CALGARY,
AB, Nov. 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Tourmaline Oil Corp.
(TSX:TOU) ("Tourmaline" or the "Company") is pleased
to release financial and operating results for the third quarter of
2024 and declare a special dividend.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Third quarter cash flow(1)(2) of $741.9 million ($2.09 per diluted share(3)),
underpinned by Tourmaline's average realized natural gas price of
$3.19/mcf.
- Q3 2024 net earnings of $355.2
million ($1.00 per diluted
share).
- The Company is declaring a special dividend of $0.50 per common share to be paid on November 26, 2024 to holders of record on
November 15, 2024. Tourmaline has
distributed total dividends of $3.25
per share (inclusive of this November
2024 special dividend) since December
1, 2023, an implied 5% trailing yield(4).
- Closed the previously announced transaction with Topaz Energy
Corp. ("Topaz") on November 1,
2024, whereby the Company received consideration of
$278.2 million.
- Closed the corporate acquisition of Crew Energy Inc.
("Crew") on October 1, 2024,
and anticipates 2024 exit volumes of over 30,000 boepd from the
acquired assets.
- Deep Basin well productivity in 2024 has improved by 20% on raw
gas (IP90) and 40% on condensate/C5+ (IP90) compared to 2020-2023.
This excellent overall Deep Basin well performance can be
attributed to multiple Tier 1 plays across several of Tourmaline's
strike areas.
PRODUCTION UPDATE
- Q3 2024 average production was 557,365 boepd, an 11% increase
over third quarter 2023 average production of 502,524 boepd and at
the high end of the previously announced average production
guidance range of 550,000-560,000 boepd.
- Third quarter production was reduced by unplanned third-party
outages (~5,200 boepd) as well as low gas price-related frac and
production startup deferrals. Third quarter average production also
reflects reduced natural gas volumes resulting from planned storage
injections (2,566 boepd) which are expected to be withdrawn from
storage and subsequently sold in the winter months.
- A fourth quarter average production range of 600,000 to 620,000
boepd is currently anticipated. Given low western Canadian natural
gas prices, the Company scheduled an extensive turnaround of both
phases of the Gundy c-60-A plant
complex in October 2024 and has also
concentrated frac activity in the latter half of the quarter to
deliver incremental unhedged gas volumes into Q1 2025, a period of
expected higher pricing.
- Tourmaline expects to exit 2024 with production of 630,000 to
640,000 boepd, inclusive of the acquired Crew volumes.
- The Company currently anticipates a 2025 average production
range between 635,000 and 665,000 boepd (650,000 boepd at the
midpoint). The broad range allows for both price-related EP
activity deferrals and/or shut-ins in the event of lower than
anticipated 2025 natural gas prices or increased EP activity in a
more robust pricing environment.
- 2025 forecast average liquids production (oil, condensate, and
NGLs) of 162,000 bpd is expected as the Company grows liquids
production towards the 200,000 bpd level by the end of the
decade.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
- Third quarter 2024 cash flow was $741.9
million ($2.09 per diluted
share) on total capital expenditures(5) of $590.9 million (EP expenditures(6) of
$574.7million in Q3), generating free
cash flow(7) ("FCF") of $152.5 million for the quarter ($0.43 per diluted share).
- Tourmaline generated Q3 2024 net earnings of $355.2 million ($1.00 per diluted share), underscoring the
profitability of the business even in an extremely weak natural gas
pricing environment.
- Exit Q3 2024 net debt(8) was $1.7 billion. The Company has adjusted the
long-term net debt target to $1.5
billion (0.3 to 0.4 times net debt to 2025 cash flow), given
the material growth in the underlying business over the past year.
In addition, as of September 30,
2024, Tourmaline's 45.1 million shares of Topaz had a market
value of $1.2
billion(9).
- Tourmaline closed the previously announced transaction with
Topaz on November 1, 2024, whereby
the Company received consideration of $278.2
million in exchange for a gross overriding royalty on lands
primarily acquired over the past year, including the acquired Crew
and Bonavista Energy Corporation lands.
2025 CAPITAL BUDGET
- Tourmaline's Board of Directors has approved a full year 2025
EP capital budget range of $2.60
billion to $2.85 billion. The
range provides flexibility in the current volatile and uncertain
commodity price environment. The Company expects steadily improving
natural gas prices in 2025; should the recovery materialize in the
second half of 2025, the capital program will be sequenced
accordingly. Optimizing annual free cash flow remains the Company's
top priority and the Company anticipates generating over
$1.1 billion in FCF in every year of
the five-year EP Plan at current strip pricing(10).
