CDN NEWS | 
US NEWS 
CALGARY – Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (“Birchcliff” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BIR) is pleased to announce its 2020 capital program, 2020 guidance and new five year plan.
“We believe that the key to creating shareholder value is through fully utilizing the available capacity of our existing infrastructure, which is expected to increase our free funds flow, drive down our per unit costs and maximize our operational efficiencies. Our board of directors has approved a new five year plan which contemplates filling our 100% owned and operated natural gas processing plant in Pouce Coupe over the course of 2020 and 2021. This five year plan forecasts that we will generate cumulative free funds flow (adjusted funds flow less F&D capital expenditures) of approximately $760 million over the five year period1 which will provide us with significant optionality beyond 2020. We envisage continuing to be one of industry’s lowest-cost producers as a result of having a large contiguous land and production base with essentially 100% ownership and operatorship, and owning or controlling the vast majority of our infrastructure where we have repeatable drilling opportunities. We are focused on maximizing efficiencies and continuing to improve our drilling results on our Montney/Doig Resource Play and we look forward to the next five years as we execute on our plan,” commented Jeff Tonken, President and Chief Executive Officer of Birchcliff.
“For 2020, our board of directors has approved a capital budget of $340 million to $360 million, which targets an annual average production rate of 80,000 to 82,000 boe/d and which is expected to generate approximately $370 million of adjusted funds flow based on the mid-point of our 2020 annual average production guidance. In 2019, we achieved annual average production of approximately 78,000 boe/d (based on field estimates), which was well within our guidance of 77,000 to 79,000 boe/d. We expect to release our unaudited financial and operational results and reserves highlights for the year ended December 31, 2019 on February 12, 2020.”
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. For further information regarding the forward-looking statements contained herein, see “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”. In addition, this press release contains references to “adjusted funds flow”, “free funds flow”, “netback” and “total debt”, which do not have standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies where similar terminology is used. For further information regarding these non-GAAP measures, see “Non-GAAP Measures”. With respect to the disclosure of Birchcliff’s production contained in this press release, see “Advisories – Production”.
2020 CAPITAL PROGRAM
Overview
Birchcliff’s 2020 capital program (the “2020 Capital Program”) marks the first year of Birchcliff’s five year plan for 2020 to 2024 (the “Five Year Plan”). Key highlights of the 2020 Capital Program are as follows:
- Adjusted funds flow of approximately $370 million is expected to be generated in 20201 based on the mid-point of the Corporation’s 2020 annual average production guidance.
- Total F&D capital expenditures are estimated to be $340 million to $360 million.
- Annual average production in 2020 is expected to be in the range of 80,000 to 82,000 boe/d, which represents a 3% to 5% increase over Birchcliff’s estimated 2019 annual average production. Q4 2020 average production is expected to be in the range of 87,000 to 89,000 boe/d, which represents a 12% to 14% increase over Birchcliff’s estimated Q4 2019 average production.
- Production is expected to ramp up in Q3 2020 as the majority of Birchcliff’s wells are planned to be brought on production in that quarter, which will coincide with the bringing on-stream of Birchcliff’s 20,000 bbls/d (50% condensate, 50% water) inlet liquids-handling facility (the “Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility”) at its 100% owned and operated natural gas processing plant in Pouce Coupe (the “Pouce Coupe Gas Plant”).
- In order to minimize frac-driven interaction associated with offset drilling and completions activities, Birchcliff plans to protect its existing wells by proactively shutting-in some production in Q1 2020. As a result, Q1 2020 production is anticipated to decline from Q4 2019 levels and average approximately 71,000 to 74,000 boe/d. Birchcliff actively works to mitigate the impact of frac-driven interaction on its operations.
- In line with Birchcliff’s objective of growing its high-value liquids production in 2020, drilling will target condensate-rich natural gas wells in Pouce Coupe and oil wells in Gordondale.
- Funds will also be directed towards completing the Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility in order to handle increased condensate volumes in Pouce Coupe.
- Liquids are expected to increase to approximately 24% of Birchcliff’s production commodity mix in 2020 (16% condensate and light oil and 8% NGLs), as compared to approximately 22% in 2019.
