Key Points – US plans tariffs up to 3,521% on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian nations. – Domestic solar stocks surged, led by First Solar and Sunnova Energy. – The move could revive US-based solar manufacturing and reshape the industry.
Solar stocks rallied Tuesday after the US Department of Commerce unveiled plans to impose massive tariffs — as high as 3,521% — on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian countries. The move sent shares of domestic solar manufacturers sharply higher as investors bet on a wave of renewed demand for American-made panels.
First Solar (FSLR) led the charge, soaring more than 9%, while Sunnova Energy (NOVA) jumped over 12%. Other solar-related names like SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG), Array Technologies (ARRY), and Enphase Energy (ENPH) also posted notable gains. The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN), a barometer for the sector, rose nearly 5% on the day, signaling a broad-based rally.
The proposed duties follow a yearlong investigation into claims that Chinese solar manufacturers were using proxy operations in Southeast Asia to circumvent earlier trade restrictions. The Commerce Department concluded that imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam were being “dumped” into the US market — sold at artificially low prices — with the backing of Chinese state subsidies. Companies in Cambodia that failed to cooperate with the probe face the stiffest penalties.
If approved by the International Trade Commission (ITC), the tariffs could reshape the competitive landscape for solar panel manufacturing, providing a significant tailwind for US-based producers. The ITC has until June 2 to determine whether the subsidized imports harmed the domestic solar industry — a key requirement before the Commerce Department can implement the levies.
The decision is a major victory for the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing, a coalition of US-based producers that pushed for the trade probe. The group has long argued that Chinese-headquartered firms have gamed the system by establishing operations in neighboring countries while continuing to benefit from Chinese subsidies. Advocates say the resulting price suppression has undermined domestic companies and led to job losses across the sector.
For US manufacturers, the announcement caps years of efforts to shift production closer to home — a trend first accelerated by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which offered tax incentives for domestic clean energy development. Companies like Enphase and First Solar have been actively reshoring production. First Solar, for example, opened a new facility in Alabama last year and now boasts a sizable manufacturing footprint in Ohio and Louisiana.
Despite Tuesday’s rally, solar stocks have struggled in 2025. Rising interest rates have increased financing costs for consumers, putting downward pressure on demand. The sector was also rattled by political headwinds following President Trump’s return to the White House and his vocal support for traditional energy. The tariffs, however, may signal a shift — a more nuanced approach to energy independence that could favor domestic solar even under a fossil fuel-friendly administration.
While the solar ETF TAN remains down more than 13% year to date and 27% lower over the past 12 months, the tariff announcement could serve as a turning point. Investors appear to be recalibrating their expectations for the space, betting that the tariff protections will help stabilize margins and renew growth.
If finalized, the tariffs could usher in a new chapter for American solar, one where domestic innovation and manufacturing play a central role in the industry’s expansion.
InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Share consolidation. As of April 21, 2025, InPlay Oil shares are trading on a post-consolidation basis, with 27,939,437 common shares outstanding. The terms of the share consolidation were one post-consolidation common share per six pre-consolidation common shares. Fractional shares resulting from the consolidation were rounded down to the nearest whole number.
Updating estimates and price target. We are updating our 2025 estimates to reflect fewer shares outstanding and lower crude oil price estimates. For 2025, we are lowering our oil and gas revenue and earnings per share estimates to C$318.7 million and C$1.34, from C$333.5 million and C$1.46, both adjusted for the share consolidation. Moreover, we have lowered our adjusted funds flow (AFF) to C$149.5 million from C$161.6 million. We are maintaining our production estimate of 18,750 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) post the Pembina acquisition, which averages 15,816 boe/d for the full-year 2025.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Full-year 2024 financial results. Hemisphere Energy reported full-year net income and earnings per share of C$33.1 million and C$0.33, respectively, slightly above our estimates of C$32.3 million and C$0.32. The variance is mainly due to stronger oil pricing of $79.48, compared to our estimate of $76.31. Year-over-year, oil and natural gas revenue increased ~18% to C$79.7 million from C$67.7 million. This increase was driven by increased production and more robust pricing of 3,436 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) and $79.48, respectively, compared to 3,125 boe/d and $74.07. Likewise, adjusted funds flow (AFF) increased 16% in 2024 to C$45.8 million from C$39.4 million in 2023. We had forecast AFF of C$45.4 million.
Updating estimates. Based on lower crude oil price estimates, we are lowering our 2025 net income and earnings per share estimates to C$30.3 million and C$0.29, respectively, from C$37.2 million and C$0.37. Additionally, we are decreasing our adjusted funds flow estimate to C$42.9 million from C$50.6 million. We are maintaining our 2025 average daily production estimate of 3,900 boe/d, an increase of ~14% over 2024.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 17, 2025) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024.
2024 Highlights
Increased annual production by 10% to a record of 3,436 boe/d (99% heavy oil).
Generated annual revenue of $99.9 million, an 18% increase over the previous year.
Achieved a 16% increase in annual adjusted funds flow from operations (“AFF”)(1) to $45.8 million.
Invested $22 million to drill nine wells, upgrade facilities, and purchase land at Atlee Buffalo in Alberta, as well as drill five wells (three production wells and two injection wells) and build the facilities required to test a pilot polymer flood at Marsden, Saskatchewan.
Generated $23.9 million of annual free funds flow (“FFF”)(1), a 6% increase over annual FFF reported for 2023.
Achieved robust operating and transportation costs of $15.60/boe.
Distributed $9.8 million in quarterly base dividends to shareholders during the year.
Distributed $5.9 million in special dividends to shareholders during the year.
Purchased and cancelled 3.4 million shares at an average price of $1.62 per share under the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”), returning $5.5 million to shareholders during the year.
Exited 2024 with a positive working capital(1) position of $6.4 million compared to $3.6 million at December 31, 2023.
Note: (1)Non-IFRS financial measure that is not a standardized financial measure under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Refer to “Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures” section below.
Financial and Operating Summary
Selected financial and operational highlights should be read in conjunction with Hemisphere’s audited consolidated financial statements and related Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024. These reports, including the Company’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on Hemisphere’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
Operations Update and Outlook
2024 marked another strong year for Hemisphere, with record production levels of over 3,400 boe/d (99% heavy oil), near record AFF of $45.8 million, record shareholder returns of over $21 million ($0.21/share) through dividends and share buybacks, and an increase in its net cash position at year end to $6.4 million. The Company’s first quarter 2025 field estimated production has since grown to 3,800 boe/d (99% heavy oil) through continued success of its polymer floods, despite no new wells being drilled since the third quarter of 2024.
Given the strong financial position and performance outlook of the Company, Hemisphere recently announced a special dividend of C$0.03 per common share to be paid on April 28, 2025 to shareholders of record on April 17, 2025. In 2024, Hemisphere’s total dividend payments to shareholders of C$0.16 per common share included two special dividends of C$0.03 per common share (in each of July and November), in addition to the base annual dividend of C$0.10 per common share. These special dividends are an important part of Hemisphere’s overall shareholder return model.
As seen over the first two weeks of April, pricing outlook for the oil market is experiencing significant volatility influenced by geopolitical developments, supply-demand dynamics, and trade tensions. Hemisphere’s 2025 budget is extremely flexible with minimal capital spending planned until summer. The Company’s robust balance sheet, ultra-low decline assets, and limited sustaining capital requirements for 2025 position Hemisphere well to withstand these economic headwinds.
About Hemisphere Energy Corporation
Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood enhanced oil recovery methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.
For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation or contact:
Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 685-9255 Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-Looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release includes forward-looking statements that a special dividend will be paid to shareholders on April 28, 2025 to shareholders of record on April 17, 2025; Hemisphere’s intention to have minimal capital spending until summer; and the Company’s view that its robust balance sheet, ultra-low decline assets, and limited sustaining capital requirements for 2025 position Hemisphere well to withstand economic headwinds.