- The Company plans to drill approximately 365 net wells in 2025
across all three core EP complexes. The DUC inventory may be
increased in the first half of the year contingent upon commodity
prices.
- Facility and pipeline expenditures of $295.0 million are included in the total 2025 EP
capital budget. The ongoing NEBC North Montney Phase 1
infrastructure buildout will continue in 2025, as well as
electrification pre-builds for the Groundbirch and West Doe gas
plant projects.
- The North Montney Phase 1 project is the only development
project fully included in the updated five-year EP Plan and is
expected to add approximately 50,000 boepd over the next three
years. The Groundbirch, West Doe, and North Montney Phase 2
development projects are expected to be fully integrated into the
five-year EP Plan during 2025.
MARKETING UPDATE
- Tourmaline's average realized natural gas price was
C$3.19/mcf in Q3 2024, significantly
higher than the AECO 5A benchmark price of C$0.70/mcf over the same period, as the Company
benefited from its multi-year diversification portfolio and hedging
strategy.
- Tourmaline expects to exit 2024 with a total of 1.27 bcfpd of
natural gas going to export markets.
- For November 2024 – December 2024, Tourmaline has an average of 1,014
mmcfpd hedged at a weighted average fixed price of CAD $4.01/mcf, and an average of 145 mmcfpd hedged at
a basis to NYMEX of USD -$0.15/mcf.
- Tourmaline has an average of 1,085 mmcfpd of unhedged volumes
exposed to export markets in November
2024 – December 2024, of which
60% is exposed to premium export markets (US Gulf Coast, Sumas,
Malin, PGE and JKM).
- For 2025, Tourmaline has an average of 947 mmcfpd hedged at a
weighted average price of CAD $4.58/mcf. Tourmaline also has an average of
1,036 mmcfpd of unhedged volumes exposed to export markets, of
which 61% is exposed to premium export markets.
EP UPDATE
- Tourmaline drilled a total of 76.8 net wells and completed 75.9
net wells during Q3 2024 and had an inventory of 38.5 net DUCs
entering Q4 2024.
- Tourmaline is currently operating 16 drilling rigs across its
three core EP complexes and anticipates full year 2024 EP spending
of $2.1 billion.
- Deep Basin well productivity in 2024 has improved by 20% on raw
gas (IP90) and 40% on condensate/C5+ (IP90) compared to 2020-2023.
This excellent overall Deep Basin well performance can be
attributed to multiple Tier 1 plays across several of Tourmaline's
strike areas, including liquids rich Garrington Glauconite and
Resthaven Dunvegan, as well as Ansell
Wilrich/Notikewin and the Kakwa-Smoky-Resthaven
Falher/Wilrich development.
- As of September 30, 2024,
Tourmaline's exploration program has added an estimated 986 Tier 1
and Tier 2 drilling locations to an existing drilling inventory of
over 23,000 locations. Due to the ongoing success of the
exploration program, Tourmaline plans to allocate up to
$150 million of free cash flow to
exploration activities in 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
- As part of Tourmaline's ongoing joint venture with Clean Energy
Fuels, new compressed natural gas ("CNG") fueling stations
for long haul trucks were recently opened in Calgary and Grande
Prairie, Alberta. The partnership expects to have seven CNG
fueling stations operational by the end of 2025. The joint venture
is a continuation of the Company's multi-year diesel displacement
initiative utilizing abundant, lower emission natural gas.
- Tourmaline plans to construct 3 new water facilities across the
three operated complexes in 2025-2026 as the Company strives to
systematically eliminate fresh water in well stimulation
operations. The 2025-2026 projects will bring the total number of
Company-operated water facilities to nine. Similar to the diesel
displacement initiative, the Company-built and operated water
infrastructure improves both environmental performance and reduces
costs.
SPECIAL DIVIDEND
- The Board of Directors of Tourmaline are pleased to announce a
special dividend of $0.50/share
payable on November 26, 2024, to
shareholders of record at the close of business on November 15, 2024. The special dividend is
designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax
purposes. Tourmaline's ability to continue to pay special
dividends, as well as increase its base dividend three times this
year, reflects the ongoing financial strength and profitability of
the Company, even through the bottom of the gas price cycle.
BOARD UPDATE
- Tourmaline is pleased to announce that Travis Toews has been appointed to the Board of
Directors effective November 6, 2024.
Mr. Toews is a Chartered Professional Accountant and cattle rancher
who served as a Member of the Alberta Provincial Legislature from
2019 to 2023. During that time, he acted as the Minister of
Finance, a member of the Executive Council and served as President
of the Treasury Board for the Province of Alberta. Mr. Toews brings a wealth of
experience in the areas of finance, business, and an in-depth
knowledge of government affairs.
