CALGARY,
AB, March 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Paramount Resources
Ltd. ("Paramount" or the "Company") (TSX: POU) is pleased to
announce its 2024 annual financial and operating results.
RECENT EVENTS
- On January 31, 2025, Paramount
closed the sale of its Karr, Wapiti and Zama properties to a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Ovintiv Inc. ("Ovintiv") for cash proceeds of approximately
$3.3 billion, after adjustments, plus
certain Horn River Basin properties of Ovintiv (the "Grande Prairie
Disposition").
- The Company used a portion of the proceeds of the Grande
Prairie Disposition to pay a special cash distribution (the
"Special Distribution") of $15.00 per
class A common share ("Common Share") to shareholders on
February 14, 2025 comprised of a
return of capital of $12.00 per
Common Share and a special dividend of $3.00 per Common Share.
- Paramount repurchased a total of 5.7 million Common Shares
under its normal course issuer bid between late-November 2024 and early-February 2025 at a total cost of
$177 million.
2024 HIGHLIGHTS
- The Company achieved record annual sales volumes of
98,490 Boe/d (48% liquids) in 2024 and record quarterly sales
volumes of 102,477 Boe/d (48% liquids) in the fourth quarter.
(1)
- Sales volumes excluding Karr and Wapiti were 31,178 Boe/d
(44% liquids) in 2024 and 31,425 Boe/d (45% liquids) in the fourth
quarter. Duvernay production
accounted for approximately 15,000 Boe/d (64% liquids) of these
sales volumes in 2024.
- Cash from operating activities was $815
million ($5.58 per basic
share) in 2024 and $188 million
($1.28 per basic share) in the fourth
quarter. (2)
- Adjusted funds flow was $930
million ($6.37 per basic
share) in 2024 and $238 million
($1.62 per basic share) in the fourth
quarter.
_________________________________________
|
(1)
|
In this press release,
"natural gas" refers to shale gas and conventional natural gas
combined, "condensate and oil" refers to condensate, light and
medium crude oil, tight oil and heavy crude oil combined, "Other
NGLs" refers to ethane, propane and butane and "liquids" refers to
condensate and oil and Other NGLs combined. See the "Product
Type Information" section for a complete breakdown of sales volumes
for applicable periods by the specific product types of shale gas,
conventional natural gas, NGLs, light and medium crude oil, tight
oil and heavy crude oil. See also "Oil and Gas Measures and
Definitions" in the Advisories section.
|
(2)
|
Adjusted funds flow and
free cash flow are capital management measures used by
Paramount. Cash from operating activities per basic share,
adjusted funds flow per basic share and free cash flow per basic
share are supplementary financial measures. Refer to the
"Specified Financial Measures" section for more information on
these measures.
|
- Capital expenditures totaled $842
million in 2024, which were largely directed to the Grande
Prairie Region Montney development and the Willesden Green and
Kaybob North Duvernay developments.
- Paramount drilled 58 (58.0 net) wells, brought 59 (58.4 net)
wells on production and advanced the construction of the new
Alhambra Plant at Willesden Green.
- Asset retirement obligation settlements totaled $38 million in 2024, which included the
abandonment of 44 wells and reclamation of 119 sites.
- Free cash flow was $37 million
($0.25 per basic share) in 2024 and
$53 million ($0.36 per basic share) in the fourth
quarter.
- At December 31, 2024, net debt
was $188
million. (1)
- The carrying value of the Company's investments in securities
at December 31, 2024 was $564 million. Paramount received total cash
dividends of $12 million in 2024 from
these investments.
- In addition to its investment in securities, Paramount's Fox
Drilling subsidiary continues to own six triple-sized drilling
rigs, four of which are utilized for Company wells and two of which
are under contract to a third party.
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS AND LIQUIDITY
- Since the start of 2021, Paramount has:
- paid a total of $20.73 per Common
Share ($2.97 billion) in regular
monthly dividends and special distributions;
- fully repaid its bank credit facility, reducing debt by over
$800 million; and
- continued to build material, contiguous, low-cost land
positions in key resource plays, including at Willesden Green
and Sinclair.
- The Company has repurchased a total of 5.7 million Common
Shares under its current normal course issuer bid, representing 72%
of the maximum number of shares, at an aggregate cost of
$177 million.
- At February 28, 2025, the Company
had approximately $830 million in
cash and cash equivalents, investments in securities valued at
approximately $470 million and an
undrawn $500 million four-year
financial covenant-based revolving bank credit facility. This
provides Paramount ample liquidity to advance the development of
its deep inventory of opportunities.
__________________________________________
|
(1)
|
Net (cash) debt is a
capital management measure used by Paramount. This capital
management measure has been expressed as net debt in this instance
for simplicity as the amount referenced is a positive number.
