 |
4,098 |
80,551 |
17,220 |
|
Production |
(1,715) |
(2,215) |
(9,507) |
(13,437) |
(1,338) |
(15,617) |
(79,396) |
(30,610) |
|
Proved Reserves at |
8,890 |
22,552 |
91,101 |
122,543 |
13,000 |
55,992 |
803,018 |
278,712 |
Probable Reserves – Gross Volumes (Forecast Prices) |
|||||||||
Light & |
Heavy |
Tight Oil |
Total Oil |
Natural |
Conventional |
Shale |
Total |
||
Probable Reserves at |
2,645 |
8,721 |
45,432 |
56,798 |
6,273 |
30,521 |
276,169 |
114,186 |
|
Acquisitions |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Dispositions |
(144) |
(1,101) |
(36) |
(1,281) |
(44) |
(9,185) |
(34) |
(2,861) |
|
Discoveries |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Extensions & improved recovery |
163 |
165 |
15,013 |
15,341 |
1,663 |
12 |
31,211 |
22,208 |
|
Economic factors |
(7) |
(39) |
(10) |
(56) |
(73) |
(2,393) |
21 |
(525) |
|
Technical revisions |
62 |
(110) |
(2,274) |
(2,322) |
(67) |
2,335 |
(73,624) |
(14,271) |
|
Production |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Probable Reserves at |
2,719 |
7,635 |
58,125 |
68,479 |
7,752 |
21,289 |
233,742 |
118,737 |
Proved Plus Probable Reserves – Gross Volumes (Forecast Prices) |
||||||||
Light & |
Heavy |
Tight Oil |
Total Oil |
Natural |
Conventional |
Shale |
Total |
|
Proved Plus Probable |
14,265 |
38,953 |
122,998 |
176,216 |
18,098 |
126,290 |
1,002,783 |
382,493 |
Acquisitions |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Dispositions |
(834) |
(5,831) |
(170) |
(6,835) |
(166) |
(32,155) |
(161) |
(12,388) |
Discoveries |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
Extensions & improved recovery |
517 |
555 |
34,622 |
35,694 |
3,895 |
40 |
109,882 |
57,909 |
Economic factors |
(145) |
(152) |
(527) |
(824) |
(250) |
(7,709) |
(3,275) |
(2,905) |
Technical revisions |
(479) |
(1,122) |
1,810 |
209 |
513 |
6,432 |
6,927 |
2,949 |
Production |
(1,715) |
(2,215) |
(9,507) |
(13,437) |
(1,338) |
(15,617) |
(79,396) |
(30,610) |
Proved Plus Probable |
11,609 |
30,187 |
149,227 |
191,023 |
20,752 |
77,281 |
1,036,760 |
397,448 |
Future Development Costs
Changes in forecast FDC occur annually as a result of development activities, acquisition and divestment activities and capital cost estimates that reflect the evaluators’ best estimate of the capital required to bring the proved and proved plus probable reserves on production. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent year and the change during the year in estimated future development costs generally reflect the total finding and development costs related to reserves additions for that year.