____________________
|
(1)
|
This news release
contains certain specified financial measures consisting of
non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP financial ratios, capital
management measures and supplementary financial measures. See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release for
information regarding the following specified financial measures:
"cash flow", "capital expenditures", "free cash flow",
"operating netback", "operating netback per boe", "cash flow
per diluted share", "free cash flow per diluted share", "adjusted
working capital" and "net debt". Since these specified financial
measures do not have standardized meanings under
International Financial Reporting Standards ("GAAP"), securities
regulations require that, among other things, they be identified,
defined, qualified and, where required, reconciled with their
nearest GAAP measure and compared to the prior period. See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release and in
the Company's most recently filed Management's Discussion and
Analysis (the "Q3 MD&A"), which information is incorporated by
reference into this news release, for further information on the
composition of and, where required, reconciliation of these
measures.
|
(2)
|
"Cash flow" is a
non-GAAP financial measure defined as cash flow from operating
activities adjusted for the change in non-cash working capital
(deficit) and current income taxes. See "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" in this news release and in the Q3
MD&A.
|
(3)
|
"Cash flow per
diluted share" is a non-GAAP financial ratio. Cash flow, a non-GAAP
financial measure, is used as a component of the non-GAAP financial
ratio. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this
news release and in the Q3 MD&A.
|
(4)
|
Calculated as the
dividend per common share for the stated period divided by the
closing stock price of $63.26 on October 15, 2024.
|
(5)
|
"Capital Expenditures" is a non-GAAP financial
measure defined as Cash flow used in investing activities adjusted
for the change in non-cash working capital (deficit). See
"Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in this news release and in
the Q3 MD&A.
|
(6)
|
EP expenditures" is defined as Capital Expenditures,
excluding acquisitions, dispositions, and other corporate
expenditures..
|
(7)
|
"Free cash flow" is a non-GAAP financial measure
defined as cash flow less capital expenditures, excluding
acquisitions and dispositions. Free cash flow is prior to
dividend payments. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" in this news release.
|
(8)
|
"Net debt" is a
capital management measure. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial
Measures" in this news release and in the Q3
MD&A.
|
(9)
|
Based on the Topaz
closing share price at September 30, 2024 of
$25.85/share.
|
(10)
|
Based on oil and gas commodity strip pricing at
October 15, 2024.
|
CORPORATE SUMMARY – THIRD QUARTER 2024
|
Three Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
Nine Months
Ended
September
30,
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
Change
|
OPERATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas
(mcf/d)
|
2,554,383
|
2,318,316
|
10 %
|
|
2,591,208
|
2,364,246
|
10 %
|
Crude oil, condensate
and NGL (bbl/d)
|
131,634
|
116,138
|
13 %
|
|
138,494
|
113,993
|
21 %
|
Oil equivalent
(boe/d)
|
557,365
|
502,524
|
11 %
|
|
570,362
|
508,034
|
12 %
|
Product
prices(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas
($/mcf)
|
$
3.19
|
$
4.56
|
(30) %
|
|
$
3.34
|
$
5.04
|
(34) %
|
Crude oil, condensate
and NGL ($/bbl)
|
$
52.16
|
$
57.69
|
(10) %
|
|
$
54.04
|
$
57.78
|
(6) %
|
Operating expenses
($/boe)
|
$
4.87
|
$
4.60
|
6 %
|
|
$
4.83
|
$
4.62
|
5 %
|
Transportation costs
($/boe)
|
$
5.27
|
$
5.12
|
3 %
|
|
$
5.16
|
$
5.22
|
(1) %
|
Operating netback
($/boe)(2)
|
$
14.75
|
$
21.61
|
(32) %
|
|
$
15.85
|
$
23.04
|
(31) %
|
Cash general and
administrative
expenses ($/boe)(3)
|
$
0.73
|
$
0.73
|
– %
|
|
$
0.76
|
$
0.71
|
7 %
|
FINANCIAL
($000, except share and per share)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity sales from
production
|
935,402
|
1,311,167
|
(29) %
|
|
3,514,721
|
3,985,213
|
(12) %
|
Total revenue from
commodity sales and realized gains
|
1,382,093
|
1,587,929
|
(13) %
|
|
4,420,954
|
5,048,114
|
(12) %
|
Royalties
|
105,616
|
139,601
|
(24) %
|
|
383,553
|
487,953
|
(21) %
|
Cash flow
|
741,900
|
878,532
|
(16) %
|
|
2,368,161
|
2,789,675
|
(15) %
|
Cash flow per share
(diluted)
|
$
2.09
|
$
2.55
|
(18) %
|
|
$
6.67
|
$
8.11
|
(18) %
|
Net earnings
|
355,193
|
274,687
|
29 %
|
|
856,664
|
1,035,678
|
(17) %
|
Net earnings per share
(diluted)
|
$
1.00
|
$
0.80
|
25 %
|
|
$
2.41
|
$
3.01
|
(20) %
|
Capital expenditures
(net of dispositions)(2)
|
590,918
|
565,448
|
5 %
|
|
1,441,268
|
1,437,262
|
– %
|
Weighted average shares
outstanding (diluted)
|
355,401,435
|
344,510,350
|
3 %
|
|
355,246,760
|
343,892,727
|
3 %
|
Net debt
|
|
|
|
|
(1,705,129)
|
(879,799)
|
94 %
|
(1)
|
Product prices
include realized gains and losses on risk management activities and
financial instrument contracts.