Forward‐Looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Hemisphere which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Hemisphere believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Hemisphere can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the current and go-forward oil price environment; that Hemisphere will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations; that results from drilling and development activities are consistent with past operations; current budgets; the quality of the reservoirs in which Hemisphere operates and continued performance from existing wells; the continued and timely development of infrastructure in areas of new production; the accuracy of the estimates of Hemisphere’s reserve volumes; certain commodity price and other cost assumptions; continued availability of debt and equity financing and cash flow to fund Hemisphere’s current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which Hemisphere operates; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which Hemisphere has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Hemisphere to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Hemisphere operates; trade and tariff matters, including the impacts on costs and supply chains; and the ability of Hemisphere to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
The forward‐looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward‐looking statements including, without limitation: changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Hemisphere’s products, changes in Hemisphere’s budget, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated areas and zones; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Hemisphere or by third party operators of Hemisphere’s properties, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Hemisphere’s oil and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time‐to‐time in Hemisphere’s public disclosure documents, (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and in Hemisphere’s Annual Information Form).
The forward‐looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Hemisphere does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
This MD&A contains the terms adjusted funds flow from operations, free funds flow, operating field netback and operating netback, capital expenditures and working capital/net debt, which are considered “non-IFRS financial measures” and any of these measures calculated on a per boe basis, which are considered “non-IFRS financial ratios”. These terms do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. Accordingly, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. Investors are cautioned that these measures should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) or cashflow from operations determined in accordance with IFRS and these measures should not be considered more meaningful than IFRS measures in evaluating the Company’s performance.
a)Adjusted funds flow from operations “AFF“ (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): The Company considers AFF to be a key measure that indicates the Company’s ability to generate the funds necessary to support future growth through capital investment and to repay any debt. AFF is a measure that represents cash flow generated by operating activities, before changes in non-cash working capital and adjusted for tax provision and decommissioning expenditures, and may not be comparable to measures used by other companies. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for AFF is cash provided by operating activities. AFF per share is calculatedusing the same weighted-average number of shares outstanding as in the case of the earnings per share calculation for the period.
b)Free funds flow (“FFF”) (Non-IFRS Financial Measures): Calculated by taking adjusted funds flow and subtracting capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions and dispositions. Management believes that free funds flow provides a useful measure to determine Hemisphere’s ability to improve returns and to manage the long-term value of the business.
c)Capital Expenditures (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Management uses the term “capital expenditures” as a measure of capital investment in exploration and production assets, and such spending is compared to the Company’s annual budgeted capital expenditures. The most directly comparable IFRS measure for capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing activities. A summary of the reconciliation of cash flow used in investing activities to capital expenditures is set forth below:
d)Operating field netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): A benchmark used in the oil and natural gas industry and a key indicator of profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating field netback is calculated as oil and gas sales, less royalties, operating expenses, and transportation costs on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis. These terms should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flow from operating activities or net income or loss as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of the Company’s performance.
e)Operating netback (Non-IFRS Financial Measure and Ratio if calculated on a per boe basis): Calculated as the operating field netback plus the Company’s realized gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments on an absolute and per barrel of oil equivalent basis.
f)Working capital/Net debt (Non-IFRS Financial Measure): Closely monitored by the Company to ensure that its capital structure is maintained by a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. Working capital/net debt is used in this document in the context of liquidity and is calculated as the total of the Company’s current assets, less current liabilities, excluding derivative financial instruments, decommissioning obligations, and lease liabilities, adjusted for tax provision and including any bank debt. There is no IFRS measure that is reasonably comparable to working capital/net debt.
g)Supplementary Financial Measures and Ratios
“Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per basic share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by basic weighted average common shares. “Adjusted Funds Flow from operations per diluted share” is comprised of funds from operations divided by diluted weighted average common shares. “Annual Free Funds Flow” is comprised of free funds flow from the current three-month period multiplied by four. “Operating expense per boe” is comprised of operating expense, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Realized heavy oil price” is comprised of heavy crude oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s crude oil production. “Realized natural gas price” is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas production. “Realized combined price” is comprised of total commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Royalties per boe” is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production. “Transportation costs per boe” is comprised of transportation expenses, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total production.
The Company has provided additional information on how these measures are calculated in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
Oil and Gas Advisories
Any references in this news release to initial production rates (including as a result of recent water or polymer flood activities) are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will continue production and decline thereafter and are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for the Company. Such rates are based on field estimates and may be based on limited data available at this time.
A barrel of oil equivalent (“boe”) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 Bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
Definitions and Abbreviations
bbl
barrel
Mcf
thousand cubic feet
bbl/d
barrels per day
Mcf/d
thousand cubic feet per day
$/bbl
dollar per barrel
$/Mcf
dollar per thousand cubic feet
boe
barrel of oil equivalent
IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards
boe/d
barrel of oil equivalent per day
WCS
Western Canadian Select
$/boe
dollar per barrel of oil equivalent
US$
United States Dollar
Mboe
thousand barrels of oil equivalent
C$
Canadian Dollar
MMboe
million barrels of oil equivalent
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Transformative acquisition closed. InPlay Oil recently closed its acquisition of Cardium light oil focused assets in the Pembina area of Alberta from Obsidian Energy for net consideration of approximately $301 million. The transaction more than doubles InPlay’s total output to 18,750 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d). The assets are 68% weighted in oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) and have a low decline rate of 22%. Management expects greater production, a lower decline rate, and enhanced operational efficiency. Following the completion of the acquisition, InPlay had 167,636,627 shares issued and outstanding.
Share consolidation. Effective April 14, InPlay will implement a share consolidation based on one common share for six common shares. The consolidation was unanimously approved by the company’s board and by 96.56% of the votes cast during a special meeting of shareholders. Post-consolidation, InPlay will have approximately 27,939,438 common shares issued and outstanding. The shares are expected to begin trading on a post-consolidation basis two to three trading days following the effective date.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
CALGARY AB, April 7, 2025 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company“) is pleased to announce that it has closed the previously announced strategic acquisition of Cardium light oil focused assets in the Pembina area of Alberta (the “Acquired Assets“) from Obsidian Energy Ltd. (the “Vendor“) for net consideration of approximately $301 million (the “Acquisition“).
The highly accretive Acquisition was funded by a combination of net proceeds released to InPlay pursuant to its previously announced $32.8 million bought deal subscription receipt financing (the “Financing“), an amended $330 million credit facility with a $190 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit facility of up to $30 million, a fully drawn $110 million two-year amortizing term loan and the issuance of 54,838,709 InPlay common shares to the Vendor at a deemed price of $85 million or $1.55 per share (the “Share Consideration“). The Share Consideration is subject to a six-month lock up period, which may be shortened in certain circumstances.
In accordance with their terms, each one (1) subscription receipt issued pursuant to the Financing was automatically exchanged for one (1) InPlay Share concurrently with the completion of the Acquisition, and the net proceeds were released to InPlay from escrow and used to fund a portion of the cash consideration payable to the Vendor under the Acquisition. Previous holders of subscription receipts of InPlay are not required to take any action to receive the underlying InPlay Shares. Trading in the subscription receipts on the Toronto Stock Exchange is expected to be halted today and the subscription receipts delisted in due course.
Immediately following completion of the Acquisition, InPlay has 167,636,627 InPlay Shares issued and outstanding, inclusive of the underlying 21,145,625 InPlay Shares issued upon conversion of subscription receipts previously issued pursuant to the Financing and the Share Consideration issued to the Vendor.
