Bengal Energy Ltd. (TSX:BNG) (“Bengal” or the
“Company”) today announces its financial and operating results for
the fourth quarter and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and the
results of its independent reserve evaluation for the year ended
March 31, 2017 as prepared by GLJ Petroleum Consultants Ltd.
("GLJ").
FISCAL YEAR END & FOURTH QUARTER
2017 HIGHLIGHTS:
The following is an overview of the financial and
operational results during the three and twelve month periods ended
March 31, 2017:
Financial Highlights:
- Continued Reserve Growth – The Company’s
independently evaluated year-end corporate reserve volumes have
increased by 25% and 14% to 2,761 thousand barrels (“Mbbls”) and
7,056 Mbbls for the Proved (“1P”) and Proved plus Probable (“2P”)
reserve categories, respectively. These increases result from the
impacts of the Company’s ongoing capital programs. Based on
1P and 2P reserves additions, Bengal has replaced approximately 5
times and 7 times its annual corporate production,
respectively.
- Revenue – Crude oil sales revenue was $2.2
million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, which is 4% lower
than the $2.3 million recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2017
and 3% lower than crude oil sales during fiscal Q4 2016. The
decreases are driven by natural production declines, partially
offset by increases in benchmark crude oil prices. Annual
crude oil sales for fiscal 2017 were $9.3 million compared to $11.2
million during fiscal 2016, a 17% decline is due primarily to
natural production declines.
- Hedging – At March 31, 2017, the Company had
29,000 barrels of oil (“bbls”) remaining in its US$80 hedging
program, which is comprised of a blend of puts and swaps with a
floor price of US$80/bbl that expire on June 30,
2017.
- Funds Flow from Operations – Bengal generated
funds flow from operations of $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of
2017 compared to $1.4 million during the previous quarter and
during fiscal Q4 2016. The increase is due to reductions in
operating expenses and royalty credits realized during the
quarter. Annual funds from operations were $6.2 million in
fiscal 2017 compared to $4.0 million in fiscal 2016. The 57%
increase was the result of a 23% increase in realized gain on
financial instruments and royalty credits described
above.
- Earnings – Bengal reported net income of $1.9
million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to a $2.3
million net loss in the preceding quarter and net loss of $11.7
million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Annual net
losses were $2.8 million during fiscal 2017 compared to losses of
$10.4 million recorded in the previous year. Excluding the
impact of unrealized foreign exchange and unrealized hedging gains
and losses, adjusted net earnings were $1.2 million for the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to an adjusted net loss of $0.8
million during the previous quarter and an adjusted net loss of
$10.7 million recorded in fiscal Q4 2016. Annual adjusted net
income was $3.6 million compared to an adjusted net loss of $12.3
million recorded during the previous year.
- Rights Offering – On December 29, 2016, the
Company completed a rights offering raising $4.0 million, net of
$0.1 million of share issue costs.
Operational Highlights:
- Production Volumes – Production (net to
Bengal) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 averaged 344 barrels
of oil per day (“bopd”), a 3% and 27% decrease compared to the
preceding quarter and fiscal Q4 2016, respectively. These
decreases were due to natural production declines. Four of
the five wells drilled during fiscal 2017 were connected in May of
2017 with initial combined production rates of approximately 245
bopd (gross). These initial rates are less than pre
connection expectations and continued optimization and well cleanup
work is ongoing. With recent positive results from fracture
stimulation programs, the Joint Venture will review the 2016 wells
for stimulation in addition to planning frac programs to occur
immediately after completion in future drilling campaigns. In
Bengal’s opinion, operational delays experienced between completion
and tie-in during the 2017 campaign may have been a contributor to
longer well clean up timing and on initial reservoir
performance. Bengal will continue to closely monitor
production rates of the newly connected wells.