|
(2)
|
See "Non-GAAP and
Other Financial Measures" in this news release and in the Q3
MD&A.
|
(3)
|
Excluding interest
and financing charges.
|
Conference Call Tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.
MT (11:00 a.m. ET)
Tourmaline will host a conference call tomorrow, November 7, 2024 starting at 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET).
To participate without operator assistance, you may register and
enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/4emJJzd to receive
an instant automated call back.
To participate using an operator, please dial 1-888-510-2154
(toll-free in North America), or
1-437-900-0527 (international dial-in), a few minutes prior to the
conference call.
REPLAY DETAILS
If you are unable to dial into the live conference call on
November 7th, a replay
will be available by dialing 1-888-660-6345 (international
1-289-819-1450), referencing Encore Replay Code 14679. The
recording will expire on November 21,
2024.
Reader Advisories
CURRENCY
All amounts in this news release are stated in Canadian dollars
unless otherwise specified.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains forward-looking information and
statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the
meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words
"forecast", "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate",
"objective", "ongoing", "on track", "may", "will", "project",
"should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are
intended to identify forward-looking information. More particularly
and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking
information concerning Tourmaline's plans and other aspects of its
anticipated future operations, management focus, objectives,
strategies, financial, operating and production results and
business opportunities, including the following: the anticipated
benefits and production growth to be derived from recent
acquisitions; anticipated petroleum and natural gas production and
production growth for various periods including full year, fourth
quarter and exit 2024 production estimates as well as 2025 average
production estimates (including 2025 average liquids production);
anticipated natural gas volume to be withdrawn from storage and
subsequently sold during winter months; anticipated improvement in
2025 of natural gas prices; anticipated free cash flow estimate for
each year of the Company's five-year EP Plan; the number of net
wells that the Company plans to drill in 2025; the expectation that
the DUC inventory may be increased in the first half of 2025; the
expectation that the North Montney Phase 1 infrastructure buildout,
as well as the electrification pre-builds for the Groundbirch and
West Doe gas plants, will continue in 2025; anticipated level of
natural gas exports at exit 2024; 2025 EP capital spending levels;
the benefits to be derived from the EP program and anticipated cash
flow associated therewith; the benefits to be derived from the
updated five-year EP plan; the anticipated production growth over
the next three years expected to result from the North Montney
Phase 1 Conroy project; the expectation that the Groundbirch, West
Doe and North Montney Phase 2 development projects will be fully
integrated into the Company's five year EP Plan during 2025; the
plans to allocated up to $150 million
of free cash flow to exploration activities in 2025; the
expectation that the Company and Clean Energy Fuels will have seven
CNG fueling stations operational by the end of 2025; the plans to
construct three new water facilities across the three operated
complexes in 2025-2026; target net debt and net debt to
cash flow ratios; the future declaration and payment of base and
special dividends and the timing and amount thereof including any
future increase; the timing of future growth and developments
projects; cost reduction initiatives; projected operating and
drilling costs and drilling times; anticipated future commodity
prices; the ability to generate, and the amount of, anticipated
free cash flow over various periods; as well as Tourmaline's future
drilling locations, prospects and plans, business strategy, future
development and growth opportunities, prospects and asset base. The
forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations
and assumptions made by Tourmaline, including expectations and
assumptions concerning the following: prevailing and future
commodity prices and currency exchange and interest rates;
applicable royalty rates and tax laws; future well production rates
and reserve volumes; operating costs, the timing of receipt of
regulatory approvals; the performance of existing and future wells;
the success obtained in drilling new wells; anticipated timing and
results of capital expenditures; the sufficiency of budgeted
capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the
timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the
successful completion of acquisitions and dispositions and the
benefits to be derived therefrom; the state of the economy and the
exploration and production business; the availability and cost of
financing, labour and services; ability to maintain its investment
grade credit rating; and ability to market crude oil, natural gas
and NGL successfully. 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, free cash flow, 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
Tourmaline to pay dividends is 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.