Concurrent with completion of the Acquisition, InPlay entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders (the “Lenders“) pursuant to which the aggregate available borrowing capacity under InPlay’s Senior Credit Facility has been increased from $110 million to $330 million by way of an increased $190 million revolving credit facility with a term out date extended to June 30, 2026, a fully drawn $110 million two-year amortizing term loan (the “Term Loan“) and a letter of credit facility of up to $30 million. The Term Loan includes quarterly amortization payments of $4.1 million. The covenant and security package under the new Term Loan is substantially the same as the revolving credit facility, with the exception of an additional affirmative covenant to satisfy certain prescribed hedging requirements during the period the Term Loan remains outstanding.
In accordance with a shareholder rights agreement between InPlay and the Vendor, the Vendor nominated Stephen E. Loukas, President and Chief Executive Officer and Peter D. Scott, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, both of Obsidian Energy Ltd., for election to the InPlay Board of Directors at the Special Meeting. Both nominees were elected as directors of InPlay to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed. The Vendor nominees have agreed to support the resolutions brought before InPlay shareholders at the 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders.
Reader Advisories
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This document contains certain forward–looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this document contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; light crude oil and NGLs weighting estimates; expectations regarding future commodity prices; future oil and natural gas prices; future liquidity and financial capacity; future results from operations and operating metrics; future costs, expenses and royalty rates; future interest costs; the exchange rate between the $US and $Cdn; future development, exploration, acquisition, development and infrastructure activities and related capital expenditures; the amount and timing of capital projects; and methods of funding our capital program.
The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying our Board approved 2025 capital budget and associated guidance are subject to change in light of, among other factors, changes to U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies (including tariffs), the impact of world events including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East, ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and changes in industry conditions and regulations. InPlay’s 2025 financial outlook and revised guidance provides shareholders with relevant information on management’s expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based upon the key assumptions outlined herein. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to differ materially from those predicted and InPlay’s revised guidance for 2025 may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.
Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of InPlay which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although InPlay believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because InPlay can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the current U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which InPlay operates; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of InPlay to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which InPlay has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of InPlay to obtain debt financing on acceptable terms; the anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; that other than the tariffs that came into effect on March 4, 2025 (some of which were subsequently paused on March 6, 2025), neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs (if they come into effect in the future), or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; the potential scope and duration of tariffs, export taxes, export restrictions or other trade actions; magnitude and duration of potential new or increased tariffs may be imposed on goods imported from Canada into the United States, which could adversely impact InPlay’s revenues; the potential for new and increased U.S. tariffs and protectionist trade measures on Canadian oil and gas imports; changes in political and economic conditions, including risks associated with tariffs, export taxes, export restrictions or other trade actions; impacts of any tariffs imposed on Canadian exports into the United States by the Trump administration and any retaliatory steps taken by the Canadian federal government; that InPlay’s results and operations could be adversely affected by economic or geopolitical developments, including protectionist trade policies such as tariffs, or other events; conditions in international markets, including social and political conditions, civil unrest, terrorist activity, governmental changes, restrictions on the ability to transfer capital across borders, tariffs and other protectionist measures; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and the ability of InPlay to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; that various conditions to a shareholder return strategy can be satisfied; the ongoing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which InPlay operates; and the ability of InPlay to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
Without limitation of the foregoing, readers are cautioned that the Company’s future dividend payments to shareholders of the Company, if any, and the level thereof will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of InPlay. The Company’s dividend policy and funds available for the payment of dividends, if any, from time to time, is dependent upon, among other things, levels of FAFF, leverage ratios, financial requirements for the Company’s operations and execution of its growth strategy, fluctuations in commodity prices and working capital, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, credit facility availability and limitations on distributions existing thereunder, and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Further, the ability of the Company to pay dividends will be subject to applicable laws, including satisfaction of solvency tests under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), and satisfaction of certain applicable contractual restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness. Further, the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date and the payment date of any dividend are subject to the discretion of the InPlay Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that InPlay will pay dividends in the future.
The forward-looking information and statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: changes in industry regulations and legislation (including, but not limited to, tax laws, royalties, and environmental regulations); the risk that the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition may not be completed on the anticipated terms or timing; risks related to an international trade war, including the risk that the U.S. government imposes additional tariffs on Canadian goods, including crude oil and natural gas, and that such tariffs (and/or the Canadian government’s response to such tariffs) adversely affect the demand and/or market price for InPlay’s products and/or otherwise adversely affects InPlay, or lead to the termination of InPlay’s financing arrangements for the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, including specifically that the imposition of tariffs or similar measures in excess of 10% would be an adverse tariff event for the purposes of InPlay’s new credit facilities to be entered into in connection with the transaction and that the lenders thereunder may choose not to fund the transaction; the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; potential changes to U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies as a result of a change in government; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2025 capital program; changes in our approach to shareholder returns; changes in commodity prices and other assumptions outlined herein; the risk that dividend payments may be reduced, suspended or cancelled; the potential for variation in the quality of the reservoirs in which InPlay operates; changes in the demand for or supply of InPlay’s products; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans or strategies of InPlay or by third party operators of InPlay’s properties; changes in InPlay’s credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of InPlay’s light crude oil and natural gas reserve and resource volumes; limited, unfavorable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in InPlay’s continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ including InPlay’s Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024 and the annual management’s discussion & analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024.
This document contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, potential dividends, and beliefs underlying our Board approved 2025 capital budget and associated guidance, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of InPlay and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in this document and such variation may be material. InPlay and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s reasonable estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, InPlay undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this document was made as of the date of this document and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about InPlay’s anticipated future business operations and strategy. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this document should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this document speak only as of the date hereof and InPlay does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Risk Factors to FLI
Risk factors that could materially impact successful execution and actual results of the Company’s 2025 capital program and associated guidance and estimates include:
risks related to an international trade war, including the risk that the U.S. government imposes additional tariffs on Canadian goods, including crude oil and natural gas, and that such tariffs (and/or the Canadian government’s response to such tariffs) adversely affect the demand and/or market price for the Company’s products and/or otherwise adversely affects the Company;
volatility of petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the accuracy of predictions related thereto;
the extent of any unfavourable impacts of wildfires in the province of Alberta.
changes in Federal and Provincial regulations;
the Company’s ability to secure financing for the Board approved 2025 capital program and longer-term capital plans sourced from AFF, bank or other debt instruments, asset sales, equity issuance, infrastructure financing or some combination thereof; and
those additional risk factors set forth in the Company’s MD&A and most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+.
SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.
For further information please contact: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Kevin Leonard, Vice President, Business Development, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 893-6804
Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – April 3, 2025) – Hemisphere Energy Corporation (TSXV: HME) (OTCQX: HMENF) (“Hemisphere” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend to shareholders.
Special Dividend
Given the strong financial position and performance outlook of the Company, Hemisphere’s board of directors has approved the declaration of a special dividend of C$0.03 per common share, in accordance with its dividend policy. The special dividend will be paid on April 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 17, 2025, and is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes. It is in addition to the Company’s quarterly base dividend of C$0.025 per common share.
About Hemisphere Energy Corporation
Hemisphere is a dividend-paying Canadian oil company focused on maximizing value-per-share growth with the sustainable development of its high netback, ultra-low decline conventional heavy oil assets through polymer flood EOR methods. Hemisphere trades on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer under the symbol “HME” and on the OTCQX Venture Marketplace under the symbol “HMENF”.
For further information, please visit the Company’s website at www.hemisphereenergy.ca to view its corporate presentation, or contact:
Don Simmons, President & Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 685-9255 Email: info@hemisphereenergy.ca
Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “forecast”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “could”, “plan”, “intend”, “should”, “believe”, “outlook”, “potential”, “target” and similar words suggesting future events or future performance. In particular, but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release includes forward-looking statements including that a special dividend will be paid to shareholders on April 28, 2025, to shareholders of record on April 17, 2025.