Refer to the "Specified Financial Measures" section for more
information on this measure.
|
RESERVES
At December 31, 2024, the
Company's gross reserves were as follows: (1)
|
Total
Company
|
Total
Company
Excluding Karr &
Wapiti (2)
|
MMBoe
|
NPV10 ($MM)
|
MMBoe
|
NPV10 ($MM)
|
Proved Developed
Producing ("PDP")
|
167.0
|
2,308
|
40.5
|
429
|
Total Proved
("TP")
|
423.1
|
4,678
|
140.3
|
1,411
|
Total Proved Plus
Probable ("P+P")
|
756.5
|
7,703
|
242.5
|
2,462
|
The following table summarizes the Company's PDP, TP and P+P
gross reserves at December 31, 2024,
excluding the Karr and Wapiti properties:
|
Gross
Reserves
|
|
Proved
Developed
Producing
|
Total
Proved
|
Total Proved
Plus Probable
|
Natural gas
(Bcf)
|
143
|
431
|
730
|
NGLs (MBbl)
|
13,944
|
65,694
|
116,854
|
Crude oil
(MBbl)
|
2,673
|
2,727
|
3,889
|
Total
(MBoe)
|
40,528
|
140,329
|
242,479
|
%
Liquids
|
41 %
|
49 %
|
50 %
|
The following table summarizes Paramount's gross proved and
proved plus probable developed and undeveloped reserves, excluding
the Karr and Wapiti properties, as at December 31, 2024, and the net present value of
future net revenue of these reserves before income taxes,
undiscounted and discounted at 10%.
|
Proved
|
Proved plus
Probable
|
|
Gross
Reserves
|
Future Net
Revenue
NPV Before
Tax
($ millions)
|
Gross
Reserves
|
Future Net
Revenue
NPV Before
Tax
($ millions)
|
|
(MBoe)
|
0 %
|
10 %
|
(MBoe)
|
0 %
|
10 %
|
Developed
|
45,603
|
(126)
|
441
|
66,390
|
311
|
635
|
Undeveloped
|
94,726
|
2,158
|
971
|
176,089
|
4,737
|
1,827
|
Total
|
140,329
|
2,032
|
1,411
|
242,479
|
5,048
|
2,462
|
__________________________________________
|
(1)
|
All reserves in this
press release are gross reserves based on an evaluation prepared by
McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") dated March
4, 2025 and effective December 31, 2024 (the "McDaniel
Report"). "NPV10" refers to the before tax net
present value of future net revenue of the applicable reserves,
discounted at 10 percent, as estimated in the McDaniel
Report. Such value does not represent fair market
value. Readers are referred to the advisories concerning
"Reserves Data".
|
(2)
|
Total Company Excluding
Karr & Wapiti has been presented to help readers assess the
impact of the sale of Karr and Wapiti on the Company's December 31,
2024 reserves. Reserves associated with additional Horn River
Basin properties acquired by Paramount as part of the Grande
Prairie Disposition are not included.
|
2025 GUIDANCE
As previously announced, the Company is budgeting capital
expenditures in 2025 of between $760
million and $790 million,
focused mainly on its Willesden Green Duvernay and Kaybob North
Duvernay developments. Capital has also been allocated to
ongoing appraisal activities at Paramount's early-stage assets,
including Sinclair.
As previously announced, 2025 average sales volumes are expected
to be between 37,500 Boe/d and 42,500 Boe/d (48% liquids), with a
2025 year-end exit rate in excess of 45,000 Boe/d. Revised
estimated January sales volumes, which included production from the
assets sold pursuant to the Grande Prairie Disposition, averaged
approximately 101,500 Boe/d (47% liquids). Sales volumes are
anticipated to average between 28,000 Boe/d and 32,000 Boe/d in
February to September, with new well activity essentially
offsetting declines. With the start-up of the first phase of
the new Alhambra Plant at Willesden Green, fourth quarter sales
volumes are anticipated to average between 40,000 Boe/d and 45,000
Boe/d.
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS
CENTRAL ALBERTA AND OTHER
REGION
The Central Alberta and Other
Region includes:
- the Willesden Green Duvernay development in central
Alberta;
- shale gas properties in northeast British Columbia in the Horn River Basin,
where the Company holds 113,000 net acres of Muskwa rights
(including 68,000 net acres acquired as part of the consideration
for the Grande Prairie Disposition), and in the Liard Basin, where
the Company holds 179,000 net acres of Besa
River rights; and
- 1.31 million net acres of land that are prospective for cold
flow heavy oil and in-situ thermal oil recovery, including 297,000
net acres with Clearwater
and Bluesky cold flow heavy oil potential and 71,000 net acres
with thermal oil potential at its Hoole Grand Rapids
project.
Development activities in the Central
Alberta and Other Region in 2024 were focused on Willesden
Green, where the Company holds 263,000 net acres of contiguous
Duvernay rights, operates and
majority owns the Leafland Plant and is in the process of
constructing the first phase of its wholly-owned and operated
Alhambra Plant. The Leafland Plant has raw handling capacity
of approximately 6,000 Bbl/d of liquids and 22 MMcf/d of natural
gas. The Alhambra Plant will provide estimated raw handling
capacity of 10,000 Bbl/d of liquids and 50 MMcf/d of natural gas
upon start-up of the first phase and is designed to be capable of
expansion to a total capacity of 30,000 Bbl/d of raw liquids and
150 MMcf/d of raw natural gas through the construction of two
additional phases.
Capital expenditures in the Central
Alberta and Other Region totaled $238
million in 2024. Development activities included the
ongoing construction of the Alhambra Plant, the drilling of 10
(10.0 net) Duvernay wells and the
bringing onstream of five (5.0 net) Duvernay wells, all at Willesden Green.
Central Alberta and Other
Region sales volumes averaged 8,723 Boe/d (50% liquids) in 2024
compared to 8,001 Boe/d (32% liquids) in 2023. Sales volumes
were higher due to production growth from new liquids-rich
Duvernay wells at Willesden
Green. Lower dry gas sales in northeast British Columbia due to economic shut-ins
partially offset this new production.