Statements relating to "reserves" are also deemed to be forward
looking information, 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.
Although Tourmaline believes that the expectations and
assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are
reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the
forward-looking information because Tourmaline can give no
assurances that it will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking
information addresses future events and conditions, by its very
nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results
could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a
number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to:
the risks associated with the oil and natural gas industry in
general such as operational risks in development, exploration and
production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration
or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of
estimates and projections relating to reserves, production,
revenues, costs and expenses; health, safety and environmental
risks; commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations; interest
rate fluctuations; marketing and transportation; loss of markets;
environmental risks; competition; incorrect assessment of the value
of acquisitions; failure to complete or realize the anticipated
benefits of acquisitions or dispositions; ability to access
sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to
obtain required regulatory and other approvals; climate change
risks; severe weather (including forest fires and droughts); risks
of wars or other hostilities or geopolitical events, civil
insurrection and pandemics; risks relating to Indigenous land
claims and duty to consult; data breaches and cyber attacks; risks
relating to the use of artificial intelligence; changes in
legislation, including but not limited to tax laws, royalties and
environmental regulations (including greenhouse gas emission
reduction requirements and other decarbonization or social policies
and including uncertainty with respect to the interpretation of
omnibus Bill C-59 and the related amendments to the Competition
Act (Canada)) and general
economic and business conditions and markets. Readers are cautioned
that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive.
Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not
exhaustive.
Additional information on these and other factors that could
affect Tourmaline, or its operations or financial results, are
included in the Company's most recently filed Management's
Discussion and Analysis (See "Forward-Looking Statements" therein),
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 Tourmaline's website
(www.tourmalineoil.com).
The forward-looking information contained in this news release
is made as of the date hereof and Tourmaline undertakes no
obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking
information, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise, unless expressly required by applicable securities
laws.
BOE EQUIVALENCY
In this news release, production and reserves information may be
presented on a "barrel of oil equivalent" or "BOE" basis. BOEs 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.
FINANCIAL OUTLOOKS
Also included in this news release are estimates of Tourmaline's
2025 to 2029 free cash flow, which are based on, among other
things, the various assumptions as to production levels, capital
expenditures and other assumptions disclosed in this news release
and including Tourmaline's estimated average 2025 to 2029 annual
production of 650,000 boepd, 690,000 boepd, 735,000 boepd, 745,000
boepd and 750,000 boepd, respectively, commodity price assumptions
for natural gas ($3.18/mcf 2025 NYMEX
US, $3.58/mcf 2026 NYMEX US,
$3.65/mcf 2027 NYMEX US, $3.61/mcf 2028 NYMEX US, $3.55/mcf 2029 NYMEX US; $2.50/mcf 2025 AECO 5A, $3.12/mcf 2026 AECO 5A, $3.19/mcf 2027 AECO 5A, $3.27/mcf 2028 AECO 5A, $3.36/mcf 2029 AECO 5A; $13.58/mcf 2025 JKM US, $11.98/mcf 2026 JKM US, $10.19/mcf 2027 JKM US, $8.86/mcf 2028 JKM US, $8.57/mcf 2029 JKM US), crude oil ($68.16/bbl 2025 WTI US, $66.57/bbl 2026 WTI US, $65.76/bbl 2027 WTI US, $65.38/bbl 2028 WTI US, $65.13/bbl 2029 WTI US) and an exchange rate
assumption of $0.73 for 2025
(CAD/US), 0.74 for 2026 and 2027 and 0.75 for 2028 and 2029. To the
extent such estimates constitute financial outlooks, they were
approved by management and the Board of Directors of Tourmaline on
November 6, 2024, and are included to
provide readers with an understanding of Tourmaline's anticipated
cash flow and free cash flow based on the capital expenditure,
production and other assumptions described herein and readers are
cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for other
purposes.