The following is a summary of the independent reserves evaluators’ estimated FDC required to bring the total proved and proved plus probable reserves on production:
Future Development Costs |
Proved Reserves |
Proved Plus Probable Reserves |
($ millions) |
||
2018 |
474 |
511 |
2019 |
437 |
605 |
2020 |
65 |
469 |
2021 |
32 |
83 |
2022 |
21 |
33 |
Remainder |
11 |
13 |
Total FDC Undiscounted |
1,040 |
1,714 |
Total FDC Discounted at 10% |
925 |
1,469 |
F&D and FD&A Costs – including future development costs |
||||||
($ millions except for per BOE amounts) |
2017 |
2016 |
2015 |
3 Year |
||
Proved Plus Probable Reserves |
||||||
Finding & Development Costs |
||||||
Capital Expenditures |
$458.0 |
$209.1 |
$493.4 |
$1,160.6 |
||
Net change in Future Development Costs |
$102.8 |
$(4.0) |
$(142.2) |
$(43.4) |
||
Gross Reserves additions (MMBOE) |
58.0 |
42.6 |
41.6 |
142.2 |
||
F&D costs ($/BOE) |
$9.68 |
$4.82 |
$8.44 |
$7.86 |
||
Finding, Development & Acquisition Costs |
||||||
Capital expenditures and net acquisitions |
$415.1 |
$(335.1) |
$216.2 |
$296.2 |
||
Net change in Future Development Costs |
$85.1 |
$(94.5) |
$(212.5) |
$(222.0) |
||
Gross Reserves additions (MMBOE) |
45.6 |
10.3 |
14.9 |
70.8 |
||
FD&A costs ($/BOE) |
$10.98 |
$(41.60) |
$0.25 |
$1.05 |
||
Proved Reserves |
||||||
Finding & Development Costs |
||||||
Capital Expenditures |
$458.0 |
$209.1 |
$493.4 |
$1,160.6 |
||
Net change in Future Development Costs |
$114.0 |
$(124.4) |
$210.0 |
$199.6 |
||
Gross Reserves additions (MMBOE) |
50.5 |
47.2 |
50.7 |
148.5 |
||
F&D costs ($/BOE) |
$11.32 |
$1.79 |
$13.88 |
$9.16 |
||
Finding, Development & Acquisition Costs |
||||||
Capital expenditures and net acquisitions |
$415.1 |
$(335.1) |
$216.2 |
$296.2 |
||
Net change in Future Development Costs |
$96.7 |
$(202.1) |
$139.7 |
$34.3 |
||
Gross Reserves additions (MMBOE) |
41.0 |
24.7 |
31.1 |
96.8 |
||
FD&A costs ($/BOE) |
$12.48 |
$(21.74) |
$11.44 |
$3.41 |
||
Proved Developed Producing Reserves |
||||||
Finding & Development Costs |
||||||
Capital Expenditures |
$458.0 |
$209.1 |
$493.4 |
$1,160.6 |
||
Gross Reserves additions (MMBOE) |
34.8 |
43.9 |
41.5 |
120.1 |
||
F&D costs ($/BOE) |
$13.17 |
$4.77 |
$11.90 |
$9.66 |
Forecast Price Assumptions
The forecast price and cost case assumes no legislative or regulatory amendments, and includes the effects of inflation. The estimated future net revenue to be derived from the production of the reserves is based on the following price forecasts supplied by McDaniel as of January 1, 2018, (and utilized by NSAI and by the Company in its internal evaluations for consistency in the Company’s reserves reporting), and the following inflation and exchange rate assumptions.
McDaniel January 2018 Forecast Price Assumptions |
||||||||
WTI |
Light Crude Oil(2) |
Alberta |
U.S. Henry |
Natural Gas |
Exchange |
Inflation %/year |
||
2018 |
58.50 |
70.10 |
45.20 |
3.00 |
2.25 |
0.790 |
0.0 |
|
2019 |
58.70 |
71.30 |
49.60 |
3.05 |
2.65 |
0.790 |
2.0 |
|
2020 |
62.40 |
74.90 |
53.60 |
3.25 |
3.05 |
0.800 |
2.0 |
|
2021 |
69.00 |
80.50 |
57.60 |
3.55 |
3.40 |
0.825 |
2.0 |
|
2022 |
73.10 |
82.80 |
59.20 |
3.80 |
3.60 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2023 |
74.50 |
84.40 |
60.30 |
3.85 |
3.65 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2024 |
76.00 |
86.10 |
61.60 |
3.95 |
3.75 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2025 |
77.50 |
87.80 |
62.80 |
4.00 |
3.80 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2026 |
79.10 |
89.60 |
64.10 |
4.10 |
3.90 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2027 |
80.70 |
91.40 |
65.40 |
4.15 |
3.95 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2028 |
82.30 |
93.20 |
66.60 |
4.25 |
4.05 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2029 |
83.90 |
95.00 |
67.90 |
4.35 |
4.15 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2030 |
85.60 |
97.00 |
69.40 |
4.45 |
4.25 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2031 |
87.30 |
98.90 |
70.70 |
4.50 |
4.30 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
2032 |
89.10 |
100.90 |
72.10 |
4.60 |
4.35 |
0.850 |
2.0 |
|
Thereafter |
(4) |
(4) |
(4) |
(4) |
(4) |
0.850 |
(4) |
|
(1) West Texas Intermediate at Cushing, Oklahoma 40 degree API / 0.5% Sulphur. (2) Edmonton Light Sweet 40 degree API, 0.3% Sulphur. (3) Heavy Crude Oil 12 degree API at Hardisty, Alberta (after deducting blending costs to reach pipeline quality). (4) Escalation is approximately 2% per year thereafter. |
Net Present Value of Future Production Revenue
The following table provides an estimate of the net present value of Enerplus’ future production revenue after deduction of royalties, estimated future capital and operating expenditures, before income taxes. It should not be assumed that the present value of estimated future cash flows shown below is representative of the fair market value of the reserves.