Forward‐looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of Hemisphere which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Hemisphere believes that the expectations reflected in such forward‐looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward‐looking statements because Hemisphere can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the timing for payment of the special dividend; the general continuance of current industry conditions; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which Hemisphere has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of Hemisphere to obtain financing on acceptable terms; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and expansion and the ability of Hemisphere to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which Hemisphere operates; and the ability of Hemisphere to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
The forward‐looking statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward‐looking statements including, without limitation: changes in project timelines and workstreams; changes in commodity prices; changes in the demand for or supply of Hemisphere’s products, the early stage of development of some of the evaluated areas and zones; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans of Hemisphere or by third party operators of Hemisphere’s properties, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of Hemisphere’s oil and gas reserve volumes; limited, unfavourable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time‐to‐time in Hemisphere’s public disclosure documents, (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and in Hemisphere’s Annual Information Form).
The forward‐looking statements contained in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release, and Hemisphere does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward‐looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Reserve report. Hemisphere released results from its independent reserve evaluation as of December 31, 2024. Compared to the year-end 2023 reserve report, proved developed producing (PDP) reserves increased 13.1% to 9,302.2 thousand barrels of oil equivalents. The growth in PDP reserves replaced 186% of 2024 production. Hemisphere’s estimated 2024 capital expenditures of ~C$22 million funded PDP reserve growth, annual production growth of ~10%, additional infrastructure, and the testing of a new resource play in Saskatchewan with an enhanced oil recovery (EOR) polymer pilot project.
Outlook for 2025.Hemisphere expects 2025 capital expenditures of ~C$17 million which are expected to support ~15% growth in annual average production to 3,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) compared to 2024. Most of the capital will be allocated to drilling, optimization, and facility work, with ~10% allotted to exploration and land acquisition. The majority of the planned expenditures are scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, providing the company with the flexibility to adjust plans based on changes in commodity prices.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Hans Baldau, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Full-year 2024 financial results. InPlay Oil reported full-year net income and earnings per share of C$9.5 million and C$0.10, respectively, below our estimates of approximately C$11.4 million and C$0.12. The variance was primarily due to lower-than-expected natural gas revenue driven by weaker AECO pricing. Production for the year averaged 8,712 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) compared to 9,025 boe/d in 2023. Consequently, revenue decreased to C$153.7 million compared to C$179.4 million in 2023. Adjusted funds flow in 2024 was C$68.5 million, down from C$91.8 million in 2023.
Updated 2025 estimates. Please note that our revised estimates assume the closing of the pending Pembina acquisition on April 15th, 2025. For 2025, our oil and gas revenue estimate is C$333.5 million compared to our prior estimate of C$159.4 million. We have raised our 2025 AFF and EPS estimates to C$161.6 million and C$0.27, respectively, from C$71.7 million and C$0.14. We forecast net income of C$40.9 million, up from our previous estimate of C$13.2 million. Our 2025 estimates are based on an average annual production of 15,879 boe/d compared to our prior forecast of 8,901 boe/d.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
CALGARY, AB, March 14, 2025 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024, along with the results of its independent oil and gas reserves evaluation effective December 31, 2024 (the “Reserve Report”) prepared by Sproule Associates Limited (“Sproule”). InPlay’s audited annual financial statements and notes, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the year ended December 31, 2024 will be available at “www.sedarplus.ca” and the Company’s website at “www.inplayoil.com“. An updated presentation will be available after closing of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition which is expected in April.
Message to Shareholders:
The upcoming year is set to be a transformational year for InPlay. We believe that the highly accretive acquisition of Pembina Cardium assets from Obsidian Energy Ltd. announced on February 19, 2025 will fundamentally shift the future of the Company. The acquired assets strategically complement InPlay’s existing holdings in the Pembina Cardium, an area where the Company has proven operational expertise. The acquisition will significantly expand our operational scale, with attributes including large oil in place, a higher oil weighting, strong netbacks, low decline rates and a robust inventory of high-quality drilling locations, enhancing our overall sustainability. This is expected to strengthen free adjusted funds flow (“FAFF”)(4) generation, allowing for debt reduction while supporting our shareholder return strategy, with over three times FAFF coverage of our existing base dividend (11.3%) expected for 2025. We are excited to begin operations of these newly acquired assets acquired in this synergistic acquisition and to demonstrate our expertise and ability to unlock the intrinsic value of our share price. We will remain committed to financial discipline maintaining our strong balance sheet, to ultimately generate shareholder value through FAFF growth and return of capital to shareholders.
The resumption of development of our Pembina Cardium Unit # (“PCU7”) asset was a key highlight in 2024. This area is our most prolific asset as it offers high production rates and lower declines. As a result of significantly improved capital costs, PCU7 yields the highest returns and strongest capital efficiencies in our current asset portfolio. Our 2024 development of PCU7 exceeded internal expectations. Operational enhancements since our last PCU7 drilling program in spring of 2022 resulted in costs 25% below budget. These new techniques can be leveraged across our Cardium asset base, including those acquired as part of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition. Three additional 100% PCU7 extended reach horizontal (“ERH”) wells were drilled in the first quarter of 2025 and recently brought on production.
During 2024, InPlay remained focused on operational execution, disciplined capital allocation and prioritizing FAFF while preserving a strong balance sheet which resulted in adjusting our operational and capital activities accordingly. InPlay’s disciplined approach allowed the Company to capitalize on the transformational Pembina Cardium asset acquisition.
Following closing of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, InPlay will provide updated development plans and revised full-year 2025 guidance. The acquisition is currently expected to close in April 2025.
2024 was a year of disciplined execution, operational efficiency, and delivering shareholder returns. We remain focused on financial strength, sustainable production, and value creation for our shareholders. As we move into 2025, we believe the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition positions InPlay for significant growth and long-term success. On behalf of our employees, management team and Board of Directors, we would like to thank our shareholders for their support.
2024 Financial and Operating Results:
Achieved average annual production of 8,712 boe/d(1) (58% light crude oil and NGLs) with fourth quarter production average of 9,376 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs).
Generated adjusted funds flow (“AFF”)(2) of $68.5 million ($0.76 per basic share(3)) despite a 44% drop in AECO natural gas prices compared to 2023.
Distributed $16.4 million in dividends, equating to a 10.4% yield relative to year-end market capitalization. Since November 2022, total dividends distributed amounted to $39.2 million ($0.435 per share, including dividends declared to date in 2025).
Invested $63 million in development capital which was $2.5 million below the mid-range of our $64 – $67 million budget and 25% less than 2023. The majority of capital was spent on our drilling program, consisting of 12 (11.9) operated horizontal wells and three (0.65 net) non-operated horizontal wells, including strategic infrastructure projects, and an extensive downhole optimization program. $5.4 million was spent on the optimization program to replace plunger lifts with downhole pumps and lowering pumps in horizontal wells, helping to decrease our base decline rate to 26%.
Materially enhanced capital efficiencies through a 25% reduction in drilling and completion costs experienced in PCU7 as a result of operational enhancements on our four H2 2024 wells drilled in the area.
Exited 2024 at 0.8x net debt to earnings before interest, taxes and depletion (“EBITDA”)(4) which is among the lowest among industry peers.
Generated a strong operating income profit margin(4) of 54% and net income of $9.5 million ($0.11 per basic share, $0.10 per diluted share).
Renewed our $110 million revolving Senior Credit Facility, providing significant liquidity for tactical capital investment and strategic acquisitions.
Allocated $3.4 million to the successful abandonment of 40 wellbores, 37 pipelines and the reclamation of 25 wellsites.
2024 Financial & Operations Overview:
Our 2024 results reflect our disciplined capital allocation approach to maintain financial strength while delivering strong returns to shareholders. We executed our capital program under budget, generated meaningful adjusted funds flow and returned $16.4 million to shareholders. Production averaged 9,376 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil & NGLs) in the fourth quarter of 2024.
