CALGARY,
AB, April 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Topaz Energy Corp.
(TSX: TPZ) ("Topaz" or the "Company") is pleased to provide first
quarter 2024 financial results and confirm the Company's 2024e
guidance estimates. Select financial information is outlined
below and should be read in conjunction with Topaz's interim
condensed consolidated financial statements ("Consolidated
Financial Statements") and related management's discussion and
analysis ("MD&A") as at and for the three months ended
March 31, 2024, which are available
on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Topaz's website at
www.topazenergy.ca.
First Quarter 2024 Highlights
- Topaz's undeveloped lands continue to attract a strong,
consistent level of development activity. 12% of the total
wells drilled across the WCSB(9) were spud on Topaz
royalty acreage during the first quarter of both 2024 and
2023. Since the beginning of 2021, the total number of gross
wells drilled across Topaz's royalty acreage represents 13% of the
wells drilled across the WCSB(9). Over that same
time, Topaz's heavy oil royalty production has increased
significantly from 50 bbl/d to 2,877 bbl/d, the majority of which
is attributed to growth from the Clearwater play.
- Based on operator drilling plans, 9 to 11 rigs will remain
active across Topaz's royalty acreage through spring
break-up(3), a record level as spring conditions
typically restrict most development activity. Royalty acreage
activity is expected to resume with 25 to 29 planned drilling rigs
following break-up(3).
- Topaz generated total revenue and other income of $78.2 million, 54% of which was derived from oil
and liquids royalties, 23% from natural gas royalties, and 23% from
Topaz's infrastructure portfolio.
- Cash flow of $67.9 million or
$0.47 per diluted
share,(2) was generated from 19,192 boe/d(4)
(30% oil and liquids) average royalty production and 99%
infrastructure asset capacity utilization.
- FCF(1) of $66.3
million or $0.46 per diluted
share(2) was allocated to dividends and debt
reduction. Topaz paid a $0.32
per share first quarter dividend ($1.28 per share annualized(12)) which
represents a 6.4% trailing annualized yield to the Q1 2024 average
share price(10). Topaz reduced net
debt(1) $20.5 million or
6% during the quarter.
- Topaz confirms its previously announced guidance estimates for
2024e of 18,800 to 19,600 boe/d(3)(4) royalty
production and $69.0 to $71.0 million(3) of processing revenue
and other income.
- For the balance of 2024e, Topaz's dividend is sustainable down
to very low commodity prices ($0.01
per mcf natural gas and US$50.00
per bbl crude oil(3)(13)).
First Quarter 2024 Update
Financial Overview
- Topaz generated $78.2 million
total revenue and other income, 77% of which from royalty assets
that generated a 99% operating margin(1) and 23% from
infrastructure assets that generated an 89% operating
margin(1).
- Cash flow of $67.9 million or
$0.47 per diluted share(2)
was lower than the prior quarter, driven by 3% lower commodity
pricing including wider crude oil differentials, and lower royalty
production attributed to extreme January weather conditions and
Topaz's last scheduled royalty rate reversion. The decrease
was offset by a $0.6 million higher
hedging gain, 12% stronger WCS differential pricing, and 6% lower
interest expense.
- Topaz paid $46.4 million in
dividends (68% payout ratio(1)), and generated
$19.9 million of Excess
FCF(1) which was allocated to debt repayment.
- Topaz exited Q1 2024 with $322.3
million of net debt(1), $20.5 million or 6% lower than the end of
2023. As at April 29, 2024,
Topaz has $650.0 million of available
credit capacity(6) which provides financial flexibility
for strategic growth opportunities.
Royalty Activity
- First quarter average royalty production of
19,192 boe/d(4) (30% oil and liquids) achieved the
midpoint of Topaz's 2024e guidance range. The estimated gross
operator production across Topaz's royalty acreage in Q1 2024
represented approximately 8% of total WCSB
production(8).
- During the quarter, operators spud 145 gross wells (5.0
net)(7) and reactivated 6 gross wells across Topaz's
royalty acreage, compared to 147 gross wells spud (5.0 net) and 10
gross wells reactivated during the prior quarter. At the end
of the first quarter, 95 of the 145 gross wells drilled in Q1 2024
had not yet been brought on production, compared to 87 out of 147
at the end of Q4 2023.
- During Q1 2024, Topaz's total realized royalty production price
was $34.55 per boe, 3% lower
than the prior quarter, driven by lower crude oil and natural gas
liquids market pricing. The majority of Topaz's royalty
agreements do not permit standard royalty deductions which enhances
Topaz's commodity exposure and profitability. For Q1 2024,
Topaz's realized natural gas price represents 100% of the AECO 5A
benchmark price and Topaz's realized heavy crude oil price
represents 97% of the WCS heavy oil benchmark price.
- Topaz estimates that operators invested $0.5 billion to $0.6
billion of development capital across the Company's royalty
acreage in Q1 2024. Drilling activity (145 gross wells
spud(7)) was diversified across Topaz's portfolio as
follows: 53 Clearwater, 35 NEBC Montney, 25 Deep Basin, 15 Peace
River, 6 Central Alberta and 11
SE Saskatchewan/Manitoba. Clearwater drilling activity
increased 26% from the prior quarter.
Infrastructure Activity
- Topaz generated $17.9 million in
processing revenue and other income which was 4% higher than the
prior year. During Q1 2024, Topaz incurred $1.9 million in operating expenses resulting in
an 89% operating margin(1). The infrastructure
assets generated 99% utilization and Topaz incurred $1.0 million in maintenance-related capital
expenditures (before capitalized G&A).
