CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 15, 2014) - DEETHREE EXPLORATION LTD. ("DeeThree") ("Company") (TSX:DTX)(OTCQX:DTHRF) is pleased to release an operational update and its financial and operational results for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial and operational highlights for the interim period ended March 31, 2014 with comparative data for 2013 are set out below and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
| 2014 | 2013 | Change | ||
| (000s, except per share amounts) | ($) | ($) | (%) | |
| Financial | ||||
| Oil and natural gas revenues | 65,643 | 30,490 | 115 | |
| Funds from operations (1) | 35,536 | 16,788 | 112 | |
| Per share - basic | 0.43 | 0.23 | 87 | |
| Per share - diluted | 0.42 | 0.23 | 83 | |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 23,607 | 18,000 | 31 | |
| Net income (loss) | 8,682 | (627) | 1,485 | |
| Per share - basic | 0.11 | (0.01) | 1,200 | |
| Per share - diluted | 0.10 | (0.01) | 1,100 | |
| Capital expenditures (2) | 72,312 | 41,558 | 74 | |
| Working capital deficit (3) | 155,517 | 70,174 | 122 | |
| Shareholders' equity | 321,640 | 244,909 | 31 | |
| (000s) | (#) | (#) | (%) | |
| Share Data | ||||
| At period-end | 82,065 | 76,168 | 8 | |
| Weighted average - basic | 81,932 | 73,188 | 12 | |
| Weighted average - diluted | 84,741 | 73,188 | 16 | |
| Operating(4) | ||||
| Production | ||||
| Natural gas (mcf/d) | 12,381 | 10,279 | 20 | |
| Crude oil (bbls/d) | 6,743 | 3,924 | 72 | |
| NGLs (bbls/d) | 565 | 289 | 96 | |
| Total (boe/d) | 9,372 | 5,926 | 58 | |
| Average wellhead prices | ||||
| Natural gas ($/mcf) | 6.00 | 3.43 | 75 | |
| Crude oil and NGLs ($/bbl) | 89.60 | 71.81 | 25 | |
| Combined average ($/boe) | 77.83 | 57.17 | 36 | |
| Netbacks | ||||
| Operating netback ($/boe) (1) | 47.21 | 35.15 | 34 | |
| Funds flow netback ($/boe) (1) | 42.05 | 31.45 | 34 | |
| Gross (net) wells drilled | ||||
| Gas (#) | 1 (1.0) | - (-) | - (-) | |
| Oil (#) | 11 (10.97) | 7 (6.22) | 57 (76) | |
| Standing (#) | 3 (3.0) | - (-) | - (-) | |
| Dry and abandoned (#) | 2 (2.0) | 1 (0.97) | 100 (106) | |
| Total (#) | 17 (16.97) | 8 (7.19) | 113 (136) | |
| Average working interest (%) | 100 | 90 | 11 | |
| (1) | Funds from operations, funds from operations per share, operating netback and funds flow netback are not recognized measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Refer to the commentary below under "Reader Advisory - Non-IFRS Measurements". |
| (2) | Total capital expenditures, including acquisitions and excluding non-cash transactions. Refer to commentary in the Management's Discussion and Analysis under "Capital Expenditures and Acquisitions" for further information. |
| (3) | Current assets less current liabilities, excluding current derivative financial instruments. |
| (4) | For a description of the boe conversion ratio, refer to the commentary below under "Reader Advisory - BOE Presentation". |
- Record production for the tenth consecutive quarter averaging 9,372 boe/d, up 58% from the first quarter of 2013 and 9% from the fourth quarter of 2013.
- Funds flow from operations grew to $35.5 million, representing a 112% increase over the first quarter of 2013 and a 44% improvement over the fourth quarter of 2013.
- Funds from operations per share increased to $0.42 fully diluted from $0.23 in the same quarter last year and $0.31 in the final quarter of 2013, an increase of 83% and 35% respectively.
- Increased operating netbacks to $47.21/boe from $35.15/boe in the first quarter of 2013 and $37.38 in the final quarter of 2013.
- Invested $72.3 million in our capital program, including the drilling of 17 (16.97 net) wells, including 14 (13.97 net) horizontal development wells, 1 (1.0 net) horizontal gas injection well and 2 (2.0 net) vertical exploration wells.
- Exited the quarter with total net debt of $155.5 million representing a debt to annualized cash flow ratio of 1.09:1.