InPlay’s capital program for 2024 consisted of $63.1 million of exploration and development capital. Efficient operational execution in 2024 led to capital expenditures coming in $2.5 million below the mid-point of our $64 – $67 million budget and approximately 25% less than 2023. The Company drilled, completed and brought on production two (1.9 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green, two (2.0 net) one-mile horizontal wells in Willesden Green, three (3.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina, four (4.0 net) PCU7 ERH wells, one (1.0 net) Belly River well, and three (0.65 net) non-operated Willesden Green ERH wells during 2024. This activity amounted to the drilling of 15 (12.6 net) wells. Additionally, the Company incurred drilling costs on one (1.0 net) Glauconite well where drilling challenges resulted in casing failure and led to the termination of drilling operations. In addition, $5.4 million was spent on the optimization of wells during 2024 to change plunger lifts to downhole pumps and lowering pumps in horizontal wells which has led to improved base decline rates. Going forward, InPlay’s improved decline rate results in reduced drilling capital required to maintain production and further enhancing our ability to generate FAFF.
Natural gas prices remained low in 2024 due to production growth in North America with higher than normal inventory levels in North America and Europe. This resulted in a 44% decrease in AECO pricing compared to already low prices in 2023. These lower prices resulted in a 11% decline in our realized boe sales price, which was partially offset by realized hedging gains.
Financial and Operating Results:
Operations Update:
InPlay’s capital program for 2025 is underway with three (3.0 net) ERH wells drilled in PCU7 recently coming on production and are in the early cleanup stage. These wells will offset the three well pad drilled in 2024 which has exceeded internal expectations. Despite the extreme cold temperatures in February, the costs for our first three wells of 2025 came in on time and on budget. Building on the success of our 2024 PCU7 development, we are excited to continue the focused development of this highly prolific area with an additional three net wells planned for the second half of 2025 included in our pre-acquisition 2025 budget. The majority of our remaining 2025 pre-acquisition capital program was scheduled for the second half of the year with minimal spending planned in the second quarter resulting in strong forecasted FAFF.
On March 4, 2025 the government of the United Stated announced tariffs on goods imported from Canada, including a 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports. The situation continues to be fluid and we believe the volatility surrounding these tariffs is already impacting valuations in the energy industry. We continue to monitor the impact of these tariffs on the Company and will make decisions keeping our strategy of disciplined capital allocation, financial flexibility and returns to shareholders at the forefront. InPlay’s financial hedges and a resulting weaker Canadian dollar are expected to mitigate the impact of these tariffs on the Company.
Hedging Update
The Company has reacted to commodity price volatility by securing commodity hedges extending through 2025 and into 2026. InPlay has hedged over 60% of pre-acquisition natural gas production and approximately 55% of pre-acquisition light crude oil production during 2025 at favorable pricing levels. Refer below for a summary of the Company’s commodity-based hedges.
2024 Reserves Results(1):
An organic 2024 capital program without acquisition/disposition (“A&D”) activity resulted in:
Proved developed producing (“PDP”) reserves of 17,207 mboe (54% light and medium crude oil & NGLs)
Total proved (“TP”) reserves of 43,912 mboe (60% light and medium crude oil & NGLs)
Total proved plus probable (“TPP”) reserves of 58,724 mboe (61% light and medium crude oil & NGLs)
Reserves life index (“RLI”)(2) for PDP, TP and TPP of approximately 5.4 years, 13.8 years and 18.5 years, respectively highlights a sizable drilling inventory for long-term development potential.
Achieved NPV BT10 reserve values(1) of:
PDP: $222 million
TP: $485 million
TPP: $706 million
Corporate Reserves Information:
The following summarizes certain information contained in the Reserve Report. The Reserve Report was prepared in accordance with the definitions, standards and procedures contained in the COGE Handbook and National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”). Additional reserve information as required under NI 51-101 will be included in the Company’s Annual Information Form (“AIF”) which will be filed on SEDAR+ by the end of March 2025.
Net Present Values of Reserves:
InPlay achieved strong before tax estimated net present values (“NPV”) of future net revenues associated with our 2024 year-end reserves discounted at 10% (“NPV BT10”), although impacted by weaker future commodity prices in comparison to December 31, 2023. Forecasted WTI and AECO prices used in the Reserve Report decreased by 5% and 30% in year one and 2% and 18% in year two, respectively, compared to 2023. The Company achieved NPV BT10 reserve values of $222 million (PDP), $485 million (TP) and $706 million (TPP) based on the three independent reserve evaluator average pricing, cost forecast and foreign exchange rates as at December 31, 2024 used in the Reserve Report.
Future Development Costs (“FDCs”):
The following FDCs are included in the 2024 Reserve Report:
The $485 million of total FDC in the Reserve Report generates approximately $484 million in future net present value discounted at 10%.
Pricing Assumptions:
The following tables set forth the benchmark reference prices, as at December 31, 2024, reflected in the Reserve Report. These price and cost assumptions were an arithmetic average of the price forecasts of three independent reserve evaluator’s (Sproule, McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. and GLJ Ltd.) then current forecast and Sproule’s foreign exchange rate forecast at the effective date of the Reserve Report.
Forecasted WTI and AECO prices used in the Reserve Report decreased by 5% and 30% in year one and 2% and 18% in year two respectively compared to 2023.
InPlay also confirms that the management information circular (the “Circular”) and form of proxy with respect to the proposed Pembina Cardium asset acquisition and related matters have been mailed to the InPlay shareholders of record as of February 28, 2025. InPlay confirms that the Circular and form of proxy can be accessed and viewed on the Company’s website (www.inplayoil.com) or on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).
For further information please contact:
Doug Bartole President and Chief Executive Officer InPlay Oil Corp. Telephone: (587) 955-0632
Throughout this document and other materials disclosed by the Company, InPlay uses certain measures to analyze financial performance, financial position and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in accordance with GAAP as indicators of the Company performance. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and other financial measures provides useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the Company’s ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide increased transparency and the ability to better analyze InPlay’s business performance against prior periods on a comparable basis.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Ratios
Included in this document are references to the terms “free adjusted funds flow”, “operating income”, “operating netback per boe”, “operating income profit margin” and “Net Debt to EBITDA”. Management believes these measures and ratios are helpful supplementary measures of financial and operating performance and provide users with similar, but potentially not comparable, information that is commonly used by other oil and natural gas companies. These terms do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than “profit before taxes”, “profit and comprehensive income”, “adjusted funds flow”, “capital expenditures”, “net debt” or assets and liabilities as determined in accordance with GAAP as a measure of the Company’s performance and financial position.
Free Adjusted Funds Flow/FAFF per share
Management considers FAFF and FAFF per share important measures to identify the Company’s ability to improve its financial condition through debt repayment and its ability to provide returns to shareholders. FAFF should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than AFF as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. FAFF is calculated by the Company as AFF less exploration and development capital expenditures and property dispositions (acquisitions) and is a measure of the cashflow remaining after capital expenditures before corporate acquisitions that can be used for additional capital activity, corporate acquisitions, repayment of debt or decommissioning expenditures or potentially return of capital to shareholders. FAFF per share is calculated by the Company as FAFF divided by weighted average shares outstanding. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.
Free Adjusted Funds Flow Yield
InPlay uses “free adjusted funds flow yield” as a key performance indicator. When presented on a corporate basis, free adjusted funds flow is calculated by the Company as free adjusted funds flow divided by the market capitalization of the Company. When presented on an asset basis for acquisition purposes, free adjusted funds flow is calculated by the Company as free adjusted funds flow divided by the operating income of the Acquired Assets. Management considers FAFF yield to be an important performance indicator as it demonstrates a Company or asset’s ability to generate cash to pay down debt and provide funds for potential distributions to shareholders. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF Yield.