- The program is heavily weighted towards the first half of the year, with the majority of F&D capital expected to be spent by the end of Q2 2020.
- Birchcliff expects that a total of 38 (38.0 net) wells will be drilled and 44 (44.0 net) wells will be brought on production in 2020.
- Approximately 50% of the program is directed towards Birchcliff’s Pouce Coupe area and approximately 40% towards its Gordondale area.
- Approximately 65% of the program is directed towards drilling, completions, equipping and tie-in (“DCCET”) activities.
- Approximately 21% of the program is directed towards facilities and infrastructure, with spending primarily directed towards the completion of the Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility and the addition of natural gas compression and a significant trunk line in Gordondale.
1 Assumes: (i) an average WTI spot price of US$60.00/bbl; (ii) an average WTI-MSW differential of CDN$8.50/bbl; (iii) an average AECO 5A spot price of CDN$2.10/GJ; (iv) an average Dawn spot price of US$2.50/MMBtu; (v) an average NYMEX HH spot price of US$2.50/MMBtu; and (vi) an exchange rate (CDN$ to US$1) of 1.32. See “2020 Guidance”, “Five Year Plan” and “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”.
The following tables set forth further details regarding Birchcliff’s expected capital spending allocation and the number and types of wells expected to be drilled and brought on production in 2020:
2020 Capital Program – Capital Expenditures by Classification
| Classification | Capital (MM) | |
| DCCET | ||
| Pouce Coupe(1) | $104 – $110 | |
| Gordondale(1) | $95 – $100 | |
| Additional Well Completions Capital(2) | $21 – $22 | |
| Total DCCET | $220 – $232 | |
| Facilities and Infrastructure(3) | $72 – $76 | |
| Maintenance and Optimization | $25 – $27 | |
| Land and Seismic(4) | $5 – $6 | |
| Other | $18 – $19 | |
| TOTAL F&D Capital Expenditures(5) | $340 – $360 | |
| (1) | On a DCCET basis, the average well cost in 2020 is estimated to be $5.5 million for Pouce Coupe and $5.6 million for Gordondale. These costs can vary depending on factors such as the size of the associated multi-well pads, the costs of construction, the existence of pipelines and other infrastructure and the distance to existing or planned pipelines and other infrastructure. | |
| (2) | Represents the estimated completion, equipping and tie-in costs associated with the 6 (6.0 net) wells that were drilled and rig released in Q4 2019. | |
| (3) | Includes approximately $35 million for the completion of the Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility and approximately $25 million for the addition of natural gas compression and a significant trunk line in Gordondale. | |
| (4) | Includes capital for crown sales and rental payments but does not include other property acquisitions and dispositions. | |
| (5) | Net property acquisitions and dispositions have not been included in the table above as these amounts are generally unbudgeted. Birchcliff makes acquisitions and dispositions in the ordinary course of business and any acquisitions and dispositions completed during 2020 could have an impact on Birchcliff’s capital expenditures, production, adjusted funds flow, free funds flow, costs and total debt, which impact could be material. See “Advisories – Capital Expenditures”. |
2020 Capital Program – Wells to be Drilled and Brought on Production
Area |
Total wells to be drilled in 2020 | Total wells to be brought on production in 2020(1) |
||
| Pouce Coupe | ||||
| Montney D1 horizontal natural gas wells | 4 | 4 | ||
| Montney D2 horizontal natural gas wells | 9 | 12 | ||
| Montney C horizontal natural gas wells | 7 | 8 | ||
| Total – Pouce Coupe | 20 | 24 | ||
| Gordondale | ||||
| Montney D1 horizontal oil wells | 8 | 9 | ||
| Montney D2 horizontal oil wells | 9 | 9 | ||
| Montney D4 horizontal oil wells | 0 | 1 | ||
| Montney C horizontal oil wells | 1 | 1 | ||
| Total – Gordondale | 18 | 20 | ||
| TOTAL – COMBINED | 38 | 44 | ||
(1) Includes the 6 (6.0 net) wells that were drilled and rig released in Q4 2019.