- Subsequent to the quarter end, the Company finalized its amended and restated syndicated credit facility with a syndicate of five Canadian chartered banks in the amount of $235 million, which replaces the previous $165 million demand credit facility.
- On May 5, 2014, DeeThree entered into an agreement, on a bought deal basis, to raise $67 million (net of share issue expenses) through the issuance of 5.4 million common and 752,000 flow through shares at $11.10 and $13.30 per share respectively. The Company has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to increase the size of the offering by an additional 450,000 common shares. Closing of the offering is anticipated to occur on May 27, 2014.
Operational Update
The Company was very active throughout the first quarter of 2014 achieving exit production in excess of 11,500 boe/d.
The Company currently has two rigs drilling Alberta Bakken horizontal wells in the Ferguson area of southern Alberta where spring breakup conditions have little effect on its operations. Two rigs are scheduled to commence drilling in Brazeau by late June.
Current production is in excess of 11,000 boe/d with two Alberta Bakken wells and one Belly River well awaiting completion in the coming weeks. With approximately 28 gross wells to drill throughout the remainder of 2014, the Company is well positioned and will be reviewing its guidance in the near future.
Belly River
In Brazeau the Company continues to improve results, applying extended reach technology and larger fracture stimulations in executing the most successful drilling program to date. DeeThree achieved a 100% drilling success rate and have finished testing 8 gross (7.97 net) wells to date with an average final test rate of 820 bbls/d of oil and 750 mcf/d of gas as follows:
| Location | Days tested | Final Oil Test Rate (bbl/d) |
Final Gas Test Rate mmcf/d |
|
| 1 | 10 | 488 | 0.86 | |
| 2 | 9 | 1617 | 1.19 | |
| 3 | 7 | 1083 | 0.51 | |
| 4 | 7 | 1051 | 1.30 | |
| 5 | 6.5 | 968 | 1.14 | |
| 6 | 6 | 670 | 0.47 | |
| 7 | 4.5 | 498 | 0.39 | |
| 8 | 3 | 181 | 0.15 |
The program continued to test a combination of down-spacing potential and extensions in three different previously tested Belly River sand intervals. In addition, the Company drilled its first horizontal in the Basal Belly River A sand interval and is anticipating completing this well in the coming weeks.
In order to handle the large increase in production volumes a field compressor and oil transfer facility was commissioned in early May. The facility has the capacity to transfer up to 6000 bbls/d of oil to the Company's central main battery.
Bakken
Throughout the first quarter, the Company drilled four 100% working interest Alberta Bakken horizontal wells including three infill producers and a third gas injector for its gas reinjection enhanced oil recovery ("EOR") scheme. The three infill producers successfully tested down spacing in different areas of the pool with an average final test rate of 595 bbls/d of oil and 235 mcf/d of gas. In addition, the Company drilled two 100% working interest vertical exploration test wells.
| Location | Days tested | Final Oil Test Rate (bbl/d) |
Final Gas Test Rate mmcf/d |
|
| 1 | 11 | 555 | 0.195 | |
| 2 | 6.5 | 270 | 0.177 | |
| 3 | 6 | 960 | 0.335 |
The Company's gas re-injection EOR scheme has continued to exceed expectations. The pilot, consisting of one central gas injector and ten producing wells, was started in July of 2013. With more history and positive responses from the producing wells, the pilot continues to demonstrate the potential to significantly increase ultimate recoveries. As a result, the Company is expanding the gas reinjection pipeline infrastructure and ordered a built for purpose gas injection compressor which will increase injection capacity to 4 mmcf/d. By the end of the second quarter the Company is expecting to be re-injecting a significant portion of its Alberta Bakken gas in three different injectors strategically located throughout the pool.
DeeThree has recently acquired more than 70 sections of additional lands in the Ferguson area prospective for the Alberta Bakken. In addition to acquired Crown land, the Company executed an agreement with a senior producer to earn a 100% working interest in up to 34.5 contiguous sections (22,080 acres) of land located directly on trend with our existing Alberta Bakken production. The land is strategic to the Company and its future plans as it was the majority block of remaining available land between our original Alberta Bakken discovery well and the existing pool that has now been delineated to exceed 70 sections. The land block complements the Company's existing crown and farm in lands giving it a 100% working interest in a contiguous land base of approximately 200 sections of Alberta Bakken rights stretching 30 miles between production in what it currently defines as its primary Alberta Bakken development and exploration fairway. As a result of these recent additions, the Company is now planning to drill up to four Alberta Bakken exploration wells throughout the remainder of 2014 with the potential to materially increase the size of its Alberta Bakken resource.