- Construction of the previously announced Clearwater Natural Gas
Gathering Infrastructure continues to be advanced by the operator
who has spent $15.3 million toward
the project to date, and is expected to be completed by late
2024. Following commissioning, Topaz will fund the final
capital costs and generate incremental processing revenue.
The Clearwater Natural Gas Gathering Infrastructure is designed to
conserve natural gas across Topaz's existing West Marten Hills
royalty acreage and is expected to increase Topaz's existing
royalty production revenue up to $0.5
million in 2025, meaningfully reduce CO2
emissions in the area, and generate approximately $3.7 million in infrastructure processing revenue
for Topaz in 2025(3)(15).
Dividend
- Topaz's Board has declared the second quarter 2024 dividend at
$0.32 per share which is expected to
be paid on June 28, 2024, to
shareholders of record on June 14,
2024. The quarterly cash dividend is designated as an
"eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes. The
annualized dividend of $1.28 per
share(12) provides a 5.6% yield to Topaz's current share
price(11).
- Topaz's 2024 estimated dividend is sustainable down to
extremely low commodity prices ($0.01
per mcf natural gas and US$50.00
per bbl crude oil(3)(13)) due to the Company's
high-margin, stable infrastructure income and hedging
strategy. Based on Topaz's 2024 midpoint royalty production
estimate, 18% of natural gas is hedged at a weighted average fixed
price of C$3.17 per mcf and
approximately 40% of oil and total liquids is protected to a
weighted average floor price of C$102.54 per bbl using collar structures to
maintain upside price participation(13).
Guidance Outlook
2024e Guidance Estimates Confirmed
- Topaz confirms the Company's previously announced 2024e
guidance estimates, including average annual royalty production of
18,800 – 19,600 boe/d(3)(4) and processing revenue and
other income between $69.0 and
$71.0 million(3).
Topaz's royalty production guidance anticipates operator-funded
capital development between $2.2
billion and $2.8 billion and
incorporates the impact of Topaz's last contractually scheduled
royalty rate reversion from 4% to 3%, effective January 1, 2024, on approximately 300 MMcf/d of
gross natural gas production (approximately 500 boe/d to
Topaz)(14ii).
- For 2024e, the royalty production guidance range purposefully
remains flexible and allows for operators to adjust capital
spending in response to near-term supply/demand and resulting
commodity price factors in the WCSB. Topaz's asset
portfolio is diversified amongst oil and liquids-rich, natural
gas-focused plays and is concentrated on the most commodity
price-resilient activity areas. Based on current commodity
pricing(5), Topaz expects to exit 2024e with net
debt(1) between $240.0 and
$250.0 million, before consideration
of incremental acquisitions or the costs of the Clearwater Natural
Gas Gathering Infrastructure.
2024e Guidance
Estimates(3)(14)
$mm except
boe/d
|
Annual average royalty
production (boe/d)(4)
|
18,800 –
19,600
|
Royalty production
natural gas weighting (%)(4)
|
~70%
|
Infrastructure
processing revenue and other income
|
$69.0 -
$71.0mm
|
Capital expenditures
(excluding acquisitions)
|
$4.0 –
$5.0mm
|
Dividend ($1.28 per
share)(12)
|
~$185.4mm
|
Dividend payout
ratio(1)(5)
|
~64%
|
Year end net
debt(1)(5)
|
$240.0 –
$250.0mm
|
Year end net debt to
EBITDA(1)(5)
|
~0.8x
|
Dividend Sustainability and Capital
Allocation
- Topaz's 2024e dividend payout ratio(1) of
64%(3)(14) remains at the lower end of the Company's
targeted long-term payout of 60-90% to maintain financial
flexibility for acquisition growth opportunities. Topaz's strategy
is to continue to provide further dividend increases alongside
sustainable organic and acquisition growth.
- Topaz's year-end 2024e net debt to EBITDA(1) is
estimated at 0.8 times(3)(5) before consideration of
acquisition activity, or 0.9 times(3)(5) following the
commissioning and estimated costs attributed to the Clearwater
Natural Gas Gathering Infrastructure(15). The
Company has a $700 million
covenant-based unsecured credit facility, expandable to
$1.0 billion, which provides
financial flexibility and growth optionality(6).
Additional information
Additional information about Topaz, including the Consolidated
Financial Statements and MD&A as at and for the three months
ended March 31, 2024 are available on
SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile, and on
Topaz's website at www.topazenergy.ca.
Q1 2024 CONFERENCE CALL
Topaz will host a conference call tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30, 2024 starting at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m.
EST). To join the conference call without operator
assistance, participants can register and enter their phone number
at https://emportal.ink/4akbl5E to receive an instant
automated call back. Alternatively, participants can join by
calling a live operator at 416-764-8659 or 1-888-664-6392 (North
American toll free). The conference call ID is 12063827.
2024 ANNUAL MEETING
Topaz will host its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. MST (11:00 a.m.
EST) at the Calgary Petroleum Club (now to be held in the
McMurray Room) located at 310 5th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta. If you were a
shareholder of record of Topaz common shares at the close of
business on March 18, 2024, you have
received notice of, and are entitled to participate in, and vote at
this meeting. We encourage you to vote your common shares and
participate in the meeting.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Topaz is a unique royalty and infrastructure energy company
focused on generating free cash flow growth and paying reliable and
sustainable dividends to its shareholders, through its strategic
relationship with Canada's largest
and most active natural gas producer, Tourmaline Oil Corp.
