Birchcliff Energy Ltd. Announces Q2 2024 Results, Strong Well Results and Declaration of Q3 2024 Dividend

Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
Birchcliff Energy Ltd.

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CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (“Birchcliff” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: BIR) is pleased to announce its Q2 2024 financial and operational results. Birchcliff is also pleased to announce that its board of directors (the “Board”) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share for the quarter ending September 30, 2024.

“We continued with the successful execution of our capital program in the second quarter, bringing 11 wells on production. These wells are exceeding our internal projections, with strong initial production rates that contributed to our solid quarterly average production of 78,358 boe/d. Driven by the outperformance of our capital program year-to-date, we are tightening our 2024 production guidance range to 75,000 to 77,000 boe/d (previously 74,000 boe/d to 77,000 boe/d),” stated Chris Carlsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Birchcliff. “We will continue to build off this operational momentum throughout the remainder of the year as we bring the last 11 wells of our capital program on production in the fourth quarter, when natural gas prices are forecasted to be stronger.”

“We continue to evaluate and implement initiatives aimed at improving efficiencies and reducing our costs, such as our new long-term contract operating agreement whereby we assumed operatorship of AltaGas’ deep-cut gas processing facility in Gordondale. This new arrangement allows us to leverage various cost optimization opportunities across our core producing assets, which is expected to drive costs lower. Moving forward, we are well positioned to deliver improved capital efficiencies through stronger well performance and efficient execution in 2024 and beyond.”

Q2 2024 FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

  • Achieved average production of 78,358 boe/d (83% natural gas, 8% NGLs, 6% condensate and 3% light oil).

  • Generated adjusted funds flow(1) of $53.7 million, or $0.20 per basic common share(2), and cash flow from operating activities of $26.9 million.

  • Reported net income to common shareholders of $46.4 million, or $0.17 per basic common share.

  • Birchcliff’s market diversification initiatives contributed to an average realized natural gas sales price of $1.82/Mcf(3), which represented a 27% premium to the average benchmark AECO 7A Monthly Index price in Q2 2024.

  • Birchcliff entered into a long-term contract operating agreement (the “COA”) with AltaGas Ltd. (“AltaGas”). Pursuant to the COA, Birchcliff assumed operatorship of AltaGas’ Gordondale deep-cut gas processing facility (the “Gordondale Facility”) effective July 1, 2024. This arrangement will allow Birchcliff to leverage cost optimization opportunities that exist between its 100% owned and operated gas plant in Pouce Coupe and the Gordondale Facility, which are located approximately six miles apart and are pipeline connected. These optimization opportunities are expected to drive lower operating costs, reduce downtime and optimize NGLs recoveries for Birchcliff. For further details, see the joint press release of Birchcliff and AltaGas dated June 13, 2024.

  • During the quarter, Birchcliff brought 11 wells on production, which have exhibited strong average initial production rates. See “Operational Update”.

    • Birchcliff’s 2-well 02-27 natural gas pad in Gordondale achieved an average per well IP 30 rate of 1,462 boe/d (7,390 Mcf/d of raw natural gas and 230 bbls/d of condensate).(4)

    • Birchcliff’s 4-well 01-10 light oil pad in Gordondale achieved an average per well IP 30 rate of 840 boe/d (1,627 Mcf/d of raw natural gas and 569 bbls/d of light oil).(4)