Crew Energy Inc. (TSX: CR; OTCQB: CWEGF) ("Crew" or the "Company"),
a growth-oriented natural gas weighted producer operating in the
world-class Montney play in northeast British Columbia (“NE BC”),
is pleased to announce the results of our year-end 2023 independent
reserves evaluation along with our 2024 capital expenditure budget
and guidance. Crew’s 2024 budget builds on the success of our 2023
drilling program, efficient execution and asset development, all of
which are demonstrated by growth in our 2023 independent reserves
evaluation. Production averaged
30,928 boe per
day1 in the final quarter of 2023, a
15%
increase from 26,834 boe per day1 in Q3/23 and in-line with
guidance of 30,000 to 32,000 boe per day.
The Company invested approximately $54
million in Q4/23, 17% lower than the
midpoint of guidance of $65 million, while net
debt2 decreased 21% at
year-end to approximately $117 million compared to
year-end 2022. Crew’s 2024 budget aims to maintain current
production levels, support strategic investments to advance
long-term growth plans, and preserve a strong balance sheet.
Together, this is expected to position Crew to take advantage of
what is anticipated to be an improved supply and demand environment
for natural gas as North American LNG export growth accelerates
into 2025 and forward.
Highlights of our independent reserves
evaluation prepared by Sproule Associates Ltd. (“Sproule”) are
provided below, effective December 31, 2023 (the “Sproule Report”).
All finding, development and acquisition (“FD&A”)3,4 costs and
finding and development (“F&D”)3,4 costs below include changes
in future development capital4 (“FDC”), unless otherwise noted.
CREW’S 2023 RESERVES & 2024 BUDGET
HIGHLIGHTS
- 17%
increase in Total Proved (“1P”) reserves and 27%
increase in Total Proved Plus Probable (“2P”) reserves
over 2022, with 1P reserve additions 129% and 2P reserve additions
600% greater than last year, excluding A&D.
- NAV per
share5 of $4.33
(PDP), $9.70 (1P) and $18.61 (2P),
representing a significant discount to Crew’s current enterprise
value.
- Proved
Developed Producing (“PDP”) reserve additions of 7.3 mmboe
driving 3-year F&D3,4 and FD&A3,4 costs of
$11.23 per boe and $8.61 per boe, respectively, with strong 3-year
PDP recycle
ratios3,4,6
of 2.0x and 2.6x, respectively.
- $165 to
$185 million of total net capital expenditures7, expected
to maintain average annual production of between 29,000 to
31,000 boe per day1 (the “2024 Budget”), which is
anticipated to include:
- $105 to
$115 million allocated to the drilling of approximately
6 (6.0 net) wells, and completion of approximately
11 (11.0 net) wells, with an expected inventory of
ten (10.0 net) drilled uncompleted wells remaining at the end of
2024;
- 5,300
bbls per day of anticipated average condensate and light
crude oil production at Greater Septimus, representing a 15%
increase in 2024 over 2023; and
- $60 to
$70 million in strategic infrastructure investments,
including a facility expansion and electrification at West Septimus
as well as site preparation and other preliminary expenditures on a
future Groundbirch gas processing facility
2024 BUDGET DETAIL
Crew’s approved 2024 Budget includes net capital
expenditures7 of $165 to $185 million and
incorporates a conservative drilling and completions program as
well as $60 to $70 million in strategic
electrification and infrastructure expansion projects. These
initiatives support Crew’s longer-term growth prospects while
preserving the upside in our large resource base.
Maintenance Capital
-
Crew’s 2024 development capital of $105 to $115
million is budgeted to maintain production at levels
similar to 2023, between 29,000 and 31,000 boe per
day1, while increasing condensate and light oil production
by 15% to an anticipated 5,300 bbls per day.
-
The Company plans to drill six (6.0 net) wells and to complete 11
(11.0 net) wells, including the completion of six wells previously
drilled on the Tower 15-28 pad and five previously drilled wells on
the Septimus 7-18 pad, with an expected inventory of ten (10.0 net)
drilled uncompleted wells at the end of 2024, setting up for 2025
and aligning with the anticipated improvement in natural gas prices
as LNG export becomes operational on Canada’s west coast.
Infrastructure Investments
-
Approximately $50 million is expected to be directed to West
Septimus for advancing the estimated $80 million facility expansion
and electrification, targeting reduced costs and emissions upon
completion, and increasing the inlet capacity at the West Septimus
plant from 120 mmcf per day to 140 mmcf per day8.
As a result of this project, Crew also expects to connect and
deliver power to the planned future facility at Groundbirch and
reduce electrification costs for the Groundbirch project by
approximately $30 million.
-
Upon completion of the electrification project at West Septimus,
targeted for H2 2025, Crew anticipates recovering approximately 53%
of the project’s estimated costs by recognizing funding and credits
totaling $42 million associated with various
provincial and federal government financial incentives for clean
energy conversion initiatives. The funding and credits are related
to securing a line position and the installation of power to the
West Septimus gas plant. Crew gratefully acknowledges assistance
from the Province of British Columbia’s CleanBC Industry Fund for
their part in supporting this project.
-
Approximately $15 million is planned for investment into site
preparation, front-end engineering and design (“FEED”) and
procuring long-lead items for the planned construction of an
electric drive deep-cut gas plant (the “Groundbirch Plant”) in our
Groundbirch area (the “Groundbirch Project”).
