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Petrus Resources Announces Third Quarter 2016 Financial & Operating Results

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Nov 8, 2016) - Petrus Resources Ltd. ("Petrus" or the "Company") (PRQ.TO) is pleased to announce financial and operating results for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2016. The associated Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") and quarterly financial statements as at and for the period ended September 30, 2016 are available at www.sedar.com.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • During the quarter, Petrus closed the previously announced disposition of oil and natural gas interests in the Peace River area of Alberta for $29.2 million after post closing adjustments. The disposition benefited the Company by reducing debt, operating costs and future decommissioning obligations.

  • Third quarter production was 7,100 boe/d compared to 8,668 boe/d reported for the third quarter of 2015. The disposition of approximately 1,000 boe/d in the Peace River area, combined with certain dry natural gas production temporarily shut-in in the Foothills area, led to the 18% production decrease.

  • The Company's current production is 8,500 boe/d; new volumes from the Company's capital development program replaced the production attributed to the divested assets. Year end production is expected to exceed 9,000 boe/d once the remaining 2016 drills are on stream.

  • Operating expenses decreased 24% from $7.87 per boe in the third quarter of 2015 to $6.04 per boe in the third quarter of 2016. The decrease was attributable to the divestiture of the Peace River assets and investments in operated infrastructure in the Ferrier area, which enable Petrus to generate third party processing income.

  • Third quarter operating expenses in the Ferrier area, on a per boe basis, have decreased approximately 50% from the third quarter of 2015 and Petrus expects a further decrease due to the expiration (October 31st) of a gas processing commitment at a third party facility, increased production volume from new drills and the entering into of a pipeline transportation agreement for Ferrier liquids volume.

  • At the end of the third quarter the Company's total net debt ($124.3 million) was 45% lower than year end 2015 ($226.7 million). Interest cost savings attributable to the net debt reduction are in excess of 45%. Subsequent to quarter end, Petrus' lender syndicate reviewed its revolving first lien credit facility and unanimously agreed to maintain the facility at $106 million. At September 30, 2016 the facility was 81% drawn at $85.3 million.

  • The Company recently drilled three 100% working interest wells in its Ferrier core area targeting liquids rich natural gas in the Cardium formation. Average drill and case costs were 18% lower than budget and 50% lower than comparable wells drilled in 2014 due to new techniques employed, reduced service costs and improved cycle time. Petrus plans to drill 5 wells (2.6 net) in the fourth quarter. The total second half capital budget, inclusive of facility and gathering infrastructure investments, is $17.5 million.

  • Petrus generated funds from operations in the third quarter of $6.0 million compared to $10.8 million in the third quarter of 2015. The 23% decrease is due to a decline in realized commodity prices and 18% lower production which is due to the Peace River asset divestiture and a portion of Foothills production which is temporarily shut-in.

  • The Company's realized hedging gain in the third quarter increased the Company's corporate netback by $4.06 per boe compared to $4.72 per boe realized in third quarter of the prior year. In the third quarter of 2016 natural gas hedges were in place for 87% of gas production at an average natural gas floor price of $2.64 per GJ.