Net Present Value of Future Production Revenue – Forecast Prices and Costs (before tax) |
||||
Reserves at December 31, 2017, ($ Millions, discounted at) |
0% |
5% |
10% |
15% |
Proved developed producing |
3,940 |
2,789 |
2,171 |
1,796 |
Proved developed non-producing |
16 |
11 |
8 |
6 |
Proved undeveloped |
1,527 |
931 |
608 |
411 |
Total Proved |
5,483 |
3,731 |
2,788 |
2,213 |
Probable |
3,397 |
1,699 |
1,023 |
684 |
Total Proved Plus Probable Reserves (before tax) |
8,880 |
5,430 |
3,811 |
2,897 |
Contingent Resources
The following table provides a breakdown of the economic, unrisked best estimate contingent resources associated with a portion of Enerplus’ Fort Berthold, Marcellus, and Canadian waterflood assets as at December 31, 2017. These contingent resources are economic using McDaniel’s January 1, 2018 forecast commodity prices, use established technologies and are all classified in the “development pending” maturity sub-class. There is uncertainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources.
The evaluations of contingent resources associated with a portion of Enerplus’ waterflood properties and leases at Fort Berthold were conducted by Enerplus and audited by McDaniel. NSAI evaluated 100% of Enerplus’ Marcellus shale gas assets in the U.S., including the estimate of contingent resources.
Please see Enerplus’ Annual Information Form (“AIF”) – Appendix A for additional disclosures related to Enerplus’ contingent resources as at December 31, 2017. The AIF is available at www.enerplus.com as well as on the Company’s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
Development Pending Contingent Resources |
Unrisked “Best Estimate” |
Contingent Resources Net Drilling Locations |
|
Canada |
|||
Waterfloods – IOR/EOR on a portion of waterfloods |
34.1 |
MMBOE |
51.8 |
Total Canada |
34.1 |
MMBOE |
51.8 |
United States Properties |
|||
Fort Berthold – Bakken/Three Forks Tight Oil wells |
79.2 |
MMBOE |
157.9 |
Marcellus – Shale gas |
737.6 |
Bcf |
71.2 |
Total United States |
202.1 |
MMBOE |
229.1 |
Total Company |
236.1 |
MMBOE |
280.9 |
LIVE CONFERENCE CALL
Enerplus plans to hold a conference call hosted by Ian C. Dundas, President and CEO, today, February 23, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET) to discuss these results. Details of the conference call are as follows:
Date: |
Friday, February 23, 2018 |
Time: |
9:00 am MT/11:00 am ET |
Dial-In: |
647-427-7450 |
1-888-231-8191 (toll free) |
|
Audiocast: |
http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1581105&s=1&k=682A07EC39874D5C3643C2C61153B241 |
To ensure timely participation in the conference call, callers are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes prior to the start time to register for the event. A telephone replay will be available for 30 days following the conference call and can be accessed at the following numbers:
Dial-In: |
416-849-0833 |
1-855-859-2056 (toll free) |
|
Passcode: |
51750852 |
Electronic copies of Enerplus’ 2017 MD&A and Financial Statements, along with other public information including investor presentations, are available on the Company’s website at www.enerplus.com.
Follow @EnerplusCorp on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EnerplusCorp.