If commodity prices and economic conditions improve throughout 2020, the Corporation may give consideration to accelerating 2021 capital into 2020 in order to fill its infrastructure earlier and reduce the amount of capital needed to be spent in 2021. Should commodity prices and economic conditions deteriorate throughout 2020, the Corporation may give consideration to reducing capital spending in 2021 and delaying the filling of its infrastructure until 2022 (see “Five Year Plan”). For the commodity price and exchange rate assumptions used by the Corporation in planning its 2020 Capital Program, see “2020 Guidance”.
Pouce Coupe
Approximately 50% of the 2020 Capital Program is directed towards Birchcliff’s Pouce Coupe area. Key focus areas for Pouce Coupe in 2020 will be the drilling of condensate-rich natural gas wells and the further exploitation and delineation of condensate-rich trends in the Montney D1, D2 and C intervals. In 2020, the Corporation anticipates expanding its development of this area with a new 14-well pad as discussed in further detail below.
As previously disclosed, Birchcliff has initiated construction of the Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility. Once completed, this facility will give Birchcliff the ability to increase its condensate production in the Pouce Coupe area to approximately 10,000 bbls/d (Q3 2019: ~4,500 bbls/d). Fabrication of the various components is underway and site preparation has commenced. The facility is anticipated to be on-stream in Q3 2020.
Gordondale
Approximately 40% of the 2020 Capital Program is directed towards Birchcliff’s Gordondale area. Key focus areas for Gordondale in 2020 will be the drilling of crude oil wells and the further exploitation and delineation of oil in the Montney D1, D2 and C intervals, specifically in the southeastern part of the Gordondale field. Birchcliff also plans to further delineate the Montney D4 interval in Gordondale, which is expected to add significant liquids-rich inventory. Birchcliff drilled a Montney D4 well in Q4 2019 which is awaiting completion. Birchcliff has drilled several Montney D4 wells in Pouce Coupe but this is Birchcliff’s first Montney D4 well in Gordondale.
Birchcliff has commenced the engineering and procurement for the addition of natural gas compression at both of its 100% owned and operated oil batteries in Gordondale. The Corporation has also initiated construction of a significant trunk line to transport oil, natural gas and water to these batteries from the southeastern portion of the field. Both projects are expected to be completed in Q2 2020.
Multi-Interval Cube-Style Development
Building off the success of its science and technology pad in 2018 that targeted three different intervals (the Montney D1, D2 and C), Birchcliff continues to refine its multi-interval cube-style drilling and completion practices to improve resource recovery and cost efficiency in both Pouce Coupe and Gordondale. This cube-style of development has various other benefits including: (i) it reduces Birchcliff’s environmental footprint; (ii) it allows Birchcliff to fracture stimulate (or complete) the wells in a specific order to leverage the rock mechanics behavior; (iii) it helps to minimize frac-driven interaction with offsetting wells; (iv) it helps to reduce per well costs through common well equipment and pipelines; and (v) it helps to maximize operational scale and repeatability.
In 2020, Birchcliff plans to drill a 14-well pad in Pouce Coupe using multi-interval cube-style development. This pad will utilize two drilling rigs each drilling 7 wells to maximize operational efficiencies through scale and repeatability, which in turn is expected to lead to further savings on a per well basis. This pad is located at 14-19-079-12W6, which is adjacent to the successful condensate-rich wells drilled by Birchcliff in 2019 in the Montney D1, D2 and C intervals at its 14-06-079-12W6 pad. Similarly, Birchcliff plans on using multi-interval cube-style development in Gordondale to drill 10 wells using two drilling rigs on two proximal pads targeting the Montney D1, D2 and D4 intervals.
Activities Year-to-Date
Birchcliff currently has 4 drilling rigs at work, with 2 rigs in the Gordondale area and 2 in the Pouce Coupe area. Year-to-date, Birchcliff has drilled 4 (4.0 net) wells, consisting of 2 (2.0 net) Montney horizontal oil wells in the Gordondale area and 2 (2.0 net) Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells in the Pouce Coupe area. All of these wells were drilled on multi-well pads and none have been completed yet.
