Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces 2026 Capital Budget

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Feb 24, 2026, 07:30 ET

CALGARY AB, Feb. 24, 2026 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) announces that its Board of Directors have approved a capital program of $66 – $74 million for 2026.

InPlay had a stellar 2025 with an accretive and transformational acquisition in our core area and a very successful drilling program. Throughout 2025, InPlay delivered improved capital efficiencies through the successful application of enhanced drilling and completion techniques, driving production results that exceeded internally modelled type curves while achieving well costs below budget. InPlay’s improved capital efficiencies allowed the Company to increase its production guidance three times during 2025 with reduced capital spending.

InPlay’s 2026 capital budget reflects a disciplined and capital efficient program focused on strong production growth, maximizing Free Adjusted Funds Flow (“FAFF”)(2) and debt reduction. The Company plans to drill 12 – 14 net horizontal Cardium wells during 2026, with the majority of capital directed toward its Cardium-focused light oil assets in Pembina. InPlay’s 2026 capital budget reflects the improved capital efficiencies realized in 2025.

Key highlights of the 2026 capital program include:

  • Production Growth:
    • Forecasted average annual production of 18,600 – 19,200 boe/d(1) (60% – 62% light oil and NGLs), an 11% increase (based on mid-point) compared to estimated 2025, driven by:
      • Low corporate base decline rate of 22% due to the favorable decline profile;
      • Strong corporate netbacks driven by high oil and liquids weighting; and
      • Enhanced capital efficiencies from high graded drilling inventory.
  • FAFF Generation and Dividend Sustainability:
    • AFF(2) of $122 – $129 million;
    • FAFF of $48 – $63 million equating to a 11% – 15% FAFF Yield(3). FAFF exceeds the base annual dividend of $30 million (based on the current monthly dividend rate of $0.09/share or $1.08/share annualized) insulating the Company in the event of commodity price fluctuations.
    • InPlay’s dividend represents a dividend yield of approximately 7.0% at the current share price.
  • Debt Reduction:
    • Excess FAFF(3) is planned to be used to reduce debt;
    • Year-end Net Debt(2) of $199 – $206 million.

InPlay currently has forecasted commodity pricing similar to peers who have previously released 2026 guidance. To mitigate downside risk, InPlay has implemented a comprehensive hedging program providing protection against current market volatility. Details of the Company’s current hedges are provided in the “Hedging Summary” section of the Reader Advisories.

The table below outlines InPlay’s 2026 guidance:

In the first quarter of 2026, the Company plans to have its most active capital spend quarter of the year with five (5.0 net) horizontal wells being drilled. To date, InPlay has drilled and recently completed a two (2.0 net) ERH well-pad which have recently come on production. InPlay has also started drilling operations on a three (3.0 net) ERH well-pad which is expected to come on-line at the end of March. The majority of the capital spend on the remaining 7 – 9 net horizontal wells planned for the year is expected to occur in the second half of 2026.

InPlay continues to closely monitor global trade, geopolitical and commodity dynamics, proactively evaluating capital plans in response to pricing volatility, inflationary cost pressures, and other factors affecting the business. The Company will remain flexible and make decisions based on our core strategy of disciplined capital allocation, maintaining financial strength to ensure the long term sustainability of our strategy and return to shareholder program. Should commodity prices improve and stabilize, the Company will remain disciplined and flexible, with the ability to swiftly adjust its capital activity to align with evolving market conditions.

2025 Update

The Company is finalizing its results for 2025 and expects to achieve production of approximately 17,000 boe/d(1) (61% light crude oil and liquids) in line with the mid-point of our last forecast of 16,900 – 17,100 boe/d and 600 boe/d ahead of the mid-point of our original post acquisition forecast of 16,000 – 16,800 boe/d. In comparison to average production of 8,712 boe/d in 2024, production increased by approximately 95% in 2025.

Looking ahead after a transformation year with efficient capital spending, we remain focused on continued profitable development of our high-return asset base and are committed to delivering strong returns to shareholders through 2026 and beyond. On behalf of the management team and Board of Directors, we extend our gratitude to our employees, shareholders and bondholders for their support of the Company and the Canadian oil and gas industry.

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View full release here.

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