Peace River Arch
DeeThree has identified several development and exploration prospects in the Charlie Lake, Doig and Montney formations on its land position in the Peace River Arch. DeeThree will drill one 100% working interest Montney horizontal well offsetting an existing vertical oil producer that will also test a Charlie Lake oil exploration prospect.
Outlook
As a result of the Company's successful drilling program, its recent success in securing additional lands along with pending projects furthering the development and efficiency of its core production, DeeThree's Board of Directors has approved an increase to our capital budget for 2014 to $270 million from $230 million. DeeThree is on target to reach its previously announced 2014 production guidance averaging 11,500 - 11,700 boe/d and an exit production target of 13,000 - 13,500 boe/d. No production volumes have been attributed to the exploration prospects. In addition, the Company will continue to evaluate strategic land acquisitions in order to further consolidate its core areas.
With the increase to our credit facility and the pending closing of the equity financing described in the highlights above, DeeThree's balance sheet is strong and will allow us to execute our program and to continue to build our key growth properties throughout the remainder of 2014. DeeThree continues to invest with the goal of creating long term value and activity remains focused in its two core areas where the Company owns and controls the vast majority of the land and associated infrastructure. Overall, 2014 is shaping up to be another exciting year for DeeThree.
Reader Advisory
Forward-Looking Statements. Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or DeeThree's future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and similar expressions. These 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 statements. DeeThree believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this press release should not be unduly relied upon by investors. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement.
In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements, pertaining to the following: projections of market prices and costs, supply and demand for oil and natural gas, the quantity of reserves, oil and natural gas production levels, capital expenditure programs, treatment under governmental regulatory and taxation regimes, expectations regarding DeeThree's ability to raise capital and to continually add to reserves through acquisitions and development, and projections of market prices and costs.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this press release, DeeThree has made assumptions regarding, among other things: the legislative and regulatory environments of the jurisdictions where DeeThree carries on business or has operations, the impact of increasing competition, and DeeThree's ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms.
DeeThree's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors that may include, but are not limited to: volatility in the market prices for oil and natural gas; uncertainties associated with estimating reserves; uncertainties associated with DeeThree's ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; liabilities and risks, including environmental liabilities and risks, inherent in oil and natural gas operations; incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions; competition for, among other things, capital, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel.
This forward-looking information represents DeeThree's views as of the date of this document and such information should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. DeeThree has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those current expectations or estimates expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. However, there may be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as expected or estimated and that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from current expectations. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as results and future events could differ materially from those expected or estimated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. . Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Test Rates. Test rates are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Neither a pressure transient analysis nor a well-test interpretation has been carried out and the data should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis or interpretation has been done.
Non-IFRS Measurements. This news release contains the terms "funds from operations" and "funds from operations per share", which should not be considered an alternative to or more meaningful than cash flow from (used in) operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS. These terms do not have any standardized meaning under IFRS. DeeThree's determination of funds from operations and funds from operations per share may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Management uses funds from operations to analyze operating performance and leverage, and considers funds from operations to be a key measure as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate cash necessary to fund future capital investments and to repay debt, if applicable. Funds from operations is calculated using cash flow from operating activities as presented in the statement of cash flows, before changes in non-cash working capital. DeeThree presents funds from operations per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted-average shares outstanding, consistent with the calculation of earnings per share.
The Company considers corporate netbacks to be a key measure as they demonstrate DeeThree's profitability relative to current commodity prices. Corporate netbacks are comprised of operating and funds flow netbacks. Operating netback is calculated as the average sales price of the Company's commodities, less royalties, operating costs and transportation expenses. Funds flow netback starts with the operating netback and further deducts general and administrative costs, finance expense and unrealized gains on financial instruments, and then adds any finance income and realized gains on financial instruments, if applicable. No IFRS measure is reasonably comparable to netbacks. See "Netbacks (per unit)" in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed on www.sedar.com for the netback calculations.
Working capital deficit, which represent current assets less current liabilities, excluding current derivative financial instruments, is used to assess efficiency, liquidity and the Company's general financial strength. No IFRS measure is reasonably comparable to working capital deficit.
BOE Presentation. References herein to "boe" mean barrels of oil equivalent derived by converting gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of gas to one barrel (bbl) of oil. Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy conversion method 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 crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6: 1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
Contact Information:
President and Chief Executive Officer
DeeThree Exploration Ltd.
(403) 263-9130