Laying the Groundwork at
Groundbirch
-
Crew has received a permit from the B.C. Energy Regulator (“BCER”)
approving the construction of our planned 180 mmcf per day
Groundbirch Plant as well as 60 well authorization permits,
bringing our total to 85 well authorizations in
the Groundbirch area.
-
The Groundbirch Plant supports our longer-term development and
expanded scale, and with permitting now in place, this longer-range
strategic plan can commence with the electrification of West
Septimus, which represents the first step to full Groundbirch
development.
-
In addition to surface preparations and FEED work, Crew also plans
to allocate capital in 2024 and 2025 for the construction of 20
kilometers of a 12-inch and a 10-inch pipeline from West Septimus
to Groundbirch, upon receipt of regulatory approval.
With ongoing supply and demand imbalances in
global natural gas, the current spot and future strip prices have
remained under pressure. In response, we are investing prudently to
advance key milestones of the Groundbirch Project while deferring
large capital outlays until they are supported by an improved
natural gas pricing environment.
2024 Budget Underlying
Assumptions
|
20249 |
Net capital expenditures7 ($Millions) |
165-185 |
Annual average production1 (boe/d) |
29,000-31,000 |
Liquids Production (%) |
26 |
Royalty Rate (%) |
8-10 |
Net operating costs7 ($ per boe) |
4.50-5.00 |
Net transportation costs7 ($ per boe) |
3.50-4.00 |
General and administrative (“G&A”) ($ per boe) |
1.00-1.20 |
Effective interest rate on long-term debt (%) |
8-10 |
OPERATIONS UPDATE
We would like to recognize our Crew’s
commitment to safety in our field operations. We
are extremely proud to report that over
1.568-million-person hours of work were
undertaken to the end of 2023 without a single recordable
injury, further extending our corporate record and
underscoring the Company’s firm commitment to safety.
NE BC Montney (Greater
Septimus)
- Crew drilled seven
(7.0 net) Montney wells during Q4/23.
- Over the first 30
days on production (“IP30”), four (4.0 net) ultra-condensate rich
(“UCR”) natural gas wells which were completed on the 1-24 pad in
Q4/23 have produced average raw wellhead rates of
2,625 mcf per day of natural gas
and 1,037 bbls per day of condensate. Crew
achieved our target by averaging over 7,000 bbls per day of
condensate and light crude oil production in
November.
- During Q1/24, Crew
plans to complete five (5.0 net) Montney UCR wells, equip and
tie-in 11 (11.0 net) Montney UCR wells and drill six (6.0 net)
Montney wells.
Groundbirch
-
The original three (3.0 net) wells on the 4-17 pad have completed
lateral lengths averaging 3,000 meters and have produced an average
of over 4 bcf of natural gas over the first 720 days, exceeding
Sproule’s year-end 2023 proved plus probable undeveloped
Groundbirch type curve by approximately 33% to date.
-
The second phase of development at Crew’s 4-17 pad has completed
lateral lengths averaging 2,650 meters, featuring a three-zone
development with five (5.0 net) wells that have continued to exceed
the 3,000-meter lateral length type curve estimates with average
raw gas Expected Ultimate Recovery (EUR) of 12 BCF per well.
Other NE BC Montney
- The
Company has six (6.0 net) drilled Extended Reach Horizontal wells
on the 15-28 pad at Tower, targeting light crude oil and featuring
lateral lengths of over 4,000 meters. Of these wells, four (4.0
net) Upper Montney “B” wells and two (2.0 net) Upper Montney “C”
wells are now planned for completion in Q3/24.
OUTLOOK
-
With near- and medium-term natural gas prices remaining under
pressure, Crew plans to focus on the development of our
condensate-rich assets at Greater Septimus with plans to
increase average condensate and light oil production by
approximately 15% from 2023 levels, while allowing 2024
natural gas production to decline by an average of approximately 5%
compared to the prior year. This strategy sets up an active Q1/24
capital program for Crew, with plans to invest $75
to $85 million and drill six (6.0 net) wells,
complete five (5.0 net) wells and equip and tie-in 11 (11.0 net)
Montney wells. This level of activity is expected to result in
forecast average production of 29,000 to 31,000 boe per
day1 for the first quarter, which includes the impact of
an anticipated 2,100 boe per day of production that is shut-in for
offsetting completion and construction operations.
-
Our long-range plans are designed to generate maximum value from
the strategic location, target zone optionality, commodity
diversity and multiple egress options that are offered by our
large, contiguous Montney land base. The Company is well positioned
to be an active participant in what is expected to be an improved
natural gas supply and demand dynamic when LNG Canada is
commissioned in 2025, and we are targeting a continued improvement
in per unit costs, increasing margins and expanding Adjusted Funds
Flow (“AFF”). Crew intends to continue advancing development of the
Company’s large inventory of over 2,500 identified potential
drilling locations10, of which only 238 are booked within our
year-end 2023 independent reserves evaluation.
- Given
this significant flexibility and ideal positioning, Crew’s asset
base offers a perfect fit for the future of Canadian energy.
Throughout 2024, we will remain committed to building on the
positive momentum realized over the last three years and focusing
on responsible growth and operational excellence in the further
development of our top-tier, strategically located assets. We
extend our appreciation to all stakeholders for their ongoing
support of Crew while we continue to unlock value from our
expansive inventory of Montney well locations.