Operating Income/Operating Netback per boe/Operating Income Profit Margin
InPlay uses “operating income”, “operating netback per boe” and “operating income profit margin” as key performance indicators. Operating income is calculated by the Company as oil and natural gas sales less royalties, operating expenses and transportation expenses and is a measure of the profitability of operations before administrative, share-based compensation, financing and other non-cash items. Management considers operating income an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates its field level profitability. Operating income should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than net income as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Operating netback per boe is calculated by the Company as operating income divided by average production for the respective period. Management considers operating netback per boe an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates its field level profitability per unit of production. Operating income profit margin is calculated by the Company as operating income as a percentage of oil and natural gas sales. Management considers operating income profit margin an important measure to evaluate its operational performance as it demonstrates how efficiently the Company generates field level profits from its sales revenue. Refer below for a calculation of operating income, operating netback per boe and operating income profit margin. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast operating income, operating netback per boe and operating income profit margin.
(thousands of dollars)
Three Months EndedDecember 31
Year EndedDecember 31
2024
2023
2024
2023
Revenue
40,039
47,631
153,713
179,366
Royalties
(5,253)
(6,339)
(19,964)
(22,516)
Operating expenses
(12,413)
(13,233)
(48,198)
(49,576)
Transportation expenses
(786)
(940)
(3,083)
(3,130)
Operating income
21,587
27,119
82,468
104,144
Sales volume (Mboe)
862.6
882.8
3,188.5
3,294.1
Per boe
Revenue
46.42
53.95
48.21
54.45
Royalties
(6.09)
(7.18)
(6.26)
(6.84)
Operating expenses
(14.39)
(14.99)
(15.12)
(15.05)
Transportation expenses
(0.91)
(1.06)
(0.97)
(0.95)
Operating netback per boe
25.03
30.72
25.86
31.61
Operating income profit margin
54 %
57 %
54 %
58 %
Net Debt to EBITDA
Management considers Net Debt to EBITDA an important measure as it is a key metric to identify the Company’s ability to fund financing expenses, net debt reductions and other obligations. EBITDA is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow before interest expense. When this measure is presented quarterly, EBITDA is annualized by multiplying by four. When this measure is presented on a trailing twelve month basis, EBITDA for the twelve months preceding the net debt date is used in the calculation. This measure is consistent with the EBITDA formula prescribed under the Company’s Senior Credit Facility. Net Debt to EBITDA is calculated as Net Debt divided by EBITDA. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Net Debt to EBITDA.
Capital Management Measures
Adjusted Funds Flow
Management considers adjusted funds flow to be an important measure of InPlay’s ability to generate the funds necessary to finance capital expenditures. Adjusted funds flow is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this document are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures. Decommissioning expenditures are adjusted from funds flow as they are incurred on a discretionary and irregular basis and are primarily incurred on previous operating assets. The Company also presents adjusted funds flow per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of profit per common share.
Net Debt
Net debt is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company closely monitors its capital structure with the goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. The Company monitors net debt as part of its capital structure. The Company uses net debt (bank debt plus accounts payable and accrued liabilities less accounts receivables and accrued receivables, prepaid expenses and deposits and inventory) as an alternative measure of outstanding debt. Management considers net debt an important measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.
Free Funds Flow
Management considers free funds flow to be an important measure of InPlay’s ability to generate the funds necessary after capital expenditures and decommissioning expenditures to improve its financial condition through debt repayment and its ability to provide returns to shareholders. Free funds flow is comprised of GAAP measures disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. All references to free funds flow throughout this document are calculated as funds flow less exploration and development capital expenditures and property dispositions (acquisitions).
Supplementary Measures
“Average realized crude oil price” is comprised of crude oil commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s crude oil volumes. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized NGL price” is comprised of NGL commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s NGL volumes. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized natural gas price” is comprised of natural gas commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas volumes. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Average realized commodity price” is comprised of commodity sales from production, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s volumes. Average prices are before deduction of transportation costs and do not include gains and losses on financial instruments.
“Adjusted funds flow per weighted average basic share” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the basic weighted average common shares.
“Adjusted funds flow per weighted average diluted share” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by the diluted weighted average common shares.
“Adjusted funds flow per boe” is comprised of adjusted funds flow divided by total production.
Forward-Looking Information and Statements
This document contains certain forward–looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends”, “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this document contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; the Company’s expectation that an updated presentation will be available after closing of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition and the timing of such closing; the Company’s belief that the upcoming year will be transformational for InPlay; the Company’s beliefs and expectations regarding the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, including that it will fundamentally shift the future of the Company, expand the Company’s operational scale, enhance the Company’s overall sustainability, and strengthen FAFF generation, enabling debt reduction and supporting the Company’s shareholder return strategy; the Company’s belief that the acquired assets will strategically complement InPlay’s existing holdings in the Pembina Cardium; the Company’s expectations regarding its expertise and ability to unlock the intrinsic value of its share price; the Company’s belief that it will remain committed to financial discipline maintaining its strong balance sheet, to ultimately generate shareholder value through FAFF growth and return of capital to shareholders; the Company’s belief that the operational enhancements to the drilling PCU7 program can be leveraged to the Company’s other Cardium assets, including those acquired as part of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition; the Company’s expectation that it following closing of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, it will provide updated development plans and revised full-year 2025 guidance; expectations regarding the Company’s PCU7 asset; expectations regarding the Company’s 2025 capital program; the Company’s belief that it will monitor the impact of tariffs and will make decisions keeping the Company’s strategy of disciplined capital allocation, financial flexibility and returns to shareholders at the forefront; expectations regarding the Company’s hedges, including that its financial hedges and a resulting weaker Canadian dollar will mitigate the impact of tariffs on the Company; 2025 forecast production; 2025 guidance and 2025 pro-forma estimates related to the proposed Pembina asset acquisition based on the planned capital program and all associated underlying assumptions set forth in this document including, without limitation, forecasts of 2025 annual average production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit margin, net debt and Management’s belief that the Company can grow some or all of these attributes and specified measures; light crude oil and NGLs weighting estimates; expectations regarding future commodity prices; future oil and natural gas prices; future liquidity and financial capacity; future results from operations and operating metrics; future costs, expenses and royalty rates; future interest costs; the exchange rate between the $US and $Cdn; future development, exploration, acquisition, development and infrastructure activities and related capital expenditures, including InPlay’s planned 2025 capital program; the amount and timing of capital projects; and methods of funding our capital program.
The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying our Board approved 2025 capital budget and associated guidance are subject to change in light of, among other factors, changes to U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies (including tariffs), the impact of world events including the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East, ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and changes in industry conditions and regulations. InPlay’s 2025 financial outlook and revised guidance provides shareholders with relevant information on management’s expectations for results of operations, excluding any potential acquisitions or dispositions, for such time periods based upon the key assumptions outlined herein. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to differ materially from those predicted and InPlay’s revised guidance for 2025 may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.
Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of InPlay which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although InPlay believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because InPlay can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the current U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which InPlay operates; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of InPlay to obtain qualified staff, equipment and services in a timely and cost efficient manner; drilling results; the ability of the operator of the projects in which InPlay has an interest in to operate the field in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the ability of InPlay to obtain debt financing on acceptable terms; the anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; that other than the tariffs that came into effect on March 4, 2025 (some of which were subsequently paused on March 6, 2025), neither the U.S. nor Canada (i) increases the rate or scope of such tariffs (if they come into effect in the future), or imposes new tariffs, on the import of goods from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas, and/or (ii) imposes any other form of tax, restriction or prohibition on the import or export of products from one country to the other, including on oil and natural gas; the potential scope and duration of tariffs, export taxes, export restrictions or other trade actions; magnitude and duration of potential new or increased tariffs may be imposed on goods imported from Canada into the United States, which could adversely impact InPlay’s revenues; the potential for new and increased U.S. tariffs and protectionist trade measures on Canadian oil and gas imports; changes in political and economic conditions, including risks associated with tariffs, export taxes, export restrictions or other trade actions; impacts of any tariffs imposed on Canadian exports into the United States by the Trump administration and any retaliatory steps taken by the Canadian federal government; that InPlay’s results and operations could be adversely affected by economic or geopolitical developments, including protectionist trade policies such as tariffs, or other events; conditions in international markets, including social and political conditions, civil unrest, terrorist activity, governmental changes, restrictions on the ability to transfer capital across borders, tariffs and other protectionist measures; field production rates and decline rates; the ability to replace and expand oil and natural gas reserves through acquisition, development and exploration; the timing and cost of pipeline, storage and facility construction and the ability of InPlay to secure adequate product transportation; future commodity prices; that various conditions to a shareholder return strategy can be satisfied; the ongoing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; currency, exchange and interest rates; regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which InPlay operates; and the ability of InPlay to successfully market its oil and natural gas products.