- Cuisinier 2016 drilling program – All five
wells drilled during the year were successful in locating
oil-bearing sands and four of these wells were completed and
commenced production in May 2017. The fifth well,
Cuisinier-23 was suspended as a future fracture stimulation
candidate following the evaluation of nearby well
performance. This drilling program included one appraisal
well (“Cuisinier-22”) and one exploration well (“Shefu-1”).
Successful drilling of the appraisal and exploration
locations have materially increased the Company’s reserve volumes
by expanding the pool boundaries.
- Credit Facility Update – In August 2016, the
Company extended its credit facility with Westpac Banking
Corporation by 18 months with a borrowing base of US$15
million. The borrowing base, if not further extended, will
follow a reduction schedule of US$5 million in December 2017, US$5
million in June 2018, and US$5 million in December 2018. All
associated terms and covenants are consistent with the existing
facility.
- Onshore India – Effective June 2016, Bengal
and its partners provided notice to the applicable Government of
India Authorities of its intention to exit the CY-ONN-2005/1
exploration block. The joint venture was unable to acquire the land
rights required for exploration, causing a force majeure condition
for the duration of the first term of exploration and is therefore
entitled to exit the permit without penalty for unfinished work
program commitments. Subsequent to year-end, this application
was accepted by the Director General of Hydrocarbons and is
awaiting final approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural
Gas. With the exit from the permit, the Company has
effectively ceased all operations in India.
Reserve Highlights
- Bengal's proved plus probable reserves (Company interest) as
evaluated by GLJ as at March 31, 2017 increased 14% to 7,056 MBOE
from 6,204 MBOE at March 31, 2016. The Company's proved reserves
(Company interest) as at March 31, 2017 increased 25% to 2,761 MBOE
from 2,212 MBOE as at March 31, 2016.
- The net present value of Bengal's estimated future net revenue
before income taxes from proved plus probable reserves as at March
31, 2017 is $118 million, which is equivalent to $1.15 per share
utilizing the forecast prices and cost assumptions of GLJ as at
March 31, 2017 and published on April 1, 2017 (the “GLJ Price
Forecast”) and discounted at 10%.. The net present value of
Bengal's estimated future net revenue before income taxes from
total proved reserves as at March 31, 2017 is $45.8 million,
utilizing the GLJ April 1, 2017 Price Forecast and discounted at
10%.
- The Company’s Reserves Replacement Ratio (annual reserve
additions versus annual production) for Proved Reserves was 498%
and for Proven plus Probable Reserves was 717%.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING
HIGHLIGHTS
$000s except per share, volumes and netback
amounts |
Three Months Ended |
|
Twelve Months Ended |
|
March 31 |
|
March 31 |
|
|
2017 |
|
|
2016 |
|
% Change |
|
2017 |
|
|
2016 |
|
% Change |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil
sales revenue |
$ |
2,179 |
|
$ |
2,253 |
|
(3 |
) |
$ |
9,294 |
|
$ |
11,187 |
|
(17 |
) |
Realized gain on financial instruments |
$ |
971 |
|
$ |
1,833 |
|
(47 |
) |
$ |
4,712 |
|
$ |
3,840 |
|
23 |
|
Royalties |
$ |
(347 |
) |
$ |
106 |