2023 RESERVES DETAIL
The detailed reserves data set forth below is
based upon the Sproule Report. The following presentation
summarizes the Company’s crude oil, natural gas liquids and
conventional natural gas reserves and the net present values before
income tax of future net revenue for the Company’s reserves using
the forecast prices and costs reflected in the Sproule Report. The
Sproule Report has been prepared in accordance with definitions,
standards, and procedures contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas
Evaluation Handbook (“COGE Handbook”) and National Instrument
51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI
51-101”). The reserves evaluation was based on an arithmetic
average of the published escalated price forecasts of Sproule,
McDaniel & Associates Consultants (“McDaniel”) and GLJ Ltd.
(“GLJ”) (the “IC3 Average”) and Sproule’s foreign exchange rates at
December 31, 2023 as outlined in the table below entitled "Price
Forecast".
See "Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and
Gas Reserves and Operational Information" for additional cautionary
language, explanations and discussion and "Forward Looking
Information and Statements" for principal assumptions and risks
that may apply.
Corporate
Reserves11,12,13
|
Light & Medium Crude Oil |
Natural Gas Liquids |
Conventional Natural Gas14 |
Barrels of oil equivalent15 |
|
(mbbl) |
(mbbl) |
(mmcf) |
(mboe) |
Proved |
|
|
|
|
Developed Producing |
289 |
15,103 |
417,067 |
84,903 |
Developed Non-producing |
- |
675 |
17,475 |
3,587 |
Undeveloped |
3,180 |
28,089 |
767,866 |
159,247 |
Total Proved |
3,469 |
43,867 |
1,202,408 |
247,737 |
Total
Probable |
5,146 |
33,157 |
1,122,959 |
225,462 |
Total Proved plus Probable |
8,615 |
77,024 |
2,325,367 |
473,199 |
Reserves
Values12,13,16,17
The estimated before tax net present value
(“NPV”) of future net revenues associated with Crew’s reserves
effective December 31, 2023, and based on the Sproule Report and
the published IC3 Average future price forecast, are summarized in
the following table:
(M$) |
0% |
5% |
10% |
15% |
20% |
Proved |
|
|
|
|
|
Developed Producing |
1,420,905 |
1,023,887 |
795,360 |
652,861 |
556,750 |
Developed Non-producing |
68,211 |
44,028 |
31,526 |
24,171 |
19,395 |
Undeveloped |
2,606,680 |
1,390,732 |
808,917 |
492,904 |
303,203 |
Total
Proved |
4,095,795 |
2,458,647 |
1,635,804 |
1,169,936 |
879,348 |
Total Probable |
5,010,049 |
2,393,791 |
1,394,993 |
914,608 |
647,455 |
Total Proved plus Probable |
9,105,844 |
4,852,438 |
3,030,797 |
2,084,544 |
1,526,803 |
Price
Forecast18,19
The IC3 Average December 31, 2023, price
forecast used for the purposes of preparing the Sproule Report is
summarized as follows:
Year |
Exchange Rate |
WTI @ Cushing |
Canadian Light Sweet |
Henry Hub |
Natural gas at AECO/NIT spot |
Westcoast Station 2 |
|
($US/$/Cdn) |
(US$/bbl) |
(C$/bbl) |
(US$/mmbtu) |
(C$/mmbtu) |
(C$/mmbtu) |
2024 |
0.750 |
73.67 |
92.91 |
2.75 |
2.20 |
2.06 |
2025 |
0.750 |
74.98 |
95.04 |
3.64 |
3.37 |
3.25 |
2026 |
0.760 |
76.14 |
96.07 |
4.02 |
4.05 |
3.93 |
2027 |
0.760 |
77.66 |
97.99 |
4.10 |
4.13 |
4.01 |
2028 |
0.760 |
79.22 |
99.95 |
4.18 |
4.21 |
4.09 |
2029 |
0.760 |
80.80 |
101.94 |
4.27 |
4.30 |
4.17 |
2030 |
0.760 |
82.42 |
103.98 |
4.35 |
4.38 |
4.25 |
2031 |
0.760 |
84.06 |
106.06 |
4.44 |
4.47 |
4.34 |
2032 |
0.760 |
85.74 |
108.18 |
4.53 |
4.56 |
4.42 |
2033 |
0.760 |
87.46 |
110.35 |
4.62 |
4.65 |
4.51 |
2034+(18) |
|
+2.0%/yr |
+2.0%/yr |
+2.0%/yr |
+2.0%/yr |
+2.0%/yr |
Reserves
Reconciliation13,20
The following reconciliation of Crew’s gross
reserves compares changes in the Company’s independently evaluated
reserves as at December 31, 2023, relative to the reserves as at
December 31, 2022.
|
MBOE |
FACTORS |
Total Proved |
Total Probable |
Total Proved + Probable |
December 31, 2022 |
210,882 |
163,136 |
374,018 |
Extensions and Improved Recovery21 |
42,354 |
62,763 |
105,117 |
Infill Drilling |
- |
- |
- |
Technical Revisions |
4,868 |
(10) |
4,858 |
Discoveries |
- |
- |
- |
Acquisitions |
- |
- |
- |
Dispositions |
- |
- |
- |
Economic Factors |
648 |
(427) |
221 |
Production |
(11,015) |
- |
(11,015) |
December 31, 2023 |
247,737 |
225,462 |
473,199 |
Corporate level technical revisions on a boe
basis were 2% at the Proved level and 1% at the Proved plus
Probable level. Technical revisions were primarily due to the
additional facility capacity available with the development of the
Groundbirch Plant, as well as operating cost and well performance
changes.