("Tourmaline"), an investment-grade senior Canadian E&P
company, and leveraging industry relationships to execute
complementary acquisitions from other high-quality energy
companies, while maintaining its commitment to environmental,
social and governance best practices. Topaz focuses on top-quartile
energy resources and assets best positioned to attract capital in
order to generate sustainable long-term growth and
profitability.
The Topaz royalty and energy infrastructure revenue streams are
generated primarily from assets operated by natural gas producers
with some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions intensity in the
Canadian senior upstream sector, including Tourmaline, which has
received awards for environmental sustainability and conservation
efforts. Certain of these producers have set long-term emissions
reduction targets and continue to invest in technology to improve
environmental sustainability.
Topaz's common shares are listed and posted for trading on the
TSX under the trading symbol "TPZ" and it is included in the
S&P/TSX Composite Index. This is the headline index for
Canada and is the principal
benchmark measure for the Canadian equity markets, represented by
the largest companies on the TSX.
For further information, please visit the Company's website at
www.topazenergy.ca. Topaz's SEDAR+ filings are
available at www.sedarplus.ca.
|
Selected Financial
Information
|
|
For the
periods ended ($000s) except per share
|
Q1
2024
|
Q4
2023
|
Q3
2023
|
Q2
2023
|
Q1
2023
|
|
Royalty
production revenue
|
60,338
|
64,268
|
67,629
|
57,667
|
60,924
|
|
Processing
revenue
|
14,506
|
14,854
|
14,381
|
13,397
|
13,571
|
|
Other
income(4)
|
3,372
|
3,656
|
3,762
|
3,616
|
3,690
|
|
Total
|
78,216
|
82,778
|
85,772
|
74,680
|
78,185
|
|
Cash
expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
|
(1,917)
|
(979)
|
(955)
|
(3,022)
|
(1,940)
|
|
Marketing
|
(392)
|
(384)
|
(400)
|
(315)
|
(369)
|
|
General
and administrative
|
(1,970)
|
(2,028)
|
(1,490)
|
(1,823)
|
(1,569)
|
|
Realized
gain (loss) on financial instruments
|
860
|
281
|
(761)
|
4,945
|
4,796
|
|
Interest
expense
|
(6,859)
|
(7,279)
|
(7,495)
|
(6,987)
|
(7,338)
|
|
Cash
flow
|
67,938
|
72,389
|
74,671
|
67,478
|
71,765
|
|
Per basic
share(1)(2)
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
$0.52
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
|
Per diluted
share(1)(2)
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
$0.52
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
|
Cash from operating
activities
|
71,283
|
76,423
|
65,190
|
73,304
|
85,659
|
|
Per basic
share(1)(2)
|
$0.49
|
$0.53
|
$0.45
|
$0.51
|
$0.59
|
|
Per diluted
share(1)(2)
|
$0.49
|
$0.53
|
$0.45
|
$0.51
|
$0.59
|
|
Net income
|
6,196
|
19,635
|
10,750
|
9,366
|
7,893
|
|
Per basic
share(2)
|
$0.04
|
$0.14
|
$0.07
|
$0.06
|
$0.05
|
|
Per diluted
share(2)
|
$0.04
|
$0.13
|
$0.07
|
$0.06
|
$0.05
|
|
EBITDA(7)
|
74,654
|
79,552
|
81,996
|
74,316
|
78,947
|
|
Per basic
share(1)(2)
|
$0.52
|
$0.55
|
$0.57
|
$0.51
|
$0.55
|
|
Per diluted
share(1)(2)
|
$0.51
|
$0.55
|
$0.57
|
$0.51
|
$0.54
|
|
FCF(1)
|
66,266
|
71,676
|
72,390
|
66,379
|
71,290
|
|
Per basic
share(1)(2)
|
$0.46
|
$0.50
|
$0.50
|
$0.46
|
$0.49
|
|
Per diluted
share(1)(2)
|
$0.46
|
$0.49
|
$0.50
|
$0.46
|
$0.49
|
|
FCF
margin(1)
|
85 %
|
87 %
|
84 %
|
89 %
|
91 %
|
|
Dividends
paid
|
46,361
|
44,847
|
44,805
|
43,355
|
43,309
|
|
Per
share(1)(6)
|
$0.32
|
$0.31
|
$0.31
|
$0.30
|
$0.30
|
|
Payout
ratio(1)
|
68 %
|
62 %
|
60 %
|
64 %
|
60 %
|
|
Excess
FCF(1)
|
19,905
|
26,829
|
27,585
|
23,024
|
27,981
|
|
Capital
expenditures
|
1,672
|
713
|
2,281
|
1,099
|
475
|
|
Work in progress
capital costs
|
11,675
|
3,581
|
─
|
─
|
─
|
|
Acquisitions, excl.