|
(427 |
) |
$ |
(213 |
) |
$ |
728 |
|
(129 |
) |
% of revenue |
|
(16 |
) |
|
5 |
|
(420 |
) |
|
(2 |
) |
|
7 |
|
(129 |
) |
Operating & transportation |
$ |
987 |
|
$ |
1,474 |
|
(33 |
) |
$ |
4,864 |
|
$ |
6,480 |
|
(25 |
) |
Operating netback(1) |
$ |
2,510 |
|
$ |
2,506 |
|
- |
|
$ |
9,355 |
|
$ |
7,819 |
|
20 |
|
Cash
from operations: |
$ |
643 |
|
$ |
1,496 |
|
(57 |
) |
$ |
4,515 |
|
$ |
5,398 |
|
(16 |
) |
Funds from operations: |
$ |
1,639 |
|
$ |
1,439 |
|
14 |
|
$ |
6,196 |
|
$ |
4,048 |
|
53 |
|
Per share ($) (basic & diluted) |
|
0.02 |
|
|
0.02 |
|
- |
|
|
0.08 |
|
|
0.06 |
|
33 |
|
Net
income (loss) |
$ |
1,931 |
|
$ |
(11,704 |
) |
(117 |
) |
$ |
(2,768 |
) |
$ |
(10,380 |
) |
(73 |
) |
Per share ($) (basic & diluted) |
|
0.02 |
|
|
(0.17 |
) |
(112 |
) |
|
(0.04 |
) |
|
(0.15 |
) |
(73 |
) |
Adjusted
net (loss) income (2) |
$ |
1,181 |
|
$ |
(10,685 |
) |
(111 |
) |
$ |
3,605 |
|
$ |
(12,270 |
) |
(129 |
) |
Per share ($) (basic & diluted) |
|
0.01 |
|
|
(0.16 |
) |
(106 |
) |
|
0.05 |
|
|
(0.18 |
) |
(128 |
) |
Capital expenditures |
$ |
681 |
|
$ |
332 |
|
105 |
|
$ |
5,618 |
|
$ |
3,347 |
|
68 |
|
Oil
Volumes (bopd) |
|
344 |
|
|
469 |
|
(27 |
) |
|
379 |
|
|
505 |
|
(25 |
) |
Netback(1) ($/boe) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
$ |
70.40 |
|
$ |
52.83 |
|
33 |
|
$ |
67.17 |
|
$ |
60.54 |
|
11 |
|
Realized
gain on financial instruments |
|
31.37 |
|
|
42.98 |
|
(27 |
) |
|
34.06 |
|
|
20.78 |
|
64 |
|
Royalties |
|
(11.21 |
) |
|
2.49 |
|
(550 |
) |
|
(1.54 |
) |
|
3.94 |
|
(139 |
) |
Operating & transportation |
|
31.89 |
|
|
34.57 |
|
(8 |
) |
|
35.16 |
|
|
35.07 |
|
- |
|
Netback/boe |
$ |
81.09 |
|
$ |
58.75 |
|
38 |
|
$ |
67.61 |
|
$ |
42.31 |
|
60 |
|
Notes (1) Operating netback is a
non-IFRS measure and includes realized gain on financial
instruments. Netback per boe is calculated by dividing revenue
(including realized gain on financial instruments) less royalties,
operating and transportation costs by the total production of the
Company measured in boe.
(2) Adjusted net (loss) is a non-IFRS
measure. The comparable IFRS measure is net income (loss). A
reconciliation of the two measures can be found in the table on
page 6 of the Q4 and fiscal Year Ended Mar. 31, 2017 MD&A.
Bengal has filed its consolidated financial
statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the fourth
fiscal quarter of 2017 and year ended March 31, 2017 with the
Canadian securities regulators. The documents are available on
SEDAR at www.sedar.com or by visiting Bengal’s website at
www.bengalenergy.ca.
NET ASSET VALUE
The following table provides a calculation of
Bengal's estimated net asset value and net asset value per share as
at March 31, 2017 based on the estimated future net revenues
associated with Bengal's proved plus probable reserves discounted
at 10% and utilizing GLJ's April 1, 2017 price forecast, as
presented in the GLJ Report (as defined below).
Bengal's estimated net asset value per (basic)
share as at March 31, 2017 is calculated at $1.06 on a before-tax,
and $0.78 on an after-tax, basis. Net asset value, as presented,
excludes land and exploration value and is calculated using 10% NPV
(as defined below) proved and proved plus probable reserves values,
less net debt of $108.5 million (estimated as March 31, 2017
working capital and hedge value less outstanding debt).