Approximately $560 million of the
Company's planned 2025 capital expenditures at the midpoint are
allocated to the Willesden Green Duvernay development, with
expenditures anticipated to be evenly weighted between the first
and second half of the year. Approximately one third of
planned expenditures are related to the buildout of facilities and
infrastructure in the area, including the completion of the first
phase of the Alhambra Plant, the acceleration of the second phase
of the Alhambra Plant, construction of a pipeline interconnect
between the Leafland Plant and the Alhambra Plant and installation
of additional compression at the Leafland Plant.
Startup of the first phase of the Alhambra Plant is expected in
the fourth quarter of 2025. Construction is progressing as
planned with all mechanical packages received and set on
piles. Engineering and procurement of equipment packages for
the second phase of the Alhambra Plant have commenced. The
Company anticipates start-up of the second phase in the fourth
quarter of 2026.
Paramount anticipates drilling 22 (22.0 net) Duvernay wells and bringing onstream 23 (23.0
net) Duvernay wells at Willesden
Green in 2025. Seven wells are expected to feed the Leafland
Plant with the remaining 16 wells expected to be brought onstream
through the first phase of the Alhambra Plant upon start-up.
KAYBOB REGION
The Kaybob Region, located in west-central Alberta, includes the Kaybob North Duvernay
development and other natural gas and oil producing
properties. The Company holds 109,000 net acres of
Duvernay rights and 179,000 net
acres of Montney rights in the
Kaybob Region and also owns and operates extensive processing and
gathering infrastructure in the region.
Capital expenditures in the Kaybob Region totaled $173 million in 2024 and were focused on the
Kaybob North Duvernay development. Development activities
included the drilling of 14 (14.0 net) Duvernay wells and the bringing on production
of 17 (17.0 net) Duvernay wells at
Kaybob North.
Kaybob Region sales volumes averaged 22,404 Boe/d (41%
liquids) in 2024 compared to 17,449 Boe/d (31%
liquids) in 2023. The increase in sales volumes was
primarily the result of new well production from the Kaybob North
Duvernay development as well as improved run times compared to 2023
when production was impacted by the Alberta wildfires.
Capital expenditures in the Kaybob Region in 2025 are expected
to be approximately $135 million at
the midpoint, weighted approximately 65% to the first half of the
year. In 2025, the Company anticipates drilling eight (8.0
net) Duvernay wells and bringing
onstream nine (9.0 net) Duvernay
wells at Kaybob North.
SINCLAIR
Sinclair is an early-stage property comprised of approximately
107,000 net acres of Montney
rights located west of Grande Prairie,
Alberta that are prospective for high-rate gas
production.
The Company has completed its first two appraisal wells at
Sinclair and is currently in the
process of flow testing the wells. Data obtained from the
drilling and completion operations and flow tests will be analyzed
to inform future development plans for the property.
Paramount is planning to drill an additional two (2.0 net)
Montney wells at Sinclair in the fourth quarter of 2025 to
further inform its development plans. The Company has secured
downstream transportation capacity that would enable the first
phase of Sinclair production to
commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2027.
GRANDE PRAIRIE
REGION
Prior to the Grande Prairie Disposition, Paramount's primary
focus in the Grande Prairie Region was its Karr and Wapiti Montney
properties, located south of the city of Grande Prairie, Alberta. The Karr and
Wapiti properties represented essentially all 2024 Grande Prairie
Region sales volumes, which averaged 67,363 Boe/d (50%
liquids). Capital expenditures in the Grande Prairie Region
totaled $431 million in 2024, the
vast majority of which was directed to the Karr and Wapiti
properties.
LAND
Paramount's land position as at December
31, 2024 is summarized below.
(thousands of
acres)
|
Gross
(1)
|
Net
(2)
|
Acreage assigned
reserves
|
696
|
533
|
Acreage not assigned
reserves
|
3,624
|
2,572
|
Total
|
4,320
|
3,105
|
|
(1)
|
Gross acres means the
total acreage in which Paramount has an interest. Gross acreage is
calculated only once per lease or license of petroleum and natural
gas rights ("Lease") regardless of whether or not Paramount holds a
working and/or royalty interest, or whether or not the Lease
includes multiple prospective formations. If Paramount holds
interests in different formations beneath the same surface location
pursuant to separate Leases, the acreage set out in each Lease is
counted.
|
(2)
|
Net acres means gross
acres multiplied by Paramount's working interest
therein.
|
MARCH DIVIDEND
Paramount's Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of
$0.05 per Common Share that will be
payable on March 31, 2025 to
shareholders of record on March 17,
2025. The dividend will be designated as an "eligible
dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes.
HEDGING & GAS MARKET DIVERSIFICATION
HEDGING
The Company's current financial commodity contracts are
summarized below:
|
|
|
2025
|
|
Average Price
(1)
|
-
|
Oil
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NYMEX WTI Swaps
(Sale)
|
|
|
10,000 Bbl/d
|
|
C$105.00/Bbl
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural
gas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citygate / Malin Basis
Swap (2)
|
|
|
10,000
MMBtu/d
|
|
Citygate less
US$1.03/MMBtu (Sell)
Malin (Buy)
|
|
(1)
|
Average price is
calculated using a weighted average of notional volumes and
prices.
|
(2)
|
"Citygate" refers to
Pacific Gas & Electric Citygate and "Malin" refers to Pacific
Gas & Electric Malin. Pursuant to the swap transaction
Paramount sells at Citygate less US$1.03/MMBtu and buys at Malin.