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
This news release contains the terms "cash flow", "capital
expenditures", "EP expenditures", "free cash flow", and "operating
netback", which are considered "non-GAAP financial measures"
and the terms "cash flow per diluted share", "free cash flow per
diluted share", "operating netback per boe", and "cash flow per
boe", which are considered "non-GAAP financial ratios". These terms
do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. In addition,
this news release contains the terms "adjusted working
capital" and "net debt", which are considered "capital
management measures" and do not have standardized meanings
prescribed by GAAP. Accordingly, the Company's use of these terms
may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by
other companies. Investors are cautioned that these measures should
not be construed as an alternative to or more meaningful than the
most directly comparable GAAP measures in evaluating the Company's
performance. See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" in the
most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis for more
information on the definition and description of these terms.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Cash Flow
Management uses the term "cash flow" for its own performance
measure and to provide shareholders and potential investors with a
measurement of the Company's efficiency and its ability to generate
the cash (net of current income taxes) necessary to fund its future
growth expenditures, to repay debt or to pay dividends. The
most directly comparable GAAP measure for cash flow is cash flow
from operating activities. A summary of the reconciliation of
cash flow from operating activities to cash flow, is set forth
below:
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
(000s)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash flow from
operating activities (per GAAP)
|
$
727,042
|
$
882,814
|
$
2,063,670
|
$
3,393,273
|
Current income (taxes)
recovery
|
16,699
|
(102,669)
|
(28,508)
|
(355,629)
|
Current income taxes
paid
|
39,259
|
5,261
|
526,802
|
34,497
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
(41,100)
|
93,126
|
(193,803)
|
(282,466)
|
Cash flow
|
$
741,900
|
$
878,532
|
$
2,368,161
|
$
2,789,675
|
Capital Expenditures
Management uses the term "capital expenditures" as a measure of
capital investment in exploration and production activity, as well
as property acquisitions and divestitures. The most directly
comparable GAAP measure for capital expenditures is cash flow used
in investing activities. A summary of the reconciliation of
cash flow used in investing activities to capital expenditures, is
set forth below:
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
(000s)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash flow used in
investing activities (per GAAP)
|
$
415,764
|
$
319,106
|
$
1,515,075
|
$ 1,406,341
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
175,154
|
246,342
|
(73,807)
|
30,921
|
Capital
expenditures
|
$
590,918
|
$
565,448
|
$
1,441,268
|
$ 1,437,262
|
EP Expenditures
Management uses the term "EP expenditures" or exploration and
production expenditures as a measure of capital investment in
exploration and production activity, and such spending is compared
to the Company's annual budgeted exploration and production
expenditures. The most directly comparable GAAP measure for
exploration and production spending is cash flow used in investing
activities. A summary of the reconciliation of cash flow used
in investing activities to exploration and development
expenditures, is set forth below:
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
(000s)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash flow used in
investing activities (per GAAP)
|
$
415,764
|
$ 319,106
|
$
1,515,075
|
$ 1,406,341
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
175,154
|
246,342
|
(73,807)
|
30,921
|
Property
acquisitions
|
(2,123)
|
(19,242)
|
(25,704)
|
(58,536)
|
Proceeds from
divestitures
|
609
|
-
|
56,834
|
7,789
|
Other
|
(14,659)
|
(12,818)
|
(42,351)
|
(38,555)
|
EP
Expenditures
|
$
574,745
|
$
533,388
|
$
1,430,047
|
$
1,347,960
|
Free Cash Flow
Management uses the term "free cash flow" for its own
performance measure and to provide shareholders and potential
investors with a measurement of the Company's efficiency and its
ability to generate the cash necessary to fund its future growth
expenditures, to repay debt and provide shareholder returns.
Free cash flow is defined as cash flow less capital expenditures,
excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Free cash flow is
prior to dividend payment. The most directly comparable GAAP
measure for cash flow is cash flow from operating activities.
See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures – Cash Flow" and " Non-GAAP
Financial Measures – Capital Expenditures" above.