MARCH 31, 2017 |
(CDN $M, $/SHARE) |
BEFORE TAX |
AFTER TAX |
RESERVES
CATEGORY |
NetAssetValue |
Net Asset Value/basic share |
Net AssetValue |
Net Asset Value/basic share |
|
TOTAL PROVED |
$ |
36.3 |
$ |
0.36 |
|
$ |
29.1 |
$ |
0.28 |
|
|
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE |
$ |
108.5 |
$ |
1.06 |
|
$ |
80.3 |
$ |
0.78 |
|
|
Notes:(1) At March 31, 2017, the Company
had approximately 102.3 million common shares outstanding
(basic).
(2) Fiscal 2017 figures include
information based on estimated unaudited financial results that may
change on the completion of the audited financial statements.
Corporate Reserves
The reserves data set forth in this news release
is based upon an independent reserve assessment and evaluation
prepared by GLJ with an effective date of March 31, 2017 (the
"GLJ Report"). The following presentation
summarizes the Company's crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural
gas reserves and the net present values before and after income
taxes of future net revenue for the Company's reserves using
forecast prices and costs based on the GLJ Report. The GLJ Report
has been prepared in accordance with the standards contained in the
Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE
Handbook") and the reserve definitions contained in
National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure For Oil and
Gas Activities ("NI 51-101").
Reserves Summary
The Company's total proved plus probable
reserves increased by 14% in fiscal 2017 to 7,056 MBOE. Proved
reserves increased by 25% to 2,761 MBOE and comprised 39.1% of the
Company's total proved plus probable reserves. Proved undeveloped
reserves are 80% of the total proved reserves. The future capital
in the GLJ Report (undiscounted) is $73.4 million for the proved
and probable reserves and is $33.0 million for total proved
reserves. The future capital is programmed over a 10 year time
period for proved plus probable reserves and 5 year time period for
proved reserves.
The following table provides summary reserve
information based upon the GLJ Report and using the GLJ Price
Forecast.
Reserves Data (Forecast Prices and
Costs)
SUMMARY OF OIL AND GAS RESERVES |
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017 |
FORECAST PRICES AND COSTS |
|
TOTAL |
LIGHT CRUDE OIL AND MEDIUM CRUDE OIL |
HEAVY CRUDE OIL |
CONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS |
NATURAL GASLIQUIDS |
TOTAL |
RESERVES
CATEGORY: |
Gross
(Mbbl) |
Net
(Mbbl) |
Gross
(Mbbl) |
Net
(Mbbl) |
Gross
(Mbbl) |
Net
(MMcf) |
Gross
(Mbbl) |
Net
(Mbbl) |
Gross
(MBOE) |
Net
(MBOE) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved Developed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Producing |
406 |
382 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
406 |
382 |
Non-Producing |
149 |
140 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
149 |
140 |
Proved undeveloped |
2,207 |
2,069 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,207 |
2,069 |
TOTAL PROVED |
2,761 |
2,590 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2,761 |
2,590 |
PROBABLE |
4,295 |
4,027 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
4,295 |
4,027 |
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE |
7,056 |
6,618 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
7,056 |
6,618 |
Notes:(1) "Gross" reserves are Company's
working interest reserves (operating and non-operating) before the
deduction of royalties and without including any royalty interest
of the Company.
(2) "Net" reserves are Company's working
interest reserves (operating and non-operating) after deductions of
royalty obligations plus the Company's royalty interests.
(3) BOE amounts have been calculated using
a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one
barrel of oil. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in
isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of
natural gas to one barrel of oil is based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does
not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value
ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to
natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency
of 6 mcf: 1 bbl, utilizing a conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl may
be a misleading indication of value.
(4) The numbers in this table may not add
exactly due to rounding.