The transaction is financially settled with no physical
delivery. The remaining term of this contract is Jan 2025 to
Oct 2027.
|
GAS MARKET DIVERSIFICATION
With the natural gas market diversification contracts currently
in place, approximately 70% of the Company's natural gas sales
volumes following the closing of the Grande Prairie Disposition
will benefit from exposure to markets outside of AECO.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Paramount will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders
on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at
10:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) in the
Doulton Room at Bankers Hall Conference Centre, 400, 315 - 8th
Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta.
COMPLETE ANNUAL RESULTS
Paramount's: (i) complete annual results, including the
Company's audited consolidated financial statements as at and for
the year ended December 31, 2024 (the
"Consolidated Financial Statements") and the accompanying
management's discussion and analysis (the "MD&A"); and (ii)
2024 annual information form, which contains additional important
information concerning the Company's reserves, properties and
operations, can be obtained on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on
Paramount's website at
www.paramountres.com/investors/financial-shareholder-reports.
A summary of historical financial and operating results is also
available on Paramount's website at
www.paramountres.com/investors/financial-shareholder-reports.
ABOUT PARAMOUNT
Paramount is an independent, publicly traded, liquids-rich
natural gas focused Canadian energy company that explores for and
develops both conventional and unconventional petroleum and natural
gas, including longer-term strategic exploration and
pre-development plays, and holds a portfolio of investments in
other entities. The Company's principal properties are
located in Alberta and British
Columbia. Paramount's Common Shares are listed on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol "POU".
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS (1)
($ millions, except as noted)
|
Three months ended December 31
|
Year ended December 31
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Net income
|
87.4
|
111.9
|
335.9
|
470.2
|
per share – basic ($/share)
|
0.60
|
0.78
|
2.30
|
3.29
|
per share – diluted ($/share)
|
0.59
|
0.75
|
2.25
|
3.17
|
Cash from operating activities
|
187.7
|
287.0
|
815.3
|
938.2
|
per share – basic ($/share)
|
1.28
|
1.99
|
5.58
|
6.56
|
per share – diluted ($/share)
|
1.26
|
1.93
|
5.46
|
6.32
|
Adjusted funds flow
|
237.8
|
284.1
|
930.3
|
965.3
|
per share – basic ($/share)
|
1.62
|
1.97
|
6.37
|
6.75
|
per share – diluted ($/share)
|
1.59
|
1.91
|
6.24
|
6.51
|
Free cash flow
|
52.8
|
59.7
|
37.3
|
168.4
|
per share – basic ($/share)
|
0.36
|
0.41
|
0.25
|
1.18
|
per share – diluted ($/share)
|
0.35
|
0.40
|
0.25
|
1.13
|
Total assets
|
|
|
4,757.5
|
4,388.7
|
Investments in securities
|
|
|
563.9
|
540.9
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
173.0
|
–
|
Net (cash) debt
|
|
|
188.4
|
59.6
|
Common shares outstanding (millions) (2)
|
|
|
146.9
|
144.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales volumes (3)
|
|
|
|
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/d)
|
317.3
|
326.2
|
306.8
|
315.1
|
Condensate and oil
(Bbl/d)
|
42,835
|
40,290
|
40,432
|
37,657
|
Other NGLs
(Bbl/d)
|
6,753
|
6,698
|
6,920
|
6,226
|
Total (Boe/d)
|
102,477
|
101,348
|
98,490
|
96,393
|
% liquids
|
48 %
|
46 %
|
48 %
|
46 %
|
Grande Prairie Region
(Boe/d)
|
71,130
|
72,860
|
67,363
|
70,943
|
Kaybob Region
(Boe/d)
|
22,441
|
20,324
|
22,404
|
17,449
|
Central Alberta &
Other Region (Boe/d)
|
8,906
|
8,164
|
8,723
|
8,001
|
Total (Boe/d)
|
102,477
|
101,348
|
98,490
|
96,393
|
|
|
|
|
|
Netback
|
|
$/Boe (4)
|
|
$/Boe (4)
|
|
$/Boe (4)
|
|
$/Boe (4)
|
Natural gas
revenue
|
58.0
|
1.99
|
83.7
|
2.79
|
223.3
|
1.99
|
349.1
|
3.04
|
Condensate and
oil revenue
|
379.4
|
96.26
|
363.7
|
98.12
|
1,434.9
|
96.96
|
1,364.2
|
99.25
|
Other NGLs
revenue
|
21.3
|
34.32
|
22.2
|
36.00
|
89.6
|
35.37
|
81.9
|
36.06
|
Royalty income
and other revenue (5)
|
0.6
|
–
|
0.9
|
–
|
12.4
|
–
|
3.3
|
–
|
Petroleum and natural gas sales
|
459.3
|
48.72
|
470.5
|
50.46
|
1,760.2
|
48.83
|
1,798.5
|
51.12
|
Royalties
|
(48.5)
|
(5.14)
|
(68.9)
|
(7.39)
|
(222.8)
|
(6.18)
|
(254.3)
|
(7.23)
|
Operating
expense
|
(123.0)
|
(13.05)
|
(126.4)
|
(13.56)
|
(473.9)
|
(13.15)
|
(453.8)
|
(12.90)
|
Transportation
and NGLs processing
|
(38.1)
|
(4.04)
|
(33.2)
|
(3.56)
|
(135.6)
|
(3.76)
|
(134.4)
|
(3.82)
|
Sales of
commodities purchased (6)
|
98.7
|
10.46
|
50.2
|
5.38
|
317.3
|
8.80
|
255.1
|
7.25
|
Commodities
purchased (6)
|
(97.7)
|
(10.36)
|
(47.4)
|
(5.08)
|
(312.0)
|
(8.65)
|
(250.2)
|
(7.11)
|
Netback
|
250.7
|
26.59
|
244.8
|
26.25
|
933.2
|
25.89
|
960.9
|
27.31
|
Risk management
contract settlements
|
(1.5)
|
(0.16)
|
43.0
|
4.61
|
36.4
|
1.01
|
46.7
|
1.33
|
Netback including risk management
contract settlements
|
249.2
|
26.43
|
287.8
|
30.86
|
969.6
|
26.90
|
1,007.6
|
28.64
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
|
|
Grande Prairie
Region
|
71.3
|
75.8
|
431.0
|
380.3
|
Kaybob
Region
|
18.8
|
64.5
|
172.6
|
190.4
|
Central Alberta and
Other Region
|
79.5
|
61.7
|
238.1
|
120.0
|
Fox Drilling and
Cavalier Energy
|
1.2
|
3.9
|
8.8
|
29.2
|
Corporate
(7)
|
–
|
3.0
|
(8.3)
|
12.2
|
Total
|
170.8
|
208.9
|
842.2
|
732.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
settled
|
11.9
|
12.8
|
38.1
|
54.6
|
(1)
|
Adjusted funds flow,
free cash flow and net (cash) debt are capital management measures
used by Paramount. Netback and netback including risk
management contract settlements are non-GAAP financial measures.