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
(000s)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash flow
|
$
741,900
|
$ 878,532
|
$
2,368,161
|
$ 2,789,675
|
Capital
expenditures
|
(590,918)
|
(565,448)
|
(1,441,268)
|
(1,437,262)
|
Property
acquisitions
|
2,123
|
19,242
|
25,704
|
58,536
|
Proceeds from
divestitures
|
(609)
|
-
|
(56,834)
|
(7,789)
|
Free Cash
Flow
|
$
152,496
|
$
332,326
|
$
895,763
|
$ 1,403,160
|
Operating Netback
Management uses the term "operating netback" as a key
performance indicator and one that is commonly presented by other
oil and natural gas producers. Operating netback is defined
as the sum of commodity sales from production, premium (loss) on
risk management activities and realized gains (loss) on financial
instruments less the sum of royalties, transportation costs and
operating expenses. A summary of the reconciliation of
operating netback from commodity sales from production, which is a
GAAP measure, is set forth below:
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
(000s)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Commodity sales from
production
|
$
935,402
|
$
1,311,167
|
$
3,514,721
|
$
3,985,213
|
Premium on risk
management activities
|
300,705
|
119,103
|
547,677
|
620,027
|
Realized gain on
financial instruments
|
145,986
|
157,659
|
358,556
|
442,874
|
Royalties
|
(105,616)
|
(139,601)
|
(383,553)
|
(487,953)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(270,327)
|
(236,892)
|
(805,990)
|
(723,579)
|
Operating
expenses
|
(249,471)
|
(212,616)
|
(754,947)
|
(640,711)
|
Operating
netback
|
$
756,679
|
$ 998,820
|
$
2,476,464
|
$
3,195,871
|
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios
Operating Netback per-boe
Management calculates "operating netback per-boe" as operating
netback divided by total production for the period. Netback
per-boe is a key performance indicator and measure of operational
efficiency and one that is commonly presented by other oil and
natural gas producers. A summary of the calculation of
operating netback per boe, is set forth below:
|
Three Months Ended
September 30,
|
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
|
($/boe)
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Revenue, excluding
processing income
|
$
26.95
|
$
34.35
|
$
28.29
|
$
36.40
|
Royalties
|
(2.06)
|
(3.02)
|
(2.45)
|
(3.52)
|
Transportation
costs
|
(5.27)
|
(5.12)
|
(5.16)
|
(5.22)
|
Operating
expenses
|
(4.87)
|
(4.60)
|
(4.83)
|
(4.62)
|
Operating
netback
|
$
14.75
|
$
21.61
|
$
15.85
|
$
23.04
|
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted Working Capital
Management uses the term "adjusted working capital" for its own
performance measures and to provide shareholders and potential
investors with a measurement of the Company's liquidity. A
summary of the reconciliation of working capital (deficit) to
adjusted working capital (deficit), is set forth below:
(000s)
|
As at
September 30,
2024
|
As at
December 31,
2023
|
Working capital
(deficit)
|
$
13,370
|
$
(298,280)
|
Fair value of financial
instruments – short-term asset
|
(384,209)
|
(437,535)
|
Lease liabilities –
short-term
|
8,164
|
5,796
|
Decommissioning
obligations – short-term
|
60,000
|
45,000
|
Unrealized foreign
exchange in working capital – liability (asset)
|
(4,046)
|
5,524
|
Adjusted working
capital (deficit)
|
$
(306,721)
|
$
(679,495)
|
Net Debt
Management uses the term "net debt", as a key measure for
evaluating its capital structure and to provide shareholders and
potential investors with a measurement of the Company's total
indebtedness. A summary of the reconciliation of bank debt
and senior unsecured notes to net debt, is set forth below:
(000s)
|
As at
September 30,
2024
|
As at
December 31, 2023
|
Bank debt
|
$
(700,101)
|
$
(651,594)
|
Senior unsecured
notes
|
(698,307)
|
(448,643)
|
Adjusted working
capital (deficit)
|
(306,721)
|
(679,495)
|
Net debt
|
$
(1,705,129)
|
$
(1,779,732)
|
Supplementary Financial Measures
The following measures are supplementary financial measures:
cash flow per diluted share, free cash flow per diluted share,
operating expenses ($/boe), cash general and administrative
expenses ($/boe) and transportation costs ($/boe). These measures
are calculated by dividing the numerator by a diluted share count
or by total production for the period, depending on the financial
measure discussed.
ESTIMATES OF DRILLING LOCATIONS
Of the over 23,000 drilling locations disclosed in this news
release approximately 19,821 are unbooked drilling locations.
Unbooked drilling locations are the internal estimates of
Tourmaline based on Tourmaline'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 attributed reserves or resources (including
contingent and prospective). Unbooked locations have been
identified by Tourmaline's management as an estimation of
Tourmaline's multi-year drilling activities based on evaluation of
applicable geologic, seismic, engineering, production and reserves
information. There is no certainty that Tourmaline will drill
all unbooked drilling locations and if drilled there is no
certainty that such locations will result in additional oil and
natural gas reserves, resources or production. The drilling
locations on which Tourmaline will actually drill wells, including
the number and timing thereof is ultimately dependent upon the
availability of funding, regulatory approvals, seasonal
restrictions, oil and natural gas prices, costs, actual drilling
results, additional reservoir information that is obtained and
other factors. While a certain number of the unbooked drilling
locations have been de-risked by Tourmaline drilling existing wells
in relative close proximity to such unbooked drilling locations,
the majority of other unbooked drilling locations are farther away
from existing wells where management of Tourmaline has less
information about the characteristics of the reservoir and
therefore there is more uncertainty whether wells will be drilled
in such locations and if drilled there is more uncertainty that
such wells will result in additional oil and gas reserves,
resources or production.