Future Net Revenue Values
The estimated net present values
("NPV") of future net revenues associated with
Bengal's reserves effective March 31, 2017 and based on the GLJ
Price Forecast are summarized in the following tables:
Future Net Revenue Data (Forecast Prices
and Costs)
SUMMARY OF NET PRESENT VALUES |
OF FUTURE NET REVENUE |
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017 |
FORECAST PRICES AND COSTS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unit
Value Before Income Taxes |
Unit Value Before Income Taxes |
TOTAL |
BEFORE INCOME TAXES DISCOUNTED AT (%.year) |
AFTER INCOME TAXES DISCOUNTED AT (%/year) |
Discounted at 10%/year |
Discounted at 10%/year |
($M) |
0% |
|
5% |
|
10% |
|
15% |
|
20% |
|
0% |
|
5% |
|
10% |
|
15% |
|
20% |
|
($/BOE) |
($Mcfe) |
PROVED |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Developed
Producing |
10,338 |
|
9,617 |
|
8,840 |
|
8,128 |
|
7,509 |
|
10,338 |
|
9,617 |
|
8,840 |
|
8,128 |
|
7,509 |
|
23.17 |
3.86 |
Developed
Non-Producing |
5,163 |
|
4,597 |
|
4,123 |
|
3,734 |
|
3,415 |
|
5,163 |
|
4,597 |
|
4,123 |
|
3,734 |
|
3,415 |
|
29.50 |
4.92 |
Undeveloped |
61,451 |
|
44,632 |
|
32,816 |
|
24,547 |
|
18,679 |
|
46,067 |
|
34,231 |
|
25,564 |
|
19,357 |
|
14,879 |
|
15.86 |
2.64 |
TOTAL PROVED |
76,951 |
|
58,846 |
|
45,780 |
|
36,410 |
|
29,603 |
|
61,567 |
|
48,445 |
|
38,527 |
|
31,219 |
|
25,803 |
|
17.67 |
2.95 |
Probable |
174,913 |
|
109,771 |
|
72,228 |
|
49,870 |
|
35,981 |
|
121,117 |
|
77,045 |
|
51,183 |
|
35,708 |
|
26,085 |
|
17.93 |
2.99 |
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE
|
251,864 |
|
168,617 |
|
118,007 |
|
86,280 |
|
65,584 |
|
182,685 |
|
125,490 |
|
89,711 |
|
66,928 |
|
51,888 |
|
17.83 |
2.97 |
Notes:(1) NPV of future net revenue
includes all resource income: sale of oil, gas by-product reserves;
processing of third party reserves; and other income.
(2) Income taxes includes all resource
income, appropriate income tax calculations and prior tax
pools.
(3) The unit values are based on working
interest reserve volumes before income tax (BFIT).
(4) The numbers in this table may not add
exactly due to rounding.
(5) The estimated values disclosed do not
represent fair market value.
TOTAL FUTURE NET REVENUE |
(UNDISCOUNTED) |
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017 |
FORECAST PRICES AND COSTS |
|
($M)
Reserves Category: |
Revenue |
Royalties |
Operating Costs |
Development Costs |
Abandonment and Reclamation Costs(3) |
Future
Net Revenue Before Income Taxes |
Income
Taxes |
Future
Net Revenue After Income Taxes |
TOTAL PROVED |
259,349 |
16,089 |
127,469 |
33,039 |
5,801 |
76,951 |
15,384 |
61,567 |
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE |
723,961 |
45,052 |
341,592 |
73,431 |
12,021 |
251,864 |
69,180 |
182,685 |
Notes:(1) The numbers in this table may
not add exactly due to rounding.
(2) Reflects estimated abandonment and
reclamation for all wells (both existing and undrilled wells) that
have been attributed reserves.
(3) The estimated values disclosed do not
represent fair market value.