decommissioning obligations(1)
|
─
|
6,404
|
39,505
|
447
|
36
|
|
Weighted average shares
– basic(3)
|
144,839
|
144,657
|
144,535
|
144,438
|
144,336
|
|
Weighted average shares
– diluted(3)
|
145,337
|
145,536
|
145,114
|
144,990
|
144,943
|
|
Average Royalty
Production(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural
gas (mcf/d)
|
80,461
|
81,163
|
77,291
|
77,564
|
80,880
|
|
Light and
medium crude oil (bbl/d)
|
1,727
|
1,790
|
1,674
|
1,717
|
1,727
|
|
Heavy
crude oil (bbl/d)
|
2,877
|
3,016
|
2,861
|
2,582
|
2,496
|
|
Natural
gas liquids (bbl/d)
|
1,176
|
1,221
|
1,140
|
1,185
|
1,179
|
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
19,192
|
19,555
|
18,556
|
18,411
|
18,884
|
|
Total royalty
production (% total oil and liquids)
|
30 %
|
31 %
|
31 %
|
30 %
|
29 %
|
|
Natural gas liquids (%
condensate)
|
68 %
|
70 %
|
75 %
|
67 %
|
71 %
|
|
Realized Commodity
Prices(5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural
gas ($/mcf)
|
$2.51
|
$2.28
|
$2.53
|
$2.38
|
$3.23
|
|
Light and
medium crude oil ($/bbl)
|
$83.06
|
$96.51
|
$103.58
|
$90.61
|
$87.50
|
|
Heavy
crude oil ($/bbl)
|
$75.10
|
$75.12
|
$89.78
|
$73.87
|
$61.15
|
|
Natural
gas liquids ($/bbl)
|
$86.63
|
$93.46
|
$95.95
|
$86.73
|
$94.58
|
|
Total
($/boe)
|
$34.55
|
$35.72
|
$39.61
|
$34.42
|
$35.85
|
|
Benchmark
Pricing
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural Gas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AECO 5A
(CAD$/mcf)
|
$2.52
|
$2.30
|
$2.60
|
$2.45
|
$3.23
|
|
AECO 7A
(CAD$/mcf)
|
$2.05
|
$2.66
|
$2.30
|
$2.34
|
$4.35
|
|
Westcoast
station 2 (CAD$/mcf)
|
$2.62
|
$2.05
|
$2.19
|
$1.89
|
$2.90
|
|
Crude Oil, Heavy Oil
and Natural Gas Liquids
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NYMEX WTI
(USD$/bbl)
|
$76.97
|
$78.32
|
$82.18
|
$73.75
|
$76.11
|
|
Edmonton
Par (CAD$/bbl)
|
$92.49
|
$99.97
|
$108.16
|
$95.52
|
$99.55
|
|
WCS
differential (USD$/bbl)
|
$19.33
|
$21.97
|
$12.91
|
$15.07
|
$25.41
|
|
Edmonton
Condensate (CAD$/bbl)
|
$85.11
|
$102.05
|
$103.51
|
$95.61
|
$105.13
|
|
CAD$/USD$
|
$0.7414
|
$0.7344
|
$0.7459
|
$0.7446
|
$0.7396
|
|
Selected statement
of financial position results ($000s) except share
amounts
|
At
Mar
31.
2024
|
At
Dec.
31,
2023
|
At
Sept.
30,
2023
|
At
Jun.
30,
2023
|
At
Mar.
31,
2023
|
|
Total assets
|
1,600,415
|
1,647,147
|
1,691,150
|
1,700,893
|
1,766,639
|
|
Working
capital
|
31,594
|
53,295
|
47,129
|
43,898
|
52,940
|
|
Adjusted working
capital(1)
|
44,786
|
48,900
|
48,475
|
42,159
|
49,822
|
|
Net
debt(1)
|
322,273
|
342,738
|
363,206
|
352,393
|
376,487
|
|
Common shares
outstanding(3)
|
144,878
|
144,741
|
144,636
|
144,522
|
144,364
|
(1) Refer to "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures".
|
|
(2) Calculated using basic or diluted
weighted average shares outstanding during the period.
|
|
(3) Shown in thousand shares
outstanding.
|
|
(4) Includes interest income: Q1 2024 - $0.1
million; Q4 2023 - $0.1 million; Q3 2023 - $0.2 million; Q2 2023 –
$0.1 million; and Q1 2023 - $0.2 million.
|
|
(5) Refer to "Supplemental
Information Regarding Product Types."
|
|
(6) Cumulative dividend paid per
outstanding shares on quarterly dividend dates.
|
|
(7) Defined term under the Company's
Syndicated Credit Facility.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE REFERENCES
This news release refers to financial reporting periods in
abbreviated form as follows: "Q1 2024" refers to the three months
ended March 31, 2024; "Q4 2023"
refers to the three months ended December
31, 2023; and "Q1 2023" refers to the three months ended
March 31, 2023. In addition,
"2024e" refers to estimated amounts or results for the year ending
December 31, 2024.
1.
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures".
|
2.
|
Calculated using the
weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding during
the respective period.
|
3.
|
See "Forward-Looking
Statements".
|
4.
|
See "Supplemental
Information Regarding Product Types".
|
5.
|
Estimated based on a
recent commodity price forecast for 2024: C$2.04 per mcf
natural gas (AECO); US$80.32 per bbl crude oil (NYMEX
WTI).
|
6.
|
Topaz's $700 million
credit facility includes a $300 million accordion feature (for a
total $1.0 billion facility) that may be advanced by Topaz but
remains subject to agent consent. As at April 29, 2024 Topaz
had $350.0 million net borrowings against the credit facility,
providing up to $650.0 million available, subject to agent
consent.
|
7.
|
May include
non-producing injection wells.
|
8.
|
Estimated total
operator working interest average production across Topaz royalty
acreage Q1 2024 (~0.66 MMboepd) as a percentage of total estimated
WCSB average production Q1 2024 of 8.3MMboepd (Source: Canada
Energy Regulator).
|
9.
|
Q1 2024 gross wells
spud across Topaz royalty acreage (145) as a percentage of the
total wells rig released across the WCSB during Q1 2024 of 1,180
(excluding oil sands/in situ). For Q1 2021 to Q1 2024, 1,717
gross wells and 13,585 gross wells, respectively. (Source: Rig
Locator, geoSCOUT and Peters & Co. Limited).
