LUCERO ENERGY CORP. ANNOUNCES 2024 CAPITAL BUDGET AND PRODUCTION GUIDANCE

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Unless otherwise noted, all monetary amounts in this news release are stated in Canadian dollars.

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 14, 2023 /CNW/ - Lucero Energy Corp. ("Lucero" or the "Company") (TSXV: LOU) (OTCQB: PSHIF) is pleased to announce that the Company's Board of Directors has approved a 2024 capital budget1 of US$65 million (approximately C$88 million). Lucero's strategic objectives associated with the 2024 capital budget align with the Company's long-term objectives of achieving disciplined per share growth while maintaining financial flexibility.

Lucero's 2024 capital budget is specifically focused on:

  • Maximizing free funds flow within a sustainable and organic growth model;

  • Investing in light oil opportunities offering higher rates of return and lower risk across the Company's high-quality development drilling inventory;

  • Creating future production flexibility by carrying drilled uncompleted wells into 2025;

  • Maintaining the sustainability of the Company's production decline profile to minimize required maintenance capital expenditures;

  • Investing in infrastructure to drive future efficiencies while also mitigating environmental impacts; and

  • Continuing to enhance Lucero's strong financial position, resulting in greater flexibility to capitalize on growth opportunities and return of capital initiatives.

Lucero's 2024 capital program is directed towards light oil development projects, with over 80% allocated to drilling and completion activities5.  With the strong performance of the Company's underlying production base, Lucero anticipates that the US$65 million (approximately C$88 million) 2024 capital budget is expected to result in annual average production of approximately 10,100 Boepd4 and drive an exit production rate of approximately 10,300 Boepd4, representing year-over-year production growth of 3% while maintaining the corporate production decline profile at approximately 30%.

OUTLOOK AND SUSTAINABILITY

Lucero has established a unique position among Canadian-listed, growth-oriented exploration and production companies.  With working capital exceeding $52 million at September 30, 2023, and 100% exposure to light oil-weighted U.S. assets, the Company offers a unique growth platform comprised of lower-risk, high-impact development opportunities in the heart of the prolific North Dakota Bakken/Three Forks play.

The Company remains well-positioned to continue generating measured growth and robust operating netbacks, while targeting high expected recoveries. These characteristics are anticipated to support Lucero's ability to generate meaningful rates of return that can directly contribute to shareholder value creation. With a corporate production decline profile of approximately 30%, Lucero's assets are expected to yield significant free funds flow that can be allocated to the Company's Normal Course Issuer Bid (the "NCIB") or other initiatives that can drive shareholder value.