Without limitation of the foregoing, readers are cautioned that the Company’s future dividend payments to shareholders of the Company, if any, and the level thereof will be subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors of InPlay. The Company’s dividend policy and funds available for the payment of dividends, if any, from time to time, is dependent upon, among other things, levels of FAFF, leverage ratios, financial requirements for the Company’s operations and execution of its growth strategy, fluctuations in commodity prices and working capital, the timing and amount of capital expenditures, credit facility availability and limitations on distributions existing thereunder, and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Further, the ability of the Company to pay dividends will be subject to applicable laws, including satisfaction of solvency tests under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), and satisfaction of certain applicable contractual restrictions contained in the agreements governing the Company’s outstanding indebtedness. Further, the actual amount, the declaration date, the record date and the payment date of any dividend are subject to the discretion of the InPlay Board of Directors. There can be no assurance that InPlay will pay dividends in the future.
The forward-looking information and statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: changes in industry regulations and legislation (including, but not limited to, tax laws, royalties, and environmental regulations); the risk that the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition may not be completed on the anticipated terms or timing; risks related to an international trade war, including the risk that the U.S. government imposes additional tariffs on Canadian goods, including crude oil and natural gas, and that such tariffs (and/or the Canadian government’s response to such tariffs) adversely affect the demand and/or market price for InPlay’s products and/or otherwise adversely affects InPlay, or lead to the termination of InPlay’s financing arrangements for the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, including specifically that the imposition of tariffs or similar measures in excess of 10% would be an adverse tariff event for the purposes of InPlay’s new credit facilities to be entered into in connection with the transaction and that the lenders thereunder may choose not to fund the transaction; the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; potential changes to U.S. economic, regulatory and/or trade policies as a result of a change in government; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2025 capital program; changes in our approach to shareholder returns; changes in commodity prices and other assumptions outlined herein; the risk that dividend payments may be reduced, suspended or cancelled; the potential for variation in the quality of the reservoirs in which InPlay operates; changes in the demand for or supply of InPlay’s products; unanticipated operating results or production declines; changes in tax or environmental laws, royalty rates or other regulatory matters; changes in development plans or strategies of InPlay or by third party operators of InPlay’s properties; changes in InPlay’s credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of InPlay’s light crude oil and natural gas reserve and resource volumes; limited, unfavorable or a lack of access to capital markets; increased costs; a lack of adequate insurance coverage; the impact of competitors; and certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in InPlay’s continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ including InPlay’s Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024 and the annual management’s discussion & analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024.
This document contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, potential dividends, and beliefs underlying our Board approved 2025 capital budget and associated guidance, all of which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth in the above paragraphs. The actual results of operations of InPlay and the resulting financial results will likely vary from the amounts set forth in this document and such variation may be material. InPlay and its management believe that the FOFI has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting management’s reasonable estimates and judgments. However, because this information is subjective and subject to numerous risks, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Except as required by applicable securities laws, InPlay undertakes no obligation to update such FOFI. FOFI contained in this document was made as of the date of this document and was provided for the purpose of providing further information about InPlay’s anticipated future business operations and strategy. Readers are cautioned that the FOFI contained in this document should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.
The forward-looking information and statements contained in this document speak only as of the date hereof and InPlay does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
InPlay’s 2024 annual guidance and a comparison to 2024 actual results are outlined below.
GuidanceFY 2024(1)
ActualsFY 2024
Variance
Variance (%)
Production
Boe/d
8,700 – 8,750
8,712
–
–
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$68 – $70
$68.5
–
–
Capital Expenditures
$ millions
$63
$63
–
–
Free Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$5 – $7
$5.5
–
–
Net Debt
$ millions
$59 – $61
$61
–
–
(1) As previously released February 4, 2025.
Risk Factors to FLI
Risk factors that could materially impact successful execution and actual results of the Company’s 2025 capital program and associated guidance and estimates include:
risks related to an international trade war, including the risk that the U.S. government imposes additional tariffs on Canadian goods, including crude oil and natural gas, and that such tariffs (and/or the Canadian government’s response to such tariffs) adversely affect the demand and/or market price for the Company’s products and/or otherwise adversely affects the Company;
volatility of petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the accuracy of predictions related thereto;
the extent of any unfavourable impacts of wildfires in the province of Alberta.
changes in Federal and Provincial regulations;
the Company’s ability to secure financing for the Board approved 2025 capital program and longer-term capital plans sourced from AFF, bank or other debt instruments, asset sales, equity issuance, infrastructure financing or some combination thereof; and
those additional risk factors set forth in the Company’s MD&A and most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR+.
Key Budget and Underlying Material Assumptions to FLI
The key budget and underlying material assumptions used by the Company in the development of its 2025 guidance and 2025 pro-forma estimates(3) relating to the proposed acquisition of Pembina Cardium assets from Obsidian Energy Ltd. are as follows:
ActualsFY 2024
GuidanceFY 2024(1)
GuidanceFY 2025(1)
Pro-formaEstimateFY 2025(2)(3)(4)
WTI
US$/bbl
$75.72
$75.72
$72.00
$72.65
NGL Price
$/boe
$32.99
$32.90
35.40
48.65
AECO
$/GJ
$1.39
$1.39
$1.90
$1.85
Foreign Exchange Rate
CDN$/US$
0.73
0.73
0.70
0.70
MSW Differential
US$/bbl
$4.51
$4.50
$4.50
$4.75
Production
Boe/d
8,712
8,700 – 8,750
8,650 – 9,150
18,750
Revenue
$/boe
48.21
47.75 – 48.75
46.00 – 51.00
56.50 – 61.50
Royalties
$/boe
6.26
6.00 – 6.50
5.50 – 7.00
7.00 – 8.50
Operating Expenses
$/boe
15.12
14.50 – 15.50
13.00 – 15.00
16.00 – 18.00
Transportation
$/boe
0.97
0.90 – 1.05
0.90 – 1.15
0.90 – 1.15
Interest
$/boe
2.19
2.00 – 2.25
1.30 – 1.90
2.20 – 2.80
General and Administrative
$/boe
3.06
2.90 – 3.20
3.00 – 3.75
1.50 – 2.25
Hedging loss (gain)
$/boe
(0.86)
(0.75 – (1.00)
0.00 – 0.25
0.00 – 0.50
Decommissioning Expenditures
$ millions
$3.4
$3.2 – $3.4
$3.0 – $3.5
$6.0
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$68.5
$68 – $70
$69 – $75
$204
Dividends
$ millions
$16
$16
$16.5
$26
ActualsFY 2024
GuidanceFY 2024(1)
GuidanceFY 2025(1)
Pro-formaEstimateFY 2025(2)(3)(4)
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$68.5
$68 – $70
$69 – $75
$204
Capital Expenditures
$ millions
$63
$63
$41 – $44
$94
Free Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$5.5
$5 – $7
$25 – $34
$104
Shares outstanding, end of year
# millions
90.1
90.1
90.4
158
Assumed share price
$/share
$1.73
$1.73
$1.65
1.55
Market capitalization
$ millions
$156
$156
$150
245
FAFF Yield
%
4 %
3% – 4%
17% – 23%
42 %
ActualsFY 2024
GuidanceFY 2024(1)
GuidanceFY 2025(1)
Pro-formaEstimateFY 2025(2)(3)(4)
Revenue
$/boe
48.21
47.75 – 48.75
46.00 – 51.00
56.50 – 61.50
Royalties
$/boe
6.26
6.00 – 6.50
5.50 – 7.00
7.00 – 8.50
Operating Expenses
$/boe
15.12
14.50 – 15.50
13.00 – 15.00
16.00 – 18.00
Transportation
$/boe
0.97
0.90 – 1.05
0.90 – 1.15
0.90 – 1.15
Operating Netback
$/boe
25.86
25.50 – 26.50
24.75 – 29.75
31.50 – 36.50
Operating Income Profit Margin
54 %
54 %
56 %
58 %
ActualsFY 2024
GuidanceFY 2024(1)
GuidanceFY 2025(1)
Pro-formaEstimateFY 2025(2)(3)(4)
Adjusted Funds Flow
$ millions
$68.5
$68 – $70
$69 – $75
$204
Interest
$/boe
2.19
2.00 – 2.25
1.30 – 1.90
2.20 – 2.80
EBITDA
$ millions
$76
$75 – $77
$74 – $80
$221
Net Debt
$ millions
$61
$59 – $61
$52 – $58
$203
Net Debt/EBITDA
0.8
0.8
0.6 – 0.8
0.9
(1)
As previously released February 4, 2025.