FUTURE NET REVENUE |
BY PRODUCT TYPE |
AS OF MARCH 31, 2017 |
FORECAST PRICES AND COSTS |
(Before income taxes and discounted at 10% per
year) |
|
Reserve Category |
Production Group |
($M) |
($/BOE) |
|
($/Mcfe) |
Proved |
Light
Crude Oil and Medium Crude Oil (Including solution gas and
associated by-products) |
45,780 |
17.67 |
|
2.95 |
Heavy
Crude Oil (Including solution gas and associated by-products) |
- |
- |
|
- |
Conventional Natural Gas (Including associated by-products but
excluding solution gas and by-products from oil wells) |
- |
- |
|
- |
Total Proved |
|
45,780 |
17.67 |
|
2.95 |
Proved Plus Probable |
Light
Crude Oil and Medium Crude Oil (Including solution gas and
associated by-products) |
118,007 |
17.83 |
|
2.97 |
Heavy
Crude Oil (Including solution gas and associated by-products) |
- |
- |
|
- |
Conventional Natural Gas (Including associated by-products but
excluding solution gas and by-products from oil wells) |
- |
- |
|
- |
Total Proved Plus Probable |
|
118,007 |
17.83 |
|
2.97 |
Notes:(1) Unit values are based on the
Company's net reserves.
(2) The estimated values disclosed do not
represent fair market value.
Price Forecast
The GLJ April 1, 2017 price forecast is
summarized as follows:
|
|
BRENT ($Cdn/Bbl) |
Exchange Rate ($US/$Cdn) |
BRENT ($US/Bbl) |
|
YEAR FORECAST |
|
|
|
|
2017
Q2-Q4 |
72.67 |
0.750 |
54.50 |
|
2018 |
75.48 |
0.775 |
58.50 |
|
2019 |
80.62 |
0.800 |
64.50 |
|
2020 |
82.42 |
0.825 |
68.00 |
|
2021 |
83.53 |
0.850 |
71.00 |
|
2022 |
87.05 |
0.850 |
74.00 |
|
2023 |
90.59 |
0.850 |
77.00 |
|
2024 |
94.12 |
0.850 |
80.00 |
|
2025 |
97.64 |
0.850 |
83.00 |
|
2026 |
102.65 |
0.850 |
87.25 |
|
2027+ |
+2.0%/yr |
0.850 |
+2.0%/yr |
Note:(1) Inflation is accounted for at 2%
per year.
Comparison of Reserves and
Values
The following table provides a comparison of
Bengal's independent reserves summaries as evaluated by GLJ as at
March 31 2017 (based on published GLJ April 1, 2017 price forecast)
and at March 31 2016 (based on published GLJ April 1, 2016 price
forecast). The NPVs shown are associated with all of Bengal's
reserves before income taxes and discounted at 10%/year.
COMPARISON OF BENGAL'S OIL AND GAS RESERVES AND
VALUES |
COMPANY INTEREST (GROSS) BASIS |
|
|
MARCH 31, 2016(4) |
MARCH 31, 2017 |
|
Reserves (Mboe)(Gross) |
NPV
($M)(5) |
Reserves (Mboe)(Gross) |
NPV
($M)(5) |
RESERVES CATEGORY: |
|
|
|
|
PROVED DEVELOPED PRODUCING |
382 |
7,495 |
406 |
8,840 |
TOTAL PROVED |
2,212 |
33,379 |
2,761 |
45,780 |
TOTAL PROVED PLUS PROBABLE |
6,204 |
103,856 |
7,056 |
118,007 |
Notes:(1) "Gross" reserves are Company's
working interest reserves (operating and non-operating) before the
deduction of royalties and without including any royalty interest
of the Company.
(2) BOE amounts have been calculated using
a conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one
barrel of oil. BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in
isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of
natural gas to one barrel of oil is based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does
not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value
ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to
natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency
of 6 mcf: 1 bbl, utilizing a conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl may
be a misleading indication of value.
(3) The numbers in this table may not add
exactly due to rounding.
(4) The information relating to the
Company's reserves and NPV as at March 31, 2016 is based upon the
reserves assessment and evaluation of GLJ with an effective date of
March 31, 2016 and is disclosed in the Company's annual information
form for the year ended March 31, 2016.
(5) NPV is calculated based on forecast
prices and costs, discounted at 10% and utilizing the GLJ Price
Forecast, as presented in the GLJ Report.
About Bengal
Bengal Energy Ltd. is an international junior
oil and gas exploration and production company with assets in
Australia. The Company is committed to growing shareholder value
through international exploration, production and acquisitions.