Material changes in other categories were
attributable to extensions, which incorporated the addition of 56
locations in the Groundbirch area to fill the new Groundbirch Plant
to capacity by 2027.
Capital Program Efficiency – Including
FDC
|
2023 |
|
PDP |
1P |
2P |
Exploration and Development Expenditures22,23 ($ thousands) |
217,027 |
217,027 |
217,027 |
Acquisitions/(Dispositions)22,23 ($ thousands) |
(1,015) |
(1,015) |
(1,015) |
Change in Future Development Capital4,22 ($ thousands) |
|
|
|
- Exploration and Development |
1,127 |
462,771 |
637,564 |
- Acquisitions/Dispositions |
- |
- |
- |
Reserves Additions with Revisions and Economic Factors (mboe) |
|
|
|
- Exploration and Development |
7,331 |
47,870 |
110,197 |
- Acquisitions/Dispositions |
- |
- |
- |
|
2023 |
|
PDP |
1P |
2P |
Finding & Development
Costs4,24,25
($ per boe) |
29.76 |
14.20 |
7.76 |
- with revisions and economic factors |
Finding, Development
& Acquisition
Costs4,24,25
($ per boe) |
29.62 |
14.18 |
7.75 |
- with revisions and economic factors |
Recycle
Ratio25 (F&D) |
0.8 |
1.6 |
2.9 |
Reserves Replacement3 |
67% |
435% |
1000% |
All evaluations and summaries of future net
revenue are stated prior to provision for interest, debt service
charges and general administrative expenses, the input of hedging
activities and after deduction of royalties, operating costs,
estimated well abandonment and reclamation costs ("ARC") associated
with the Company’s assets in the reserve report and estimated
future capital expenditures associated with reserves. It should not
be assumed that the estimates of net present value of future net
revenues presented in the tables below represent the fair market
value of the reserves. There is no assurance that the forecast
prices and cost assumptions will be attained, and variances could
be material. The recovery and reserve estimates of our crude oil,
natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas reserves provided
herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the
estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual crude oil,
conventional natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves may be
greater than or less than the estimates provided herein. Reserves
included herein are stated on a company gross basis (working
interest before deduction of royalties without including any
royalty interests) unless noted otherwise. In addition to the
detailed information disclosed in this news release, more detailed
information as prescribed by NI 51-101 will be included in the
Company's Annual Information Form (the “AIF”) for the year ended
December 31, 2023, which will be filed on the Company's profile at
www.sedar.com on or before March 31, 2024.
ABOUT CREW
Crew is a growth-oriented natural gas and
liquids producer, committed to pursuing sustainable per share
growth through a balanced mix of financially and socially
responsible exploration and development. The Company’s operations
are exclusively located in northeast British Columbia and feature a
vast Montney resource with a large contiguous land base in the
Greater Septimus and Groundbirch areas in British Columbia,
offering significant development potential over the long-term. Crew
has access to diversified markets with operated infrastructure and
access to multiple pipeline egress options. The Company’s common
shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”)
under the symbol “CR” and on the OTCQB in the US under ticker
“CWEGF”.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT:
Dale Shwed, President and CEO |
Phone: 403-266-2088 |
John Leach, Executive Vice
President and CFO |
Email:
investor@crewenergy.com |
ADVISORIES
Unaudited Financial
Information
Certain financial and operating information
included in this press release for the quarter and year ended
December 31, 2023, including, without limitation, exploration and
development expenditures, acquisitions / dispositions, finding and
development costs, finding, development and acquisition costs,
recycle ratio, reserves replacement, operating netbacks and net
debt are based on estimated unaudited financial results for the
quarter and year then ended, and are subject to the same
limitations as discussed under Forward Looking Information set out
below. These estimated amounts may change upon the completion of
audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023
and changes could be material.
Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil
and Gas Reserves and Operational Information
All amounts in this news release are stated in
Canadian dollars unless otherwise specified. Our oil and gas
reserves statement for the year ended December 31, 2023, which will
include complete disclosure of our oil and gas reserves and other
oil and gas information in accordance with NI 51-101, will be
contained within our Annual Information Form which will be
available on our SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com on or before March
31, 2024. The recovery and reserve estimates contained herein are
estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated
reserves will be recovered. In relation to the disclosure of
estimates for individual properties or subsets thereof, such
estimates may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of
reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the
effects of aggregation.
This press release contains metrics commonly
used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as "recycle ratio",
"finding and development costs", "finding", development and
acquisition costs, “future development capital”, “maintenance
capital”, “operating netback per boe”, “exploration and development
expenditures” and “reserves replacement”. Each of these metrics are
determined by Crew as specifically set forth in this news release.
These terms do not have standardized meanings or standardized
methods of calculation and therefore may not be comparable to
similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should
not be used to make such comparisons. Such metrics have been
included to provide readers with additional information to evaluate
the Company’s performance however, such metrics are not reliable
indicators of future performance and therefore should not be unduly
relied upon for investment or other purposes. Recycle Ratio is
calculated as operating netback per boe divided by F&D costs on
a per boe basis. Exploration and development expenditures as used
herein is equivalent to property, plant and equipment expenditures,
a term with a standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS. Reserves
Replacement is calculated as total reserve additions (including
acquisitions net of dispositions) divided by annual production.
Crew’s annual 2023 production averaged 30,178 boe per day1.