2020 GUIDANCE
The following table sets forth Birchcliff’s guidance and commodity price assumptions for 2020:
| 2020 guidance and assumptions(1) | |||
| Production | |||
| Annual average production (boe/d) | 80,000 – 82,000(2) | ||
| % Light oil | 8% | ||
| % Condensate | 8% | ||
| % NGLs | 8% | ||
| % Natural gas | 76% | ||
| Q4 average production (boe/d) | 87,000 – 89,000 | ||
| Average Expenses ($/boe) | |||
| Royalty | 1.40 – 1.60 | ||
| Operating | 3.10 – 3.30 | ||
| Transportation and other | 4.90 – 5.10(3) | ||
| Adjusted Funds Flow (MM$) | 370(4) | ||
| F&D Capital Expenditures (MM$) | 340 – 360(5)(6) | ||
| Free Funds Flow (MM$) | 10 – 30(7) | ||
| Total Debt at Year End (MM$) | 645 – 665(8) | ||
| Natural Gas Market Exposure(9) | |||
| AECO exposure as a % of total natural gas production | 22% | ||
| Dawn exposure as a % of total natural gas production | 44% | ||
| NYMEX HH exposure as a % of total natural gas production | 33% | ||
| Alliance exposure as a % of total natural gas production | 1% | ||
| Commodity Prices | |||
| Average WTI spot price (US$/bbl) | 60.00 | ||
| Average WTI-MSW differential (CDN$/bbl) | 8.50 | ||
| Average AECO 5A spot price (CDN$/GJ) | 2.10 | ||
| Average Dawn spot price (US$/MMBtu) | 2.50 | ||
| Average NYMEX HH spot price (US$/MMBtu)(10) | 2.50 | ||
| Exchange rate (CDN$ to US$1) | 1.32 | ||
| (1) | Birchcliff’s guidance for its commodity mix, adjusted funds flow and natural gas market exposure in 2020 is based on an annual average production rate of 81,000 boe/d during 2020, which is the mid-point of Birchcliff’s annual average production guidance for 2020. | |
| (2) | As compared to Birchcliff’s preliminary production guidance range of 78,000 to 82,000 boe/d previously disclosed on November 14, 2019. | |
| (3) | Includes transportation tolls for 175,000 GJ/d of natural gas sold at the Dawn price and includes any unused firm transportation costs associated with Birchcliff’s commitments on the NGTL system. | |
| (4) | Birchcliff’s estimate of adjusted funds flow takes into account the effects of its commodity risk management contracts outstanding as at January 22, 2020. | |
| (5) | Birchcliff’s estimate of F&D capital expenditures excludes any net potential acquisitions and dispositions and corresponds to Birchcliff’s 2020 F&D capital budget. See “2020 Capital Program” and “Advisories – Capital Expenditures”. | |
| (6) | As compared to Birchcliff’s preliminary guidance range of $250 million to $350 million previously disclosed on November 14, 2019. | |
| (7) | Free funds flow is calculated as adjusted funds flow less F&D capital expenditures and is prior to acquisitions and dispositions, dividend payments, ARO, administrative assets, financing fees and capital lease obligations. See “Non-GAAP Measures”. | |
| (8) | The total debt amount set forth in the table above assumes the following: (i) that the timing and amount of common share and preferred share dividends paid by the Corporation remains consistent with previous years, with the dividend rates remaining flat; (ii) that there are 2,000,000 series A and 2,000,000 series C preferred shares outstanding; (iii) that the 2020 Capital Program will be carried out as currently contemplated and the level of capital spending set forth herein will be achieved; and (iv) the targets for production, commodity mix, capital expenditures, adjusted funds flow, free funds flow and natural gas market exposure and the commodity price and exchange rate assumptions set forth herein are met. The amount set forth in the table above does not include annual cash incentive payments. | |
| (9) | Birchcliff’s guidance regarding its natural gas market exposure in 2020 assumes: (i) 175,000 GJ/d being sold at the Dawn index price; (ii) 5 MMcf/d being sold at Alliance’s Trading Pool daily index price until October 31, 2020; and (iii) 132,500 MMBtu/d being hedged on a financial and physical basis at a fixed basis differential between the AECO 7A price and the NYMEX HH price. | |
| (10) | $1.00 per MMBtu equals $1.00 per Mcf based on a standard heat value of 37.4 MJ/m3 or a heat uplift of 1.055 when converting from $/GJ. |
Adjusted Funds Flow Sensitivity