Netback and Netback including risk management contract settlements
presented on a $/Boe or $/Mcf basis are non-GAAP ratios. Each
measure, other than net income, that is presented on a per share,
$/Mcf or $/Boe basis is a supplementary financial measure.
Refer to "Specified Financial Measures".
|
(2)
|
Common Shares are
presented net of shares held in trust under the Company's
restricted share unit plan: 2024: 0.4 million, 2023: 0.4
million.
|
(3)
|
Refer to the Product
Type Information section of this document for a complete breakdown
of sales volumes for applicable periods by specific product
type.
|
(4)
|
Natural gas revenue
presented as $/Mcf.
|
(5)
|
Royalty income and
other revenue for the year ended December 31, 2024 includes $10.0
million related to an initial payment from insurers for 2023
Alberta wildfire losses. This amount was not allocated to
individual regions or properties. The Company continues to
advance its insurance claims process.
|
(6)
|
Sales of commodities
purchased and commodities purchased are treated as corporate items
and not allocated to individual regions or properties.
|
(7)
|
Includes transfers of
amounts held in Corporate to and from regions.
|
PRODUCT TYPE INFORMATION
This press release includes references to sales volumes of
"natural gas", "condensate and oil", "NGLs", "Other NGLs" and
"liquids". "Natural gas" refers to shale gas and conventional
natural gas combined. "Condensate and oil" refers to
condensate, light and medium crude oil, tight oil and heavy crude
oil combined. "NGLs" refers to condensate and Other NGLs
combined. "Other NGLs" refers to ethane, propane and
butane. "Liquids" refers to condensate and oil and
Other NGLs combined. Below is a complete breakdown of sales
volumes for applicable periods by the specific product types of
shale gas, conventional natural gas, NGLs, light and medium crude
oil, tight oil and heavy crude oil. Numbers may not add due
to rounding.
|
Annual
|
|
Total
|
Grande
Prairie
Region
|
Kaybob
Region
|
Central Alberta
and
Other Region
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Shale gas
(MMcf/d)
|
257.5
|
265.2
|
201.4
|
209.3
|
33.5
|
28.2
|
22.6
|
27.7
|
Conventional natural
gas (MMcf/d)
|
49.3
|
49.9
|
0.3
|
0.4
|
45.6
|
44.6
|
3.4
|
4.9
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/d)
|
306.8
|
315.1
|
201.7
|
209.7
|
79.1
|
72.8
|
26.0
|
32.6
|
Condensate
(Bbl/d)
|
38,311
|
35,148
|
29,317
|
31,433
|
6,348
|
2,655
|
2,646
|
1,060
|
Other NGLs
(Bbl/d)
|
6,920
|
6,226
|
4,306
|
4,414
|
1,490
|
1,070
|
1,124
|
742
|
NGLs
(Bbl/d)
|
45,231
|
41,374
|
33,623
|
35,847
|
7,838
|
3,725
|
3,770
|
1,802
|
Light and medium crude
oil (Bbl/d)
|
1,296
|
1,469
|
–
|
–
|
1,277
|
1,440
|
19
|
29
|
Tight oil
(Bbl/d)
|
454
|
616
|
131
|
152
|
109
|
158
|
214
|
306
|
Heavy crude oil
(Bbl/d)
|
371
|
424
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
371
|
424
|
Crude oil
(Bbl/d)
|
2,121
|
2,509
|
131
|
152
|
1,386
|
1,598
|
604
|
759
|
Total
(Boe/d)
|
98,490
|
96,393
|
67,363
|
70,943
|
22,404
|
17,449
|
8,723
|
8,001
|
|
Q4
|
|
Total
|
Grande
Prairie
Region
|
Kaybob
Region
|
Central Alberta
and
Other Region
|
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Shale gas
(MMcf/d)
|
269.2
|
271.8
|
213.8
|
214.1
|
35.7
|
30.2
|
19.7
|
27.5
|
Conventional natural
gas (MMcf/d)
|
48.1
|
54.4
|
0.4
|
0.3
|
44.3
|
49.6
|
3.4
|
4.5
|
Natural gas
(MMcf/d)
|
317.3
|
326.2
|
214.2
|
214.4
|
80.0
|
79.8
|
23.1
|
32.0
|
Condensate
(Bbl/d)
|
41,243
|
37,522
|
31,330
|
32,155
|
6,794
|
4,003
|
3,119
|
1,364
|
Other NGLs
(Bbl/d)
|
6,753
|
6,698
|
3,988
|
4,742
|
1,480
|
1,209
|
1,285
|
747
|
NGLs
(Bbl/d)
|
47,996
|
44,220
|
35,318
|
36,897
|
8,274
|
5,212
|
4,404
|
2,111
|
Light and medium crude
oil (Bbl/d)
|
792
|
1,636
|
–
|
–
|
772
|
1,602
|
20
|
34
|
Tight oil
(Bbl/d)
|
393
|
699
|
113
|
227
|
60
|
205
|
220
|
267
|
Heavy crude oil
(Bbl/d)
|
407
|
433
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
–
|
407
|
433
|
Crude oil
(Bbl/d)
|
1,592
|
2,768
|
113
|
227
|
832
|
1,807
|
647
|
734
|
Total
(Boe/d)
|
102,477
|
101,348
|
71,130
|
72,860
|
22,441
|
20,324
|
8,906
|
8,164
|
Estimated January 2025 sales
volumes were approximately 101,500 Boe/d (53% shale gas and
conventional natural gas combined, 40% condensate, light and medium
crude oil, tight oil and heavy crude oil combined and 7% other
NGLs).
2025 average sales volumes are expected to be between 37,500
Boe/d and 42,500 Boe/d (52% shale gas and conventional natural gas
combined, 40% condensate, light and medium crude oil, tight oil and
heavy crude oil combined and 8% other NGLs).
SPECIFIED FINANCIAL MEASURES
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Netback and netback including risk management contract
settlements are non-GAAP financial measures. These measures
are not standardized measures under IFRS and might not be
comparable to similar financial measures presented by other
issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation
or construed as alternatives to their most directly comparable
measure disclosed in the Company's primary financial statements or
other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance
with IFRS.
Netback equals petroleum and natural gas sales (the most