|
10.
|
Calculated based on
Topaz's average share price on the TSX during the first quarter of
2024 of $20.10.
|
11.
|
Calculated based on
Topaz's closing share price on the TSX on April 26, 2024 of
$22.68.
|
12.
|
Topaz's dividends
remain subject to board of director approval.
|
13.
|
Refer to Topaz's most
recently filed MD&A for a complete listing of financial
derivative contracts in place. Coverage estimates are
calculated based on the midpoint of Topaz's 2024e royalty
production guidance.
|
14.
|
Management's
assumptions underlying the Company's 2024e guidance estimates
include:
|
|
i.
|
Being subject to any
significant, potential changes to the Company's key operators' 2024
capital budgets and/or operational, weather, wildfire or
drought-related issues that may impact 2024 estimated
production;
|
|
ii.
|
A royalty rate change
from 4% to 3% on natural gas, effective January 1, 2024, was
incorporated into the underwritten valuation of a natural gas
royalty acquisition completed during 2021. This change
reflects the final contractually scheduled rate change in Topaz's
royalty portfolio;
|
|
iii.
|
Topaz's internal
estimates regarding development pace and production performance
including estimates of operators' 2024 capital development plans
including capital allocated to waterflood and other long-term
value-enhancing projects and excluding exploration spending; all of
which being subject to key operators' revisions to 2024 capital
budgets and/or operational, weather, wildfire or drought-related
issues that may impact 2024 production;
|
|
iv.
|
Management's estimates
for fixed and variable processing fees based on 95% utilization,
third party income, and infrastructure utilization and cost
estimates based on historic information and adjusted for
inflation;
|
|
v.
|
No acquisition
activity. The Clearwater Natural Gas Gathering Infrastructure
acquisition is expected to be effective in fiscal 2025 and will be
incorporated into 2024 guidance estimates, if applicable, once
final capital costs and processing fees are determined, and once
the pipeline is commissioned;
|
|
vi.
|
Estimated 2024e
expenses and expenditures of $7.0-$8.0mm of cash G&A;
$8.0-$9.0mm of operating expenses; $4.0-$5.0mm capital expenditures
(excluding acquisitions); 1% marketing fee on certain royalty
production; estimated annual borrowing and standby interest costs
at a rate of 8%;
|
|
vii.
|
2024 estimated total
dividends of $185.4 million based on 144.8 million shares
outstanding at March 4, 2024 ($1.28 per share);
|
|
viii.
|
Topaz's outstanding
financial derivative contracts included in the MD&A;
and
|
|
ix.
|
Topaz's sensitivity to
2024e inherent revenue estimates (before hedging) are as
follows:
|
|
|
1.
|
C$0.50/mcf change in
natural gas price +/- $14.6mm;
|
|
|
2.
|
US$2.00/bbl change in
crude oil price +/- $5.8mm;
|
|
|
3.
|
1% annual average
royalty production change +/- $1.9mm;
|
|
|
4.
|
1% change in CAD/USD
foreign exchange +/- $1.5mm; and
|
|
|
5.
|
US$1.0/bbl change in
WCS differential +/- $1.5mm.
|
15.
|
For accounting
purposes, and as owner of the Clearwater Natural Gas Gathering
Infrastructure, Topaz records the construction costs as they are
incurred by the operator, however all funding is contractually
deferred until final commissioning of the pipeline, which is
targeted for completion late 2024. Topaz has recorded the
amount incurred to date as a deferred payable on its balance
sheet. The Clearwater Natural Gas Gathering Infrastructure is
expected to cost up to $25.0 million, with the infrastructure
processing revenue to Topaz to be adjusted according to final
construction costs.
|
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements and
forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking
statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and
views of future events. These forward-looking statements relate to
future events or the Company's future performance. Any statements
that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs,
plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance
(often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as
"will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will
continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes",
"estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection",
"strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and
may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates,
assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or
outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such
forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these
expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking
statements included in this news release should not be unduly
relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this
news release. In particular and without limitation, this news
release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to the
following: Topaz's future growth outlook, guidance and
strategic plans; estimated annual average royalty production for
2024; estimated processing revenue and other income for 2024;
anticipated 2024e net debt levels and 2024e net debt to EBITDA
levels; dividend amounts, and the estimated dividend payout ratio;
the sustainability of the dividend and the rationale for such
sustainability; the maintenance of financial flexibility for
strategic acquisition growth opportunities; the anticipated capital
expenditure and drilling plans; the number of drilling rigs to be
active on Topaz's royalty acreage; the future declaration and
payment of dividends and the timing and amount thereof; the costs
and completion timing with respect to the Clearwater Natural Gas
Gathering System; the forecasts described under the headings
"Guidance Outlook - 2024e Guidance Estimates Confirmed" and
"Sustainability and Capital Allocation" and the assumptions and
estimates described under the heading "Note References" above; and
the Company's business as described under the heading "About the
Company" above.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of assumptions
including those highlighted in this news release including future
commodity prices, capital expenditures, infrastructure ownership
capacity utilization and operator development plans, and is subject
to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond
the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events
to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by
such forward‐looking statements.
Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to,
the failure to complete acquisitions on the terms or on the timing
announced or at all and the failure to realize some or all of the
anticipated benefits of acquisitions including estimated royalty
production, royalty production revenue and FCF per share growth,
and the factors discussed in the Company's recently filed
Management's Discussion and Analysis (See "Forward-Looking
Statements" therein), 2023 Annual Information Form (See "Risk
Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" therein) and other
reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities
and may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website (www.sedarplus.ca)
or Topaz's website (www.topazenergy.ca).