The following table illustrates the expected impact of changes in commodity prices and the CDN/US exchange rate on the Corporation’s estimate of adjusted funds flow for 2020 of $370 million, after taking into account the effects of its commodity risk management contracts outstanding as at January 22, 2020:
| Estimated change to 2020 adjusted funds flow (MM$)(1)(2) | ||
| Change in WTI US$1.00/bbl | 6 | |
| Change in NYMEX HH US$0.10/MMBtu | 7 | |
| Change in Dawn US$0.10/MMBtu | 8 | |
| Change in AECO CDN$0.10/GJ | 3 | |
| Change in CDN/US exchange rate CDN$0.01 | 3 |
| (1) | See the guidance table above. | |
| (2) | The calculated impact on adjusted funds flow is only applicable within the limited range of change indicated. Calculations are performed independently and may not be indicative of actual results. Actual results may vary materially when multiple variables change at the same time. |
Changes in assumed commodity prices and variances in production estimates can have a significant impact on the Corporation’s estimate of adjusted funds flow.
For further information regarding Birchcliff’s guidance, see “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”.
FIVE YEAR PLAN
Overview
Birchcliff’s Five Year Plan is expected to generate strong economic returns and increase shareholder value over the long-term. Key highlights of the Five Year Plan are as follows:
- Fully utilizing the available capacity of the Corporation’s existing infrastructure.
- Increasing the Corporation’s free funds flow.
- Maintaining and strengthening the Corporation’s balance sheet and financial flexibility and reducing indebtedness over the five year period.
- Focusing on shareholder returns, including its common share dividend and share buybacks.
- Targeting capital spending to be less than adjusted funds flow each year.
- Generating profitable production and liquids growth.
Key Metrics
The following table summarizes the key metrics of the Five Year Plan(1)(2):
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | ||||||
| Annual Average Production (boe/d) | 80,000 – 82,000 | 90,000 | 96,500 | 96,500 | 96,500 | |||||
| Liquids (%) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | |||||
| Q4 Average Production (boe/d) | 87,000 – 89,000 | 96,500 | 96,500 | 96,500 | 96,500 | |||||
| Total Wells Brought on Production | 44 | 52 | 43 | 39 | 31 | |||||
| Annual Adjusted Funds Flow (MM)(3) | $370 | $435 | $480 | $485 | $510 | |||||
| Annual F&D Capital Expenditures (MM) | $340 – $360 | $350 | $300 | $280 | $240 | |||||
| Annual Free Funds Flow (MM) | $10 – $30 | $85 | $180 | $205 | $270 | |||||
| Cumulative Free Funds Flow (MM)(4) | $10 – $30 | $105 | $285 | $490 | $760 | |||||
| Total Debt at Year End (MM)(4)(5) | $645 – $665 | $615 | $485 | $325 | $100 | |||||
| (1) | See “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”. | |
| (2) | Assumes the following commodity prices and exchange rate over the five year period: (i) an average WTI spot price of US$60.00/bbl; (ii) an average WTI-MSW differential of CDN$8.50/bbl; (iii) an average AECO 5A spot price of CDN$2.10/GJ; (iv) an average Dawn spot price of US$2.50/MMBtu; (v) an average NYMEX HH spot price of US$2.50/MMBtu; and (vi) an exchange rate (CDN$ to US$1) of 1.32. In addition, the Five Year Plan assumes that any incremental natural gas production above the Corporation’s forecasted production for 2020 is sold at the AECO 5A spot price. | |
| (3) | Birchcliff’s estimates of adjusted funds flow take into account the effects of its commodity risk management contracts outstanding as at January 22, 2020. | |
| (4) | The Corporation has used the mid-point of its 2020 guidance for free funds flow and total debt at year end in determining the cumulative free funds flow and total debt at year end for 2021 to 2024. | |
| (5) | The total debt amounts set forth in the table above assume the following: (i) that any free funds flow remaining after the payment of dividends, ARO and other amounts for administrative assets, financing fees and capital lease obligations is allocated towards debt reduction; (ii) that the timing and amount of common share and preferred share dividends paid by the Corporation remains consistent with previous years, with the dividend rates remaining flat; (iii) that there are 2,000,000 series A and 2,000,000 series C preferred shares outstanding; (iv) that the capital programs for each year will be carried out as currently contemplated and the level of capital spending set forth above will be achieved; and (v) the targets for production, commodity mix, capital expenditures, adjusted funds flow and free funds flow and the commodity price and exchange rate assumptions set forth herein are met. The amounts set forth in the table above do not include annual cash incentive payments. |