Bengal’s common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol “BNG”.
Additional information is available at
www.bengalenergy.ca.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS:
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain
forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking
statements”) as defined by applicable securities laws that involve
substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of
which are beyond Bengal's control. These statements relate to
future events or our future performance. All statements other than
statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements.
The use of any of the words "plan", "expect", "prospective",
"project", "intend", "believe", "should", "anticipate", "estimate",
or other similar words or statements that certain events "may" or
"will" occur are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. The projections, estimates and beliefs contained
in such forward-looking statements are based on management’s
estimates, opinions, and assumptions at the time the statements
were made, including assumptions relating to: the impact of
economic conditions in North America and Australia and globally;
industry conditions; changes in laws and regulations including,
without limitation, the adoption of new environmental laws and
regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced;
increased competition; the availability of qualified operating or
management personnel; fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign
exchange or interest rates; stock market volatility and
fluctuations in market valuations of companies with respect to
announced transactions and the final valuations thereof; results of
exploration and testing activities; and the ability to obtain
required approvals and extensions from regulatory authorities. We
believe the expectations reflected in those forward-looking
statements are reasonable but, no assurances can be given that any
of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will
transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that
Bengal will derive from them. As such, undue reliance should not be
placed on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking
statements contained herein include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding: the potential positive impact of the
successful drilling results on the Company’s reserves and the
growth in the Company's near-term production base as a result of
the completion and tie-in of the Cuisinier oil wells. The
forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to numerous
known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause Bengal’s
actual financial results, performance or achievement in future
periods to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied
by, these forward-looking statements, including but not limited to,
risks associated with: the failure to obtain required regulatory
approvals or extensions; failure to satisfy the conditions under
farm-in and joint venture agreements; failure to secure required
equipment and personnel; changes in general global economic
conditions including, without limitations, the economic conditions
in North America and Australia; increased competition; the
availability of qualified operating or management personnel;
fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest
rates; changes in laws and regulations including, without
limitation, the adoption of new environmental and tax laws and
regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced;
the results of exploration and development drilling and related
activities; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal
and external sources; and stock market volatility. Readers
are encouraged to review the material risks discussed in Bengal’s
Annual Information Form for the year ended March 31, 2016 under the
heading “Risk Factors” and in Bengal’s annual MD&A under the
heading “Risk Factors”. The Company cautions that the foregoing
list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. The
forward-looking statements contained in this news release speak
only as of the date hereof and Bengal does not assume any
obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new events
or circumstances, except as may be require pursuant to applicable
securities laws.
Barrels of Oil Equivalent
When converting natural gas to equivalent
barrels of oil, Bengal uses the widely recognized standard of 6
thousand cubic feet (mcf) to one barrel of oil (boe). However, a
boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe
conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency
conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does
not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the
value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to
natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency
of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as
an indication of value.
Internal estimates
Certain information contained herein, such as
the financial information based on estimated unaudited financial
results for the year ended March 31, 2017, are based on estimated
values the Company believes to be reasonable and are subject to the
same limitations as discussed under “Forward-looking Statements"
above.
Oil and Gas Advisory
The reserves information contained in this news
release has been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Complete NI
51-101 reserves disclosure will be included in Bengal's annual
information form for the year ended March 31, 2017 which will be
filed before June 29, 2017. Listed below are cautionary
statements applicable to our reserves information that are
specifically required by NI 51-101:
(a) Individual properties may
not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves for
all properties due to the effects of aggregation.
(b) With respect to finding
and development costs, the aggregate of the exploration and
development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and
the change during that year in estimated future development costs
generally will not reflect total finding and development costs
related to reserve additions for that year.
(c) This press release
contains estimates of the net present value of our future net
revenue from our reserves. Such amounts do not represent the fair
market value of our reserves.