Management uses these metrics for its own performance measurements
and to provide readers with measures to compare Crew’s performance
over time.
Both F&D3,4 and FD&A3,4 costs take into
account reserves revisions during the year on a per boe basis. The
aggregate of the costs incurred in the financial year and changes
during that year in estimated FDC may not reflect total F&D
costs related to reserves additions for that year. Finding and
development costs both including and excluding acquisitions and
dispositions have been presented in this press release because
acquisitions and dispositions can have a significant impact on our
ongoing reserves replacement costs and excluding these amounts
could result in an inaccurate portrayal of our cost structure.
Net Asset Value (“NAV”)
The following table sets out the calculation of
the Company's NAV referred to herein based on the before-tax
estimated net present value of future net revenue discounted at 10%
("NPV10 BT") associated with the PDP, 1P and 2P reserves, as
evaluated in the Sproule Report:
|
Proved
Developed Producing |
Total Proved |
Total Proved + Probable |
NPV10 BT (MM$) |
795.4 |
1,635.8 |
3,030.8 |
Estimated net debt December 31, 2023 (MM$) |
117.4 |
117.4 |
117.4 |
Net Asset Value (MM$) |
678.0 |
1,518.4 |
2,913.4 |
Common shares* (MM) |
156.6 |
156.6 |
156.6 |
Estimated NAV per basic share ($) |
4.33 |
9.70 |
18.61 |
* Issued and outstanding as at December 31,
2023, on a non-diluted basis
Reserves Reconciliation by Product
Types
TOTAL PROVED |
Light/Med Crude Oil (mbbls) |
NGL's (mbbls) |
Conventional Natural Gas (mmcf) |
Oil Equivalent (mboe) |
December 31, 2022 |
2,628 |
40,420 |
1,007,002 |
210,882 |
Extensions |
1,590 |
6,244 |
207,122 |
42,354 |
Infill
Drilling |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Improved
Recovery |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Technical
Revisions |
(721) |
(416) |
36,033 |
4,868 |
Discoveries |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Acquisitions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Dispositions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Economic
Factors |
0 |
118 |
3,182 |
648 |
Production |
(28) |
(2,498) |
(50,930) |
(11,015) |
December 31, 2023 |
3,469 |
43,867 |
1,202,409 |
247,737 |
TOTAL PROBABLE |
Light/Med Crude Oil (mbbls) |
NGL's (mbbls) |
Conventional Natural Gas (mmcf) |
Oil Equivalent (mboe) |
December 31, 2022 |
5,530 |
28,641 |
773,793 |
163,136 |
Extensions |
(920) |
3,745 |
359,629 |
62,763 |
Infill
Drilling |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Improved
Recovery |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Technical
Revisions |
539 |
855 |
(8,422) |
(10) |
Discoveries |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Acquisitions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Dispositions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Economic
Factors |
(2) |
(84) |
(2,042) |
(427) |
Production |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
December 31, 2023 |
5,146 |
33,157 |
1,122,958 |
225,462 |
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE |
Light/Med Crude Oil (mbbls) |
NGL's (mbbls) |
Conventional Natural Gas (mmcf) |
Oil Equivalent (mboe) |
December 31, 2022 |
8,158 |
69,061 |
1,780,795 |
374,018 |
Extensions |
670 |
9,989 |
566,751 |
105,117 |
Infill
Drilling |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Improved
Recovery |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Technical
Revisions |
(183) |
439 |
27,611 |
4,858 |
Discoveries |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Acquisitions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Dispositions |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Economic
Factors |
(2) |
34 |
1,139 |
221 |
Production |
(28) |
(2,498) |
(50,930) |
(11,015) |
December 31, 2023 |
8,615 |
77,024 |
2,325,366 |
473,199 |
Forward-Looking Information and
Statements
This news release contains certain
forward–looking information and statements within the meaning of
applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect",
"anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "project",
"should", "believe", "plans", "intends", "forecast", targets, goals
and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the
foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking information
and statements pertaining to the following: the potential
recognition of significant additional reserves under the heading
2023 Reserves Detail; the volumes and estimated value of Crew's oil
and gas reserves, the future net value of Crew's reserves, the
future development capital and costs, the future ARC, the life of
Crew's reserves, the estimated volumes, and production mix of
Crew's oil and gas production; the ability to execute on its
four-year strategic plan and underlying strategy, associated plans,
goals and targets, all as more particularly outlined and described
in this press release; our annual capital budget range (the "2024
Budget"), associated drilling, completion and infrastructure plans,
the anticipated timing thereof, and all associated strategies,
initiatives, goals and targets, along with all forecasts, guidance
and underlying assumptions and sensitivities related to the 2024
Budget as outlined in this press release; production estimates and
targets under the 2024 Budget and balance of the longer range plan
including, without limitation, Crew’s goal to double annual average
production volumes to over 60,000 boe per day through the coming
years; infrastructure plans and anticipated benefits associated
therewith as outlined in this press release including, without
limitation, the planned expansion and electrification of the West
Septimus gas plant and anticipated economic and other benefits
thereof, expectations in regards to the extent of provincial and
federal government grants, credits and financial incentives related
thereto, the planned construction of the Groundbirch Plant and
anticipated benefits thereof, anticipated timing and assumed
receipt of all regulatory approvals required in connection with our
infrastructure plans and our ability to secure financing for these
plans as may be required, from time to time, and the potential
costs associated therewith; commodity price expectations and
assumptions; Crew's commodity risk management programs and future
hedging plans; marketing and transportation and processing plans
and requirements; estimates of processing capacity and
requirements; anticipated reductions in GHG emissions and
decommissioning obligations; future liquidity and financial
capacity and ability to finance our longer range strategic plan;
potential hedging opportunities and plans related thereto; future
results from operations and operating and leverage metrics; world
supply and demand projections and long-term impact on pricing;
future development, exploration, acquisition, disposition and
infrastructure activities, development timing and cost estimates;
the potential to serve a Canadian LNG market including the
anticipated start-up of LNG Canada in 2025 and the anticipated
benefits thereof to the Corporation both strategically and
economically; the number of estimated potential identified drilling
locations outlined in this press release; the potential of our
Groundbirch area to be a core area of future development and the
anticipated commerciality of up to four potential prospective zones
to be drilled; the successful implementation of our ESG
initiatives, and significant emissions intensity improvements going
forward; the amount and timing of capital projects; and anticipated
improvement in our long-term sustainability and the expected
positive attributes discussed herein attributable to our long range
strategic plan.