directly comparable measure disclosed in the Company's primary
financial statements) plus sales of commodities purchased less
royalties, operating expense, transportation and NGLs processing
expense and commodities purchased. Sales of commodities
purchased and commodities purchased are treated as corporate items
and are not allocated to individual regions or properties.
Netback is used by investors and management to compare the
performance of the Company's producing assets between periods.
Netback including risk management contract settlements equals
netback after including (or deducting) risk management contract
settlements received (paid). Netback including risk management
contract settlements is used by investors and management to assess
the performance of the producing assets after incorporating
management's risk management strategies.
Refer to the table under the heading "Financial and Operating
Results" in this press release for the calculation of netback and
netback including risk management contract settlements for the
three months and years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023.
Non-GAAP Ratios
Netback and netback including risk management contract
settlements presented on a $/Boe basis are non-GAAP ratios as they
each have a non-GAAP financial measure as a component. These
measures are not standardized measures under IFRS and might not be
comparable to similar financial measures presented by other
issuers. These measures should not be considered in isolation
or construed as alternatives to their most directly comparable
measure disclosed in the Company's primary financial statements or
other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance
with IFRS.
Netback on a $/Boe basis is calculated by dividing netback (a
non-GAAP financial measure) for the applicable period by the total
sales volumes during the period in Boe. Netback including
risk management contract settlements on a $/Boe basis is calculated
by dividing netback including risk management contract settlements
(a non-GAAP financial measure) for the applicable period by the
total sales volumes during the period in Boe. These measures
are used by investors and management to assess netback and netback
including risk management contract settlements on a unit of sales
volumes basis.
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted funds flow, free cash flow and net (cash) debt are
capital management measures that Paramount utilizes in managing its
capital structure. These measures are not standardized measures and
therefore may not be comparable with the calculation of similar
measures by other entities. Refer to Note 18 – Capital
Structure in the Consolidated Financial Statements of Paramount
for: (i) a description of the composition and use of these
measures, (ii) reconciliations of adjusted funds flow and free cash
flow to cash from operating activities, the most directly
comparable measure disclosed in the Company's primary financial
statements, for the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023 and (iii) a calculation of net (cash) debt as
at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The following is a reconciliation of adjusted funds flow to cash
from operating activities, the most directly comparable measure
disclosed in the Company's primary financial statements, for the
three months ended December 31, 2024
and 2023:
Three months ended
December 31 ($millions)
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash from operating
activities
|
187.7
|
287.0
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
35.9
|
(18.4)
|
Geological and
geophysical expense
|
2.3
|
2.7
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
11.9
|
12.8
|
Closure
costs
|
–
|
–
|
Provisions
|
–
|
–
|
Settlements
|
–
|
–
|
Transaction and
reorganization costs
|
–
|
–
|
Adjusted funds
flow
|
237.8
|
284.1
|
The following is a reconciliation of free cash flow to cash from
operating activities, the most directly comparable measure
disclosed in the Company's primary financial statements, for the
three months ended December 31, 2024
and 2023:
Three months ended
December 31 ($ millions)
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash from operating
activities
|
187.7
|
287.0
|
Change in non-cash
working capital
|
35.9
|
(18.4)
|
Geological and
geophysical expense
|
2.3
|
2.7
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
11.9
|
12.8
|
Closure
costs
|
–
|
–
|
Provisions
|
–
|
–
|
Settlements
|
–
|
–
|
Transaction and
reorganization costs
|
–
|
–
|
Adjusted funds
flow
|
237.8
|
284.1
|
Capital
expenditures
|
(170.8)
|
(208.9)
|
Geological and
geophysical expense
|
(2.3)
|
(2.7)
|
Asset retirement
obligation settled
|
(11.9)
|
(12.8)
|
Free cash
flow
|
52.8
|
59.7
|
Supplementary Financial Measures
This press release contains supplementary financial measures
expressed as: (i) cash from operating activities, adjusted funds
flow and free cash flow on a per share – basic and per share –
diluted basis and (ii) petroleum and natural gas sales, revenue,
royalties, operating expenses, transportation and NGLs processing
expenses, sales of commodities purchased and commodities purchased
on a $/Boe or $/Mcf basis.
Cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow and free
cash flow on a per share – basic basis are calculated by dividing
cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow or free cash
flow, as applicable, over the referenced period by the weighted
average basic shares outstanding during the period determined under
IFRS. Cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow and
free cash flow on a per share – diluted basis are calculated by
dividing cash from operating activities, adjusted funds flow or
free cash flow, as applicable, over the referenced period by the
weighted average diluted shares outstanding during the period
determined under IFRS.
Petroleum and natural gas sales, revenue, royalties, operating
expenses, transportation and NGLs processing expenses, sales of
commodities purchased and commodities purchased on a $/Boe or $/Mcf
basis are calculated by dividing petroleum and natural gas sales,
revenue, royalties, operating expenses, transportation and NGLs
processing expenses, sales of commodities purchased and commodities
purchased, as applicable, over the referenced period by the
aggregate units (Boe or Mcf) of sales volumes during such
period.
ADVISORIES
Forward-looking Information
Certain statements in this press release constitute
forward-looking information under applicable securities
legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains
statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate",
"will", "expect", "plan", "schedule", "intend", "propose", or
similar words suggesting future outcomes or an outlook.
Forward-looking information in this press release includes, but is
not limited to:
- planned capital expenditures in 2025 and the allocation
thereof;
- expected average sales volumes for 2025 and certain periods
therein;
- the expected 2025 exit rate of production; and
- planned and potential exploration, development and production
activities, including the expected timing of completion of phase
one and phase two of the Alhambra Plant and the expected capacity
thereof on completion.
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.
Such forward-looking information is based on a number of
assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been
made with respect to the following matters, in addition to any
other assumptions identified in this press release:
- future commodity prices;
- the potential scope and duration of tariffs, export taxes,
export restrictions or other trade actions;
- the impact of international conflicts, including in
Ukraine and the Middle East;
- royalty rates, taxes and capital, operating, general &
administrative and other costs;
- foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and the rate
and impacts of inflation;
- general business, economic and market conditions;
- the performance of wells and facilities;
- the availability to Paramount of the funds required for
exploration, development and other operations and the meeting of
commitments and financial obligations;
- the ability of Paramount to obtain equipment, materials,
services and personnel in a timely manner and at expected and
acceptable costs to carry out its activities;
- the ability of Paramount to secure adequate processing,
transportation, fractionation, disposal and storage capacity on
acceptable terms and the capacity and reliability of
facilities;
- the ability of Paramount to obtain the volumes of water
required for completion activities;
- the ability of Paramount to market its production
successfully;
- the ability of Paramount and its industry partners to obtain
drilling success (including in respect of anticipated sales
volumes, reserves additions, product yields and product recoveries)
and operational improvements, efficiencies and results consistent
with expectations;
- the timely receipt of required governmental and regulatory
approvals;
- the application of regulatory requirements respecting
abandonment and reclamation; and
- anticipated timelines and budgets being met in respect of: (i)
drilling programs and other operations, including well completions
and tie-ins, (ii) the construction, commissioning and start-up of
new and expanded third-party and Company facilities, pipelines and
other infrastructure, including the first and second phases of the
Alhambra Plant, and (iii) facility turnarounds and
maintenance.