Adjusted Funds Flow Sensitivity
The following table illustrates the expected impact of changes in commodity prices and the CDN/US exchange rate on the Corporation’s estimate of cumulative adjusted funds flow from 2020 to 2024 and after taking into account the effects of its commodity risk management contracts outstanding as at January 22, 2020:
| Estimated change to 2020-2024 cumulative adjusted funds flow (MM$)(1)(2) |
||
| Change in WTI US$1.00/bbl | 38 | |
| Change in NYMEX HH US$0.10/MMBtu | 39 | |
| Change in Dawn US$0.10/MMBtu | 42 | |
| Change in AECO CDN$0.10/GJ | 24 | |
| Change in CDN/US exchange rate CDN$0.01 | 21 |
| (1) | See the key metrics table above. | |
| (2) | The calculated impact on cumulative adjusted funds flow is only applicable within the limited range of change indicated. Calculations are performed independently and may not be indicative of actual results. Actual results may vary materially when multiple variables change at the same time. |
Changes in assumed commodity prices and variances in production estimates can have a significant impact on the Corporation’s estimates of adjusted funds flow. For further information, see “Advisories – Forward-Looking Statements”.
Fully Utilizing the Available Capacity of the Corporation’s Existing Infrastructure
Birchcliff believes that the key to creating shareholder value is through fully utilizing the available capacity of its existing infrastructure, which is expected to drive down its operating and other cash costs on a per unit basis and maximize its operational efficiencies. This in turn will allow the Corporation to increase its netbacks and its free funds flow.
Accordingly, Birchcliff plans to fill its 100% owned and operated Pouce Coupe Gas Plant over the course of 2020 and 2021 (which is currently operating at approximately 80% of its total processing capacity of 340 MMcf/d), as well as utilize its available capacity at AltaGas’ gas plant in Gordondale. Birchcliff believes that keeping such infrastructure at or near capacity will help to create additional shareholder value as outlined above and will also allow Birchcliff to leverage its previous capital investment in the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant and reduce its unutilized firm transportation capacity on the NGTL system which the Corporation is currently paying for.
Birchcliff expects that the number of wells required to fill the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant to capacity can be drilled and completed over the course of 2020 and 2021 (see “2020 Capital Program” above). However, Birchcliff has the ability to reduce the rate of drilling and expand the time horizon over which to fill the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant in order to protect its balance sheet and common share dividend. Given current economic and industry conditions, Birchcliff currently has no plans to invest in further phases of the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant or other significant infrastructure beyond 2020.
Increasing the Corporation’s Free Funds Flow
The Five Year Plan forecasts that cumulative free funds flow of approximately $760 million will be generated over the five year period based on the commodity price assumptions set forth herein. As the level of capital spending decreases over the course of the plan, free funds flow is expected to steadily increase as the focus of the plan shifts to maintaining production and free funds flow generation. Any free funds flow will be allocated by Birchcliff based on what it believes will provide the most value to shareholders, with alternatives that may include debt reduction, the payment of dividends and common share buybacks, with priority expected to be given to debt reduction and the payment of Birchcliff’s existing dividends.