The internal projections, expectations, or
beliefs underlying our Board approved 2024 Budget and associated
guidance, as well as management's strategy, and associated plans,
goals and targets in respect of the balance of its strategic plan,
are subject to change in light of, without limitation, the
continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, war in the Middle
East and any related actions taken by businesses and governments,
ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile
commodity prices, resulting changes in our underlying assumptions,
goals and targets provided herein and changes in industry
conditions and regulations. Crew's financial outlook and guidance
provides shareholders with relevant information on management's
expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential
acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based upon the
key assumptions outlined herein. In this press release reference is
made to the Company's longer range 2025 and beyond internal plan
and associated economic model. Such information reflects internal
goals and targets used by management for the purposes of making
capital investment decisions and for internal long-range planning
and future budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or
circumstances and updates to underlying assumptions could cause
capital plans and associated results to differ materially from
those predicted and Crew's guidance for 2024, and more particularly
its internal plan, goals and targets for 2025 and beyond which are
not based upon Board approved budget(s) at this time, may not be
appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should
not be placed on same.
In addition, forward-looking statements or
information are based on a number of material factors, expectations
or assumptions of Crew which have been used to develop such
statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect.
Although Crew believes that the expectations reflected in such
forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue
reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because
Crew can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be
correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be
identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among
other things: that Crew will continue to conduct its operations in
a manner consistent with past operations; results from drilling and
development activities consistent with past operations; the quality
of the reservoirs in which Crew operates and continued performance
from existing wells; the continued and timely development of
infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the
estimates of Crew's reserve volumes; certain commodity price and
other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity
financing and cash flow to fund Crew's current and future plans and
expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general
stability of the economic and political environment in which Crew
operates; that future business, regulatory and industry conditions
will be within the parameters expected by Crew; the general
continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of
any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Crew to obtain
qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost
efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of
the projects in which Crew has an interest in to operate the field
in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Crew to
obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and
decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural
gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the
timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and
expansion and the ability of Crew to secure adequate product
transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and
interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes,
environmental and indigenous matters in the jurisdictions in which
Crew operates; that regulatory authorities in British Columbia
continue granting approvals for oil and gas activities on time
frames, and on terms and conditions, consistent with past
practices; and the ability of Crew to successfully market its oil
and natural gas products.
The forward-looking information and statements
included in this news release are not guarantees of future
performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information
and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof,
involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors
that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from
those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements
including, without limitation: the continuing and uncertain impact
of the Russia / Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East;
changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of
Crew's products, the early stage of development of some of the
evaluated areas and zones and the potential for variation in the
quality of the Montney formation; interruptions, unanticipated
operating results or production declines; changes in tax or
environmental laws, royalty rates; climate change regulations, or
other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Crew or
by third party operators of Crew's properties, increased debt
levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of
Crew's oil and gas reserve volumes and identified drilling
inventory; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital
markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage;
the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from
time-to-time in Crew's public disclosure documents (including,
without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and
Crew's MD&A and Annual Information Form).
This press release contains future-oriented
financial information and financial outlook information
(collectively, "FOFI") about Crew's prospective capital
expenditures and associated guidance, all of which are subject to
the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications
as set forth in the above paragraphs. The actual results of
operations of Crew and the resulting financial results will likely
vary from the amounts set forth in this press release and such
variation may be material. Crew and its management believe that the
FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting
management's best estimates and judgments. However, because this
information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should
not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.
Except as required by applicable securities laws, Crew undertakes
no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this press
release was made as of the date of this press release and was
provided for the purpose of providing further information about
Crew's anticipated future business operations. Readers are
cautioned that the FOFI contained in this press release should not
be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed
herein.
The forward-looking information and statements
contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this
news release, and Crew does not assume any obligation to publicly
update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or
information, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities
laws.
Risk Factors to the Company's Four-Year
Plan
Risk factors that could materially impact
successful execution and actual results of the Four-Year Plan
include:
- volatility of
petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the
accuracy of predictions related thereto;
- changes in Federal
and Provincial regulations;
- execution of
construction timelines from BC Hydro to support the electrification
of the West Septimus and Groundbirch plants;
- receipt of
high-value regulatory permits required to launch development under
the Four-Year Plan;
- the Company's
ability to secure financing for the Groundbirch plant; and
- Those additional
risk factors set forth in the Company's MD&A and most recent
Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR.