(d) Reserves included herein
are stated on a company interest basis (before royalty burdens and
including royalty interests) unless noted otherwise as well as on a
gross and net basis as defined in NI 51-101. "Company interest" is
not a term defined by NI 51-101 and as such the estimates of
Company interest reserves herein may not be comparable to estimates
of "gross" reserves prepared in accordance with NI 51-101 or to
other issuers' estimates of company interest reserves.
All evaluations and reviews of future net cash
flows in this news release are stated prior to any provisions for
interest costs or general and administrative costs and after the
deduction of estimated future capital expenditures for wells to
which reserves have been assigned. It should not be assumed that
the estimates of future net revenues presented in this news release
represent the fair market value of the reserves. There is no
assurance that the forecast prices and cost assumptions will be
attained and variances from these assumptions could be material.
The recovery and reserve estimates of the Company's crude oil,
natural gas liquids and natural gas reserves provided in this news
release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the
estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual crude oil, natural gas
and natural gas liquids reserves may be greater than or less than
the estimates provided herein.
“Proved Developed Producing Reserves" are those
reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion
intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves
may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have
previously been on production, and the date of resumption of
production must be known with reasonable certainty.
"Proved Developed Non-Producing Reserves" are
those reserves that either have not been on production, or have
previously been on production but are shut-in and the date of
resumption of production is unknown.
"Proved Undeveloped Reserves" are those reserves
expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a
significant expenditure (e.g. when compared to the cost of drilling
a well) is required to render them capable of production.
They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves category
(proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.
"Proved" reserves are those reserves that can be
estimated with a high degree of certainty to be
recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities
recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.
"Probable" reserves are those additional
reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved
reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining
quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the
estimated proved plus probable reserves.
Light crude oil is crude oil with a relative
density greater than 31.1 degrees API gravity, medium crude oil is
crude oil with a relative density greater than 22.3 degrees API
gravity and less than or equal to 31.1 degrees API gravity, and
heavy crude oil is crude oil with a relative density greater than
10 degrees API gravity and less than or equal to 22.3 degrees API
gravity.
Selected Definitions
The following terms used in this press release
have the meanings set forth below:
"Bbl" means barrel
"BOE" means barrel of oil
equivalent of natural gas and crude oil on the basis of 1 BOE for
six thousand cubic feet of natural gas (this conversion factor is
an industry accepted norm and is not based on either energy content
or current prices)
"Mbbl" means thousand
barrels
"BOEPD" –
barrels of oil equivalent per day
"MBOE" means 1,000 barrels of
oil equivalent
"Mcf" means one thousand cubic
feet
"Mcfe" means one thousand cubic
feet equivalent
"Mmcf'" means one million cubic
feet
"1M" means thousands of
dollars
Non-IFRS Measurements
Within this news release references are made to
terms commonly used in the oil and gas industry. Funds from
operations, funds from operations per share and netbacks do not
have any standardized meaning under IFRS and previous GAAP and are
referred to as non-IFRS measures. Funds from operations per share
is calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding consistent with the calculation of net income (loss)
per share. Netbacks equal total revenue less royalties and
operating and transportation expenses calculated on a boe basis.
Management utilizes these measures to analyze operating
performance. The Company’s calculation of the non-IFRS measures
included herein may differ from the calculation of similar measures
by other issuers. Therefore, the Company’s non-IFRS measures may
not be comparable to other similar measures used by other issuers.
Funds from operations is not intended to represent operating profit
for the period nor should it be viewed as an alternative to
operating profit, net income, cash flow from operations or other
measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with
IFRS. Non-IFRS measures should only be used in conjunction with the
Company’s annual audited and interim financial statements. A
reconciliation of these measures can be found in the table on page
6 of Bengal’s Q4 and fiscal Year ended March 31, 2017
MD&A.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Bengal Energy Ltd.
Chayan Chakrabarty, President & Chief Executive Officer
Jerrad Blanchard, Chief Financial Officer
(403) 205-2526
Email: investor.relations@bengalenergy.ca
Website: www.bengalenergy.ca
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