Maintaining and Strengthening the Balance Sheet and Financial Flexibility and Reducing Indebtedness
Birchcliff is focused on maintaining and strengthening its balance sheet and its financial flexibility. As discussed above, priority is expected to be given to debt reduction with respect to the allocation of any free funds flow generated over the course of the Five Year Plan. The Corporation’s total debt could be reduced to approximately $100 million at December 31, 2024, assuming the Corporation chose to allocate any free funds flow remaining after the payment of dividends, ARO and other amounts for administrative assets, financing fees and capital lease obligations towards debt reduction and based on the other assumptions set forth herein.
Focusing on Shareholder Returns – Dividends and Common Share Buybacks
The Five Year Plan contemplates that Birchcliff will continue to pay to shareholders a sustainable common share dividend. In addition, the capacity within the Five Year Plan for significant free funds flow generation will position the Corporation to consider increasing its common share dividend.
The anticipated free funds flow will also provide Birchcliff with optionality to consider common share buybacks. Birchcliff’s current normal course issuer bid allows it to purchase up to 13,296,761 common shares during the period from November 25, 2019 to November 24, 2020. For further details regarding Birchcliff’s normal course issuer bid, see its press release dated November 19, 2019.
Any such determinations will depend on free funds flow levels, debt levels and economic and industry conditions, among other things.
Targeting Capital Spending to be Less than Adjusted Funds Flow Each Year
Birchcliff’s F&D capital expenditures are expected to increase in 2020 and 2021 commensurate with the increased drilling and infrastructure necessary to fill the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant. Thereafter, as the focus of the Five Year Plan shifts to maintaining production and free funds flow generation, F&D capital expenditures are expected to steadily decrease over 2022 to 2024 as the base decline of the Corporation’s assets falls and it requires less F&D capital each year to maintain production. In order to protect its balance sheet and common share dividend, capital spending will be targeted to be less than Birchcliff’s forecast of adjusted funds flow in each year.
Birchcliff expects that its forecast adjusted funds flow will be sufficient to fund its F&D capital expenditures based on the commodity price assumptions set forth herein. In the event that Birchcliff’s adjusted funds flow is not sufficient to fund all of its capital expenditure requirements, it is expected that such expenditures would be funded through drawdowns under the Corporation’s credit facilities, to the extent that the annual F&D capital expenditures set forth in the Five Year Plan have not been reduced. During the first two years of the Five Year Plan, Birchcliff’s free funds flow may not be sufficient to fund all of Birchcliff’s other capital requirements (such as dividend and asset retirement obligations). Any such requirements in excess of free funds flow are expected to be funded through drawdowns under Birchcliff’s credit facilities.
Generating Profitable Production and Liquids Growth
Birchcliff expects that its annual average production growth will be 3% to 5% in 2020 and 10% to 13% in 2021 as the rate of drilling increases in those years in order to drill the necessary wells to fill the Pouce Coupe Gas Plant to at or near capacity. Thereafter, annual average production levels are expected to level out and remain relatively stable at approximately 96,500 boe/d over 2022 to 2024. Birchcliff has the necessary lands and drilling inventory to achieve this production profile, allowing it to execute the Five Year Plan without relying on asset or corporate acquisitions.
The Five Year Plan is also focused on growing the Corporation’s high-value liquids production and drilling will target condensate-rich natural gas wells in Pouce Coupe and oil wells in Gordondale. Birchcliff has been steadily increasing liquids in its overall commodity mix, especially in Pouce Coupe where the Corporation has been targeting condensate-rich natural gas wells. The Corporation’s Inlet Liquids-Handling Facility in Pouce Coupe, which is scheduled to come on-stream in Q3 2020, will allow it to handle increased condensate volumes in the area (see “2020 Capital Program”). Liquids are expected to increase to approximately 24% of Birchcliff’s production commodity mix in 2020 as compared to 2019 and will thereafter remain consistent over 2021 to 2024. On an absolute basis, Birchcliff’s liquids production is expected to increase by 35% from Q4 2019 to Q4 2024.
Share This:
COMMENTARY: Canadians Should Decide What to do With Their Money – Not Politicians and Bureaucrats