Statements relating to "reserves" are also deemed to be forward
looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based
on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described
exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and that the
reserves can be profitably produced in the future.
Without limitation of the foregoing, future dividend payments,
if any, and the level thereof is uncertain, as the Company's
dividend policy and the funds available for the payment of
dividends from time to time is dependent upon, among other things,
FCF, financial requirements for the Company's operations and
the execution of its growth strategy, fluctuations in working
capital and the timing and amount of capital expenditures, debt
service requirements and other factors beyond the Company's
control. Further, the ability of Topaz to pay dividends will be
subject to applicable laws (including the satisfaction of the
solvency test contained in applicable corporate legislation) and
contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing its
indebtedness, including its credit facility.
Topaz does not undertake any obligation to update such
forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by
applicable law.
FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
Also included in this news release are estimates of the average
royalty production range and processing revenue and other income
range for the year ending December 31,
2024 and range of year-end exit net debt and net debt to
EBITDA for 2024, which are based on, among other things, the
various assumptions as to production levels and capital
expenditures and other assumptions disclosed in this news release
including under the heading "Guidance Outlook" and "Note
References" above and are based on the following key assumptions:
Topaz's estimated capital expenditures (excluding acquisitions) of
$4 to $5
million in 2024; the working interest owners' anticipated
2024 capital plans attributable to Topaz's undeveloped royalty
lands; estimated average annual royalty production range of 18,800
to 19,600 boe/d in 2024; 2024 average infrastructure ownership
capacity utilization of 95%; estimated timing of completion and
commissioning of the Clearwater Natural Gas Gathering System on or
before December 31, 2024;
December 31, 2024 exit net debt range
between $240 and $250 million, 2024 average commodity prices of:
$2.04/mcf (AECO 5A), US$80.32/bbl (NYMEX WTI), US$16.54/bbl (WCS oil differential), US$4.35/bbl (MSW oil differential) and US$/CAD$
foreign exchange 0.74.
To the extent such estimates constitute financial outlooks, they
were approved by management and the board of directors of Topaz on
April 29, 2024 and are included to
provide readers with an understanding of the estimated revenue, net
debt and the other metrics described above for the year ending
December 31, 2024 based on the
assumptions described herein and readers are cautioned that the
information may not be appropriate for other purposes.
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL
MEASURES
Certain financial terms and measures contained in this news
release are "specified financial measures" (as such term is defined
in National Instrument 52-112 - Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures Disclosure ("NI 52-112")). The specified financial
measures referred to in this news release are comprised of
"non-GAAP financial measures", "capital management measures" and
"supplementary financial measures" (as such terms are defined in NI
52-112). These measures are defined, qualified, and where required,
reconciled with the nearest GAAP measure below.
Non-GAAP Measures and
Ratios
The non-GAAP financial measure used herein does not have a
standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, the Company's
use of this term may not be comparable to similarly defined
measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that
the non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in
isolation nor as an alternative to net income (loss) or other
financial information determined in accordance with GAAP, as an
indication of the Company's performance.
Non-GAAP Financial
Measures
This news release makes reference to the terms "acquisitions,
excluding decommissioning obligations" and "operating margin",
which are considered non-GAAP financial measures under NI 52-112;
defined as a financial measure disclosed by an issuer that depicts
the historical or expected future financial performance, financial
position, or cash flow of an entity, and is not disclosed in the
financial statements of the issuer.
Other Financial Measures
Capital management measures
Capital management measures are defined as financial measures
disclosed by an issuer that are intended to enable an individual to
evaluate the entity's objectives, policies and processes for
managing the entity's capital, are not a component of a line item
or a line item on the primary financial statements, and which are
disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The Company's
capital management measures disclosed in the Consolidated Financial
Statements as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2024 include adjusted working capital,
net debt (cash), free cash flow (FCF) and Excess FCF.
Supplementary financial measures
This news release makes reference to the terms "cash flow per
basic or diluted share", "FCF per basic or diluted share", "EBITDA
per basic or diluted share", "FCF margin", "operating margin
percentage" and "payout ratio" which are all considered
supplementary financial measures under NI 52-112; defined as a
financial measure disclosed by an issuer that is, or is intended to
be, disclosed on a periodic basis to depict the historical or
expected future financial performance, financial position or cash
flow of an entity, is not disclosed in the financial statements of
the issuer, and is not a non-GAAP financial measure or non-GAAP
financial ratio.
The following terms are financial measures as defined under the
Company's Syndicated Credit Facility, presented in the Consolidated
Financial Statements as at and for the three months ended
March 31, 2024: (i) consolidated
senior debt, (ii) total debt, (iii) EBITDA and (iv)
capitalization.
Cash flow, FCF, FCF margin, and
Excess FCF
Management uses cash flow, FCF, FCF margin and Excess FCF for
its own performance measures and to provide investors with a
measurement of the Company's efficiency and its ability to generate
the cash necessary to fund or increase dividends, fund future
growth opportunities and/or to repay debt; and furthermore, uses
per share metrics to provide investors with a measure of the
proportion attributable to the basic or diluted weighted average
common shares outstanding.