Although Paramount believes that the expectations reflected in
such forward-looking information are reasonable based on the
information available at the time of this press release, undue
reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information as
Paramount can give no assurance that such expectations will prove
to be correct. Forward-looking information is based on
expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of
risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated by Paramount and described in the
forward-looking information. The material risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
- fluctuations in commodity prices;
- changes in capital spending plans and planned exploration and
development activities;
- changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and
the rate of inflation;
- changes in political and economic conditions, including risks
associated with tariffs, export taxes, export restrictions or other
trade actions;
- the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future
production, product yields (including condensate to natural gas
ratios), revenue, free cash flow, reserves additions, product
recoveries, royalty rates, taxes and costs and expenses;
- the ability to secure adequate processing, transportation,
fractionation, disposal and storage capacity on acceptable
terms;
- operational risks in exploring for, developing, producing and
transporting natural gas and liquids, including the risk of spills,
leaks or blowouts;
- the ability to obtain equipment, materials, services and
personnel in a timely manner and at expected and acceptable costs,
including the potential effects of inflation and supply chain
disruptions;
- potential disruptions, delays or unexpected technical or other
difficulties in designing, developing, expanding or operating new,
expanded or existing facilities, pipeline and other infrastructure,
including third-party facilities and phase one and phase two of the
Alhambra Plant;
- processing, transportation, fractionation, disposal and storage
outages, disruptions and constraints;
- potential limitations on access to the volumes of water
required for completion activities due to drought, conditions of
low river flow, government restrictions or other factors;
- risks and uncertainties involving the geology of oil and gas
deposits;
- the uncertainty of reserves estimates;
- general business, economic and market conditions;
- the ability to generate sufficient cash from operating
activities to fund, or to otherwise finance, planned exploration,
development and operational activities and meet current and future
commitments and obligations (including asset retirement
obligations, processing, transportation, fractionation and similar
commitments and obligations);
- changes in, or in the interpretation of, laws, regulations or
policies (including environmental laws);
- the ability to obtain required governmental or regulatory
approvals in a timely manner, and to obtain and maintain leases and
licenses, including those required for phase one and phase two of
the Alhambra Plant;
- the effects of weather and other factors including wildlife and
environmental restrictions which affect field operations and
access;
- uncertainties as to the timing and cost of future abandonment
and reclamation obligations and potential liabilities for
environmental damage and contamination;
- uncertainties regarding Indigenous claims and in maintaining
relationships with local populations and other stakeholders;
- the outcome of existing and potential lawsuits, regulatory
actions, audits and assessments; and
- other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this
document and in Paramount's other filings with Canadian securities
authorities.
There are risks that may result in the Company changing,
suspending or discontinuing its monthly dividend program, including
changes to its free cash flow, operating results, capital
requirements, financial position, market conditions or corporate
strategy and the need to comply with requirements under debt
agreements and applicable laws respecting the declaration and
payment of dividends. There are no assurances as to the
continuing declaration and payment of future dividends or the
amount or timing of any such dividends.
The foregoing list of risks is not exhaustive. For more
information relating to risks, see the section titled "Risk
Factors" in Paramount's annual information form for the year
ended December 31, 2024, which is
available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on the Company's
website at www.paramountres.com. The forward-looking
information contained in this press release is made as of the date
hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law,
Paramount undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.
Reserves Data
Reserves data set forth in this press release is based upon an
evaluation of the Company's reserves prepared by McDaniel &
Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") dated March 4, 2025 and effective December 31, 2024 (the "McDaniel Report").
The reserves referenced in this press release are gross
reserves. The price forecast used in the McDaniel Report is
an average of forecast prices and inflation rate assumptions
published by Sproule Associates Ltd. as at December 31, 2024 and GLJ Ltd. and McDaniel as at
January 1, 2025 (each of which is
available on their respective websites at www.sproule.com,
www.gljpc.com and www.mcdan.com). The estimates of reserves
contained in the McDaniel Report and referenced in this press
release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the
estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be
greater than or less than the estimates contained in the McDaniel
Report and referenced in this press release. There is no
assurance that the forecast prices and costs assumptions used in
the McDaniel Report will be attained, and variances could be
material. Estimated future net revenue does not represent
fair market value. The estimates of reserves for individual
properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates
of reserves for all properties due to the effects of aggregation.
Readers should refer to the Company's annual information form
for the year ended December 31, 2024,
which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or on
Paramount's website at www.paramountres.com, for a complete
description of the McDaniel Report (including reserves by the
specific product types of shale gas, conventional natural gas,
NGLs, light and medium crude oil, tight oil and heavy crude oil)
and the material assumptions, limitations and risk factors
pertaining thereto.
Oil and Gas Measures and Definitions
Liquids
|
|
Natural
Gas
|
Bbl
|
Barrels
|
|
GJ
|
Gigajoules
|
Bbl/d
|
Barrels per
day
|
|
GJ/d
|
Gigajoules per
day
|
MBbl
|
Thousands of
barrels
|
|
MMBtu
|
Millions of British
Thermal Units
|
NGLs
|
Natural gas
liquids
|
|
MMBtu/d
|
Millions of British
Thermal Units per day
|
Condensate
|
Pentane and heavier
hydrocarbons
|
Mcf
|
Thousands of cubic
feet
|
WTI
|
West Texas
Intermediate
|
|
MMcf
|
Millions of cubic
feet
|
|
|
|
MMcf/d
|
Millions of cubic feet
per day
|
Oil
Equivalent
|
|
AECO
|
AECO-C reference
price
|
Boe
|
Barrels of oil
equivalent
|
|
|
|
MBoe
|
Thousands of barrels of
oil equivalent
|
|
|
|
MMBoe
|
Millions of barrels of
oil equivalent
|
|
Boe/d
|
Barrels of oil
equivalent per day
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This press release contains disclosures expressed as "Boe",
"$/Boe" and "Boe/d". Natural gas equivalency volumes have
been derived using the ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural
gas to one barrel of oil when converting natural gas to Boe.
Equivalency measures may be misleading, particularly if used in
isolation. A 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 well head. For the year
ended December 31, 2024, the value
ratio between crude oil and natural gas was approximately 72:1.
This value ratio is significantly different from the energy
equivalency ratio of 6:1. Using a 6:1 ratio would be misleading as
an indication of value.
Additional information respecting the Company's oil and gas
properties and operations is provided in the Company's annual
information form for the year ended December
31, 2024 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca or
on Paramount's website at www.paramountres.com.
SOURCE Paramount Resources Ltd.