Drilling Locations
This press release discloses internally
identified "potential drilling locations" which are comprised of:
(i) proved locations; (ii) probable locations; and (iii) unbooked
locations. Proved locations and probable locations are derived from
the Company's independent reserve evaluator's report effective
December 31, 2023 (the "Sproule Report") and account for drilling
inventory that have associated proved and/or probable reserves
assigned by Sproule. Unbooked locations are internally identified
potential drilling opportunities based on the Company's prospective
acreage and an assumption as to the number of wells that can be
drilled per section based on industry practice and internal review.
Unbooked locations do not have reserves or resources attributed to
them and are not estimates of drilling locations which have been
evaluated by a qualified reserves evaluator performed in accordance
with the COGE Handbook. There is no certainty that the Company will
drill any of these potential drilling opportunities and if drilled
there is no certainty that such locations will result in additional
oil and gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling
locations on which we actually drill wells will ultimately depend
upon the availability of capital, regulatory approvals, seasonal
restrictions, oil and natural gas prices, costs, actual drilling
results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and
other factors.
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the
identified gross potential drilling locations presented herein:
|
Total Drilling Locations |
Proved Locations |
Probable Locations |
Unbooked Locations |
Montney Total Drilling Locations |
2,537 |
132 |
106 |
2,299 |
Groundbirch Locations |
1,717 |
37 |
66 |
1,614 |
West Septimus Locations |
483 |
59 |
28 |
396 |
Septimus Locations |
191 |
36 |
9 |
146 |
Tower
Locations |
146 |
- |
3 |
143 |
Test Results and Initial Production
Rates
A pressure transient analysis or well-test
interpretation has not been carried out and thus certain of the
test results provided herein should be considered to be preliminary
until such analysis or interpretation has been completed. Test
results and initial production (“IP”) rates disclosed herein,
particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be
indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery.
Type Curves/Wells
The Groundbirch type curves referenced herein
reflect the average per well proved plus probable undeveloped raw
gas assignments (EUR) for Crew's area of operations, as derived
from the Company's year-end independent reserve evaluations
prepared by Sproule in accordance with the definitions and
standards contained in the COGE Handbook. Unless otherwise stated,
the type wells are based upon all Crew producing wells in the area
as well as non-Crew wells determined by the independent evaluator
to be analogous for purposes of the reserve assignments. There is
no guarantee that Crew will achieve the estimated or similar
results derived therefrom and therefore undue reliance should not
be placed on them. Such information has been prepared by
Management, where noted, for purposes of making capital investment
decisions and for internal budget preparation only.
BOE and Mcfe Conversions
Measurements expressed in barrel of oil
equivalents, BOEs or Mcfe may be misleading, particularly if used
in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl and an Mcfe
conversion ratio of 1 bbl:6 Mcf are based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and do not
represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value
ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to
natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency
of 6:1, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an
indication of value.
Non-IFRS and Other Financial
Measures
Throughout this press release and other
materials disclosed by the Company, Crew uses certain measures to
analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow.
These non-IFRS and other specified financial measures do not have
any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may
not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities.
The non-IFRS and other specified financial measures should not be
considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial
measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators
of Crew’s performance. Management believes that the presentation of
these non-IFRS and other specified financial measures provides
useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding
and evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating performance, and the
measures provide increased transparency and the ability to better
analyze Crew’s business performance against prior periods on a
comparable basis.
Capital Management Measures
- Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds Flow
(“AFF”)Funds from operations represents cash provided by
operating activities before changes in operating non-cash working
capital, accretion of deferred financing costs and transaction
costs on property dispositions. Adjusted funds flow represents
funds from operations before decommissioning obligations settled
(recovered). The Company considers these metrics as key measures
that demonstrate the ability of the Company’s continuing operations
to generate the cash flow necessary to maintain production at
current levels and fund future growth through capital investment
and to service and repay debt. Management believes that such
measures provide an insightful assessment of the Company's
operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash
charges, actual settlements of decommissioning obligations and
transaction costs on property dispositions, the timing of which is
discretionary. Funds from operations and adjusted funds flow should
not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than cash
provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with
IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Crew’s
determination of funds from operations and adjusted funds flow may
not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Crew also
presents adjusted funds flow per share whereby per share amounts
are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent
with the calculation of income per share.
- Net Debt and Working Capital Surplus
(Deficiency)Crew closely monitors its capital structure
with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the
future growth of the Company. The Company monitors net debt as part
of its capital structure. The Company uses net debt (bank debt plus
working capital deficiency or surplus, excluding the current
portion of the fair value of financial instruments) as an
alternative measure of outstanding debt. Management considers net
debt and working capital deficiency (surplus) an important measure
to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.
Non-IFRS Financial Measures and
Ratios
- Operating Netback per boeOperating netback per
boe equals petroleum and natural gas sales including realized gains
and losses on commodity related derivative financial instruments,
marketing income, less royalties, net operating costs and
transportation costs calculated on a boe basis. Management
considers operating netback per boe an important measure to
evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates its field
level profitability relative to current commodity prices.
Supplemental Information Regarding
Product Types
References to gas or natural gas and NGLs in
this press release refer to conventional natural gas and natural
gas liquids product types, respectively, as defined in National
Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101"), except where specifically noted
otherwise.