Cash flow is a GAAP measure which is derived of cash from
operating activities excluding the change in non-cash working
capital and is presented in the consolidated statements of cash
flows. FCF is a capital management measure presented in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements and is defined as
cash flow, less capital expenditures. The supplementary
financial measure "FCF margin", is defined as FCF divided by total
revenue and other income (expressed as a percentage of total
revenue and other income). The capital management measure
"Excess FCF", is defined as FCF less dividends paid. The
supplementary financial measures "cash flow per basic or diluted
share" and "FCF per basic or diluted share" are calculated by
dividing cash flow and FCF, respectively, by the basic or diluted
weighted average common shares outstanding during the
period.
A summary of the reconciliation from cash from operating
activities (per the consolidated statements of cash flows) to cash
flow (per the consolidated statements of cash flows), cash flow per
basic or diluted share, FCF, Excess FCF, FCF per basic or diluted
share and FCF margin is set forth below:
|
Three months
ended
|
($000s)
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Cash from operating
activities
|
71,283
|
85,659
|
Exclude net change in
non-cash working capital
|
3,345
|
13,894
|
Cash
flow
|
67,938
|
71,765
|
Less: Capital
expenditures
|
1,672
|
475
|
FCF
|
66,266
|
71,290
|
Less: dividends
paid
|
46,361
|
43,309
|
Excess
FCF
|
19,905
|
27,981
|
|
|
|
Cash flow per basic
share(1)
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
Cash flow per
diluted share(1)
|
$0.47
|
$0.50
|
FCF per basic
share(1)
|
$0.46
|
$0.49
|
FCF per diluted
share(1)
|
$0.46
|
$0.49
|
|
|
|
FCF
|
66,266
|
71,290
|
Total Revenue and other
income
|
78,216
|
78,185
|
FCF
margin
|
85 %
|
91 %
|
(1)
As noted, calculated using the basic or diluted weighted
average number of shares outstanding during the respective
periods.
|
Operating margin and operating margin percentage
Operating margin (infrastructure assets) is a non-GAAP financial
measure derived from processing revenue and other income, less
operating expenses. Operating margin percentage (infrastructure
assets) is a supplemental financial measure, calculated as
operating margin (infrastructure assets), expressed as a percentage
of total processing revenue and other income. Operating margin
(royalty assets) is a non-GAAP financial measure derived from
royalty production revenue, less marketing expenses. Operating
margin percentage (royalty assets) is a supplemental financial
measure, calculated as operating margin (royalty assets), expressed
as a percentage of total royalty production revenue. Operating
margin and operating margin percentage are used by management to
analyze the profitability of its infrastructure assets and royalty
assets. A summary of the reconciliation of operating margin
and operating margin percentage, for infrastructure and royalty
assets, are set forth below:
Operating margin and operating
margin percentage (infrastructure assets)
|
Three months
ended
|
($000s, unless
otherwise specified)
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Processing
revenue
|
14,506
|
13,571
|
Other income
|
3,372
|
3,690
|
Total
|
17,878
|
17,261
|
Operating
expenses
|
1,917
|
1,940
|
Operating margin
(infrastructure assets)
|
15,961
|
15,321
|
Operating margin %
(infrastructure assets)
|
89 %
|
89 %
|
Operating margin and operating margin percentage (royalty
assets)
|
Three months
ended
|
($000s, unless
otherwise specified)
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Royalty production
revenue
|
60,338
|
60,924
|
Marketing
expenses
|
392
|
369
|
Operating margin
(royalty assets)
|
59,946
|
60,555
|
Operating margin %
(royalty assets)
|
99 %
|
99 %
|
Adjusted working capital and net
debt
Management uses the terms "adjusted working capital" and "net
debt" to measure the Company's liquidity position and capital
flexibility, as such these terms are considered capital management
measures. "Adjusted working capital" is calculated as current
assets less current liabilities, adjusted for financial instruments
and work in progress capital costs. "Net debt" is calculated
as total debt outstanding less adjusted working capital.
A summary of the reconciliation from working capital, to
adjusted working capital and net debt is set forth below:
($000s)
|
As at
Mar. 31, 2024
|
As at
Dec. 31, 2023
|
Working
capital
|
31,594
|
53,295
|
Exclude fair value of
financial instruments
|
1,960
|
7,976
|
Exclude work in
progress capital costs
|
(15,152)
|
(3,581)
|
Adjusted working
capital
|
44,786
|
48,900
|
Less: bank
debt
|
367,059
|
391,638
|
Net
Debt
|
322,273
|
342,738
|
EBITDA and EBITDA per basic or
diluted share
EBITDA, as defined under the Company's Syndicated Credit
Facility and disclosed in note 7 of the Consolidated Financial
Statements as at and for the three months ended March 31, 2024, is considered by the Company as a
capital management measure which is used to evaluate the Company's
operating performance, and provides investors with a measurement of
the Company's cash generated from its operations, before
consideration of interest income or expense. "EBITDA" is
calculated as consolidated net income or loss from continuing
operations, excluding extraordinary items, plus interest expense,
income taxes, and adjusted for non-cash items and gains or losses
on dispositions.
EBITDA per basic or diluted share is a supplementary financial
measure that is calculated by dividing EBITDA by the basic or
diluted weighted average common shares outstanding during the
period and provides investors with a measure of the proportion of
EBITDA attributed to the basic or diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding.