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 document 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION REGARDING PRODUCT TYPES
This news release includes references to Q3 2024 average daily
production, forecast Q4 2024 average daily production and forecast
2025 average daily 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:
|
Light and Medium
Crude Oil(1)
|
|
Conventional
Natural Gas
|
|
Shale Natural
Gas
|
|
Natural Gas
Liquids(1)
|
|
Oil Equivalent
Total
|
|
|
Company Gross
(bbls)
|
|
Company Gross
(mcf)
|
|
Company Gross
(mcf)
|
|
Company Gross
(bbls)
|
|
Company Gross
(boe)
|
|
Q3 2024 Average Daily
Production
|
43,485
|
|
1,426,133
|
|
1,128,250
|
|
88,149
|
|
557,365
|
|
Q4 2024 Forecast
Average Daily Production
|
51,200
|
|
1,554,200
|
|
1,250,000
|
|
91,400
|
|
610,000
|
|
2025 Forecast Average
Daily Production
|
58,100
|
|
1,582,500
|
|
1,347,500
|
|
103,550
|
|
650,000
|
|
(1)
|
For the purposes of
this disclosure, condensate has been combined with Light and Medium
Crude Oil as the associated revenues and certain costs of
condensate are similar to Light and Medium Crude Oil.
Accordingly, NGLs in this disclosure exclude
condensate.
|
INITIAL PRODUCTION RATES
Any references in this news release to initial production rates
are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however,
such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells
will continue production and decline thereafter and are not
necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate
recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place
reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for
the Company. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be
based on limited data available at this time.
GENERAL
See also "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Non-GAAP and Other
Financial Measures" in the most recently filed Management's
Discussion and Analysis.
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS:
1H
|
first half
|
2H
|
second half
|
bbl
|
barrel
|
bbls/day
|
barrels per
day
|
bbl/mmcf
|
barrels per million
cubic feet
|
bcf
|
billion cubic
feet
|
bcfe
|
billion cubic feet
equivalent
|
bpd or
bbl/d
|
barrels per
day
|
boe
|
barrel of oil
equivalent
|
boepd or
boe/d
|
barrel of oil
equivalent per day
|
bopd or
bbl/d
|
barrel of oil,
condensate or liquids per day
|
CNG
|
compressed natural
gas
|
DUC
|
drilled but uncompleted
wells
|
EP
|
exploration and
production
|
EP
Plan
|
five-year exploration
and production plan
|
gj
|
gigajoule
|
gjs/d
|
gigajoules per
day
|
JKM
|
Japan Korea
Marker
|
mbbls
|
thousand
barrels
|
mmbbls
|
million
barrels
|
mboe
|
thousand barrels of oil
equivalent
|
mboepd
|
thousand barrels of oil
equivalent per day
|
mcf
|
thousand cubic
feet
|
mcfpd or
mcf/d
|
thousand cubic feet per
day
|
mcfe
|
thousand cubic feet
equivalent
|
mmboe
|
million barrels of oil
equivalent
|
mmbtu
|
million British thermal
units
|
mmbtu/d
|
million British thermal
units per day
|
mmcf
|
million cubic
feet
|
mmcfpd or
mmcf/d
|
million cubic feet per
day
|
MPa
|
megapascal
|
mstb
|
thousand stock tank
barrels
|
natural
gas
|
conventional natural
gas and shale gas
|
NCIB
|
normal course issuer
bid
|
NGL or
NGLs
|
natural gas
liquids
|
TCF
|
trillion cubic
feet
|
TCFe
|
trillion cubic
feet equivalent
|
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To view Tourmaline's Management's Discussion and Analysis and
Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the periods
ended September 30, 2024 and 2023,
please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) or Tourmaline's website
at www.tourmalineoil.com.
About Tourmaline Oil Corp.
Tourmaline is Canada's largest
and most active natural gas producer dedicated to producing the
lowest-cost natural gas in North
America. We are an investment grade exploration and
production company providing strong and predictable operating and
financial performance through the development of our three core
areas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With our existing
large reserve base, decades-long drilling inventory, relentless
focus on execution and cost management, and industry-leading
environmental performance, we are excited to provide shareholders
an excellent return on capital, and an attractive source of income
through our base dividend and surplus free cash flow distribution
strategies.
SOURCE Tourmaline Oil Corp.