The following is intended to provide the product
type composition for each of the production figures provided
herein, where not already disclosed within tables above:
|
Light and Medium Crude
Oil |
Condensate |
Natural Gas Liquids1 |
Conventional Natural
Gas |
Total (boe/d) |
Q3 2023
Average |
0% |
14% |
8% |
78% |
26,834 |
Q4 2023
Average |
0% |
20% |
8% |
72% |
30,928 |
Q1 2024
Average |
0% |
16% |
8% |
76% |
29,000-31,000 |
2024 Annual Average |
3% |
15% |
8% |
74% |
29,000-31,000 |
Notes:1) Excludes condensate volumes which
have been reported separately.
1 See table in the Advisories for production
breakdown by product type as detailed in NI 51-101.2 Capital
management measure that does not have any standardized meaning as
prescribed by International Financial Reporting Standards, and
therefore, may not be comparable with the calculations of similar
measures for other entities. See “Advisories – Non-IFRS and Other
Financial Measures” contained within this press release.3 "Finding,
Development and Acquisitions costs" or "FD&A costs", "Finding
and Development costs" or "F&D costs", “Reserves Replacement”,
“Operating Netback” and “recycle ratio” do not have standardized
meanings. See “Capital Program Efficiency” and “Advisories -
Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas Reserves, and
Operational Information”.4 The 2023 change in Future Development
Capital (FDC) used in the calculation of Crew’s 1P and 2P F&D
and FD&A costs does not include approximately $190 million
(undiscounted) in the 1P case and $220 million (undiscounted) in
the 2P case of maintenance capital that was reclassified as a
capital expense in the December 31, 2021, Sproule Report and
maintained the same classification in the December 31, 2023 Sproule
Report.5 Calculated based on the Sproule Report before-tax
estimated net present value of future net revenue associated with
the reserves and discounted at 10% (“NPV10 BT”), debt adjusted per
share. See “Advisories – Net Asset Value” contained within this
press release for details of the NAV calculations used in this
press release.6 Estimated operating netback per boe in Q4 2023,
used in the above calculations, averaged $22.47 per boe
(unaudited). See ‘Advisories - Unaudited Financial Information’ and
‘Advisories - Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas
Reserves and Operational Information’.7 Non-IFRS financial measure
or ratio that does not have any standardized meaning as prescribed
by International Financial Reporting Standards, and therefore, may
not be comparable with calculations of similar measures or ratios
for other entities. See “Advisories - Non-IFRS and Other Financial
Measures” contained within this press release and in our most
recently filed MD&A, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.8
Estimated inlet capacity increase reflects internally generated
forecasts and is dependent on operating conditions.9 The actual
results of operations of Crew and the resulting financial results
will likely vary from the estimates and material underlying
assumptions set forth in this guidance by the Company and such
variation may be material. The guidance and material underlying
assumptions have been prepared based on information currently
available on a reasonable basis, reflecting management's best
estimates and judgments.10 See “Drilling Locations” in the
Advisories.11 Reserves have been presented on a “gross” basis which
is defined as Crew’s working interest (operating and non-operating)
share before deduction of royalties and without including any
royalty interest of the Company.12 Based on the IC3 Average
December 31, 2023, escalated price forecast as used in the Sproule
Report.13 Columns may not add due to rounding.14 Reflects 100%
Conventional Natural Gas by product type.15 Oil equivalent amounts
have been calculated using a conversion rate of six thousand cubic
feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil.16 The estimated future
net revenues are stated prior to provision for interest, debt
service charges, general administrative expenses, the impact of
hedging activities, and after deduction of royalties, operating
costs, ARC associated with the Company’s assets and estimated
future capital expenditures.17 The after-tax net present values of
future net revenue attributed to Crew’s reserves will be included
in the Company’s 2023 AIF to be filed on or before March 31,
2024.18 Escalated at 2.0% per year starting in 2034 with the
exception of foreign exchange which remains constant.19 Product
sale prices will reflect these reference prices with further
adjustments for quality and transportation to point of sale.20 See
the tables under “Reserves Reconciliation by Product Types”
contained in this news release for a reconciliation by product type
in accordance with NI 51-10121 Increases to Extensions and Improved
Recovery are the result of step-out locations drilled or proposed
to be drilled by Crew. Reserves additions for improved recovery and
extensions are combined and reported as "Extensions and Improved
Recovery".22 The aggregate of the exploration and development
expenditures incurred in the most recent financial year and the
change during that year in estimated future development capital
generally will not reflect total finding and development costs
related to reserve additions for that year.23 All 2023 financial
amounts are unaudited. See “Advisories – Unaudited Financial
Information”.24 F&D and FD&A costs above are calculated, as
noted, after changes in FDC required to bring proved undeveloped
and developed reserves into production, by dividing the identified
capital expenditures by the applicable reserves additions.25
Recycle ratio is defined as operating netback per boe divided by
F&D costs on a per boe basis. Operating netback per boe is a
Non-IFRS Measure and is calculated as revenue (excluding realized
hedging gains and losses) minus royalties, operating expenses, and
transportation expenses. Crew’s estimated operating netback per boe
in fourth quarter 2023, used in the above calculations, averaged
$22.47 per boe (unaudited). This amount is an estimate and is
subject to audit verification. See ‘Advisories - Unaudited
Financial Information’ and ‘Advisories - Information Regarding
Disclosure on Oil and Gas Reserves and Operational
Information’.
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