A summary of the reconciliation of net income (per the
consolidated statements of net income and comprehensive income), to
EBITDA, is set forth below:
|
Three months
ended
|
($000s)
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Net income
|
6,196
|
7,893
|
Unrealized loss on
financial instruments
|
8,201
|
4,992
|
Share-based
compensation
|
559
|
232
|
Finance
expense
|
7,050
|
7,546
|
Depletion and
depreciation
|
49,325
|
55,294
|
Deferred income tax
expense
|
3,466
|
3,146
|
Less: interest
income
|
(143)
|
(156)
|
EBITDA
|
74,654
|
78,947
|
EBITDA per basic
share ($/share)(1)
|
$0.52
|
$0.55
|
EBITDA per diluted
share ($/share)(1)
|
$0.51
|
$0.54
|
(1)
As noted, calculated using the basic or
diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding during the
respective periods.
|
Payout ratio
"Payout ratio", a supplementary financial measure, represents
dividends paid, expressed as a percentage of cash flow and provides
investors with a measure of the percentage of cash flow that was
used during the period to fund dividend payments. Payout ratio is
calculated as cash flow divided by dividends paid.
A summary of the reconciliation from cash flow to payout ratio
is set forth below:
|
Three months
ended
|
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Cash flow
($000s)
|
67,938
|
71,765
|
Dividends
($000s)
|
46,361
|
43,309
|
Payout Ratio
(%)
|
68 %
|
60 %
|
Acquisitions, excluding
decommissioning obligations
"Acquisitions, excluding decommissioning obligations", is
considered a non-GAAP financial measure, and is calculated as:
acquisitions (per the consolidated statements of cash flows) plus
non-cash acquisitions but excluding non-cash decommissioning
obligations.
A summary of the reconciliation from acquisitions (per the
consolidated statements of cash flow) to acquisitions, excluding
decommissioning obligations is set forth below:
|
Three months
ended
|
($000s)
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Acquisitions
(consolidated statements of cash flows)
|
─
|
36
|
Non-Cash
acquisitions
|
─
|
─
|
Acquisitions
(excluding non-cash decommissioning obligations)
|
─
|
36
|
BOE EQUIVALENCY
Per barrel of oil equivalent amounts have been calculated using
a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one
barrel of oil equivalent (6:1). Barrel of oil equivalents
(boe) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A
boe conversion ratio of 6 mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy
equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner
tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the
wellhead. In addition, as the value ratio between natural gas
and crude oil based on the current prices of natural gas and crude
oil 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.
OIL AND GAS
METRICS
This news release contains certain oil and gas metrics which do
not have standardized meanings or standard methods of calculation
and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar
measures used by other companies and should not be used to make
comparisons. Such metrics have been included in this news release
to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the
Company's performance; however, such measures are not reliable
indicators of the Company's future performance and future
performance may not compare to the Company's performance in
previous periods and therefore such metrics should not be unduly
relied upon.
INFORMATION REGARDING PUBLIC
ISSUER COUNTERPARTIES
Certain information contained in this news release relating to
the Company's public issuer counterparties which include Tourmaline
and others, and the nature of their respective businesses is taken
from and based solely upon information published by such issuers.
The Company has not independently verified the accuracy or
completeness of any such information.
CREDIT RATINGS
This news release makes reference to Tourmaline's credit rating.
Credit ratings are intended to provide investors with an
independent measure of credit quality of an issue of securities.
Credit ratings are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell
securities and do not address the market price or suitability of a
specific security for a particular investor. There is no assurance
that any rating will remain in effect for any given period of time
or that any rating will not be revised or withdrawn entirely by a
rating agency in the future if, in its judgment, circumstances so
warrant.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION REGARDING
PRODUCT TYPES
This news release includes references to actual and estimated
average royalty production. The following table is intended to
provide supplemental information about the product type composition
for each of the production figures that are provided in this news
release:
For the three months
ended
|
Mar. 31,
2024
|
Dec. 31,
2023
|
Sept. 30,
2023
|
Jun. 30,
2023
|
Mar. 31,
2023
|
Average daily
production
|
|
|
|
|
|
Light and
Medium crude oil (bbl/d)
|
1,727
|
1,790
|
1,674
|
1,717
|
1,727
|
Heavy
crude oil (bbl/d)
|
2,877
|
3,016
|
2,861
|
2,582
|
2,496
|
Conventional Natural Gas (mcf/d)
|
44,265
|
42,464
|
40,429
|
41,989
|
43,316
|
Shale Gas
(mcf/d)
|
36,196
|
38,699
|
36,862
|
35,575
|
37,563
|
Natural
Gas Liquids (bbl/d)
|
1,176
|
1,221
|
1,140
|
1,185
|
1,179
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
19,192
|
19,555
|
18,556
|
18,411
|
18,884
|
For the year
ended
|
2024
(Estimate)(1)(2)
|
2023
(Actual)
|
2022
(Actual)
|
Average daily
production
|
|
|
|
Light and
Medium crude oil (bbl/d)
|
1,580
|
1,727
|
1,519
|
Heavy
crude oil (bbl/d)
|
3,030
|
2,740
|
1,549
|
Conventional Natural Gas (mcf/d)
|
42,096
|
42,043
|
41,016
|
Shale Gas
(mcf/d)
|
37,500
|
37,177
|
35,302
|
Natural
Gas Liquids (bbl/d)
|
1,324
|
1,181
|
1,125
|
Total
(boe/d)
|
19,200
|
18,853
|
16,914
|
(1)
Represents the midpoint of the estimated range of 2024 average
annual royalty production.
|
(2)
Topaz's estimated royalty production is based on the estimated
commodity mix; drilling location and corresponding royalty rate;
and capital development activity on Topaz's royalty acreage by the
working interest owners, all of which are outside of Topaz's
control.
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SOURCE Topaz Energy Corp