(2)
As previously released February 19, 2025.
(3)
InPlay’s pro-forma estimate for 2025 are preliminary in nature and do not reflect a Board approved capital expenditure budget. Following closing of the Pembina Cardium asset acquisition, InPlay will provide updated development plans and revised full-year 2025 guidance.
(4)
2025E pro forma estimates have been presented as though InPlay acquired the Acquired Assets at January 1, 2025 notwithstanding that income from January 1, 2025 to closing represents a purchase price adjustment and such production will not be directly attributed to InPlay.
See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” below
Quality and pipeline transmission adjustments may impact realized oil prices in addition to the MSW Differential provided above
Changes in working capital are not assumed to have a material impact between the years presented above.
Information Regarding Disclosure on Oil and Gas Reserves and Operational Information
Our oil and gas reserves statement for the year ended December 31, 2024, which will include complete disclosure of our oil and gas reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with NI 51-101, will be contained within our Annual Information Form which will be available on our SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca on or before March 31, 2025. The recovery and reserve estimates contained herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. In relation to the disclosure of estimates for individual properties, such estimates may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation. The Company’s belief that it will establish additional reserves over time with conversion of probable undeveloped reserves into proved reserves is a forward-looking statement and is based on certain assumptions and is subject to certain risks, as discussed above under the heading “Forward-Looking Information and Statements”.
This press release contains metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as “operating netbacks” and “reserve life index” or “RLI”. Each of these terms are calculated by InPlay as described within this press release. These terms do not have standardized meanings or standardized methods of calculation and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons. Such metrics have been included herein to provide readers with additional information to evaluate the Company’s performance, however such metrics should not be unduly relied upon.
Management uses these oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with measures to compare InPlay’s operations over time, however such measures are not reliable indicators of InPlay’s future performance and future performance may not be comparable to the performance in prior periods. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this press release, should not be relied upon for investment or other purposes, however such measures are not reliable indicators on InPlay’s future performance and future performance may not be comparable to the performance in prior periods.
References to light crude oil, NGLs or natural gas production in this press release refer to the light and medium crude oil, natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas product types, respectively, as defined in National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“Nl 51-101“).
Production Breakdown by Product Type
Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this document consists of the constituent product types as defined in NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:
Light and Medium Crude oil(bbls/d)
NGLs(boe/d)
Conventional Natural gas(Mcf/d)
Total(boe/d)
Q4 2023 Average Production
4,142
1,520
23,606
9,596
2023 Average Production
3,822
1,396
22,839
9,025
Q4 2024 Average Production
3,691
1,651
24,203
9,376
2024 Average Production
3,523
1,499
22,139
8,712
2024 Annual Guidance
3,535
1,495
22,170
8,725(1)
2025 Annual Guidance
3,425
1,510
23,790
8,900(2)
2025 Pro Forma Estimate
9,535
2,180
42,215
18,750
Notes:
1.
This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s 2024 production guidance range of 8,700 to 8,750 boe/d.
2.
This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s 2025 production guidance range of 8,650 to 9,150 boe/d.
3.
With respect to forward–looking production guidance, product type breakdown is based upon management’s expectations based on reasonable assumptions but are subject to variability based on actual well results.
BOE equivalent
Barrel of oil equivalents or BOEs may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A BOE conversion ratio of 6 mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different than the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a 6:1 conversion basis may be misleading as an indication of value.
Initial Production Rates
References in this press release to IP rates, other short-term production rates or initial performance measures relating to new wells are useful in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons; however, such rates are not determinative of the rates at which such wells will commence production and decline thereafter and are not indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. While encouraging, readers are cautioned not to place reliance on such rates in calculating the aggregate production for the Company. Accordingly, the Company cautions that the test results should be considered to be preliminary.
Key Points: – OPEC+ surprises market with planned April output increase of 138,000 barrels per day – US imposes new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, triggering potential trade tensions – Micro-cap energy stocks face potential volatility and consolidation opportunities
The global oil market is experiencing a pivotal moment that demands close scrutiny from energy sector investors. OPEC+ has recently confirmed a planned April output increase of 138,000 barrels per day, a decision that has immediately rippled through global energy markets. The financial implications are significant: Brent futures dropped 1.45% to $70.58 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 1.07% to $67.64, signaling a complex and potentially challenging investment landscape.
The current market dynamics are further complicated by a series of aggressive trade policies implemented by the U.S. administration. New tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico, coupled with increased Chinese import tariffs from 10% to 20%, are creating a multilayered challenge for energy companies across the value chain. These policy shifts are particularly consequential for smaller energy firms that may lack the financial buffers of larger, more established corporations.
For investors focusing on small and micro-cap energy stocks, the current market presents a nuanced investment environment. The compressed profit margins resulting from these market conditions are likely to accelerate sector consolidation. Companies with robust balance sheets, operational efficiency, and strategic adaptability will be best positioned to weather this volatility.
Commodity market experts provide critical insights into these trends. Darren Lim from Phillip Nova emphasizes that the current market is being driven by a combination of OPEC+ output decisions and new tariff implementations. Goldman Sachs analysts offer additional perspective, noting that Russia’s oil flows remain more constrained by production targets than existing sanctions, with potential downside risks to oil price forecasts.
The geopolitical landscape adds another layer of complexity to the investment calculus. President Trump’s recent pause in Ukraine military aid introduces additional uncertainty that could potentially reshape global oil market dynamics and existing sanctions frameworks. This geopolitical tension creates an additional variable for investors to consider when evaluating energy sector investments.
Investors in small and micro-cap energy stocks should focus on several key strategic considerations:
Fundamental Analysis: A deep dive into individual company financials is crucial. Look beyond surface-level metrics to understand each company’s true operational efficiency, debt levels, and ability to adapt to market fluctuations.
Geographical Diversification: Companies with operations across multiple regions may be better positioned to mitigate risks associated with localized economic or political challenges.
Technological Innovation: Energy firms investing in efficient extraction technologies and exploring alternative energy solutions may demonstrate greater long-term resilience.
Cost Management: In a volatile market, companies that can maintain lean operations and control production costs will have a significant competitive advantage.
While the current market presents significant challenges, it simultaneously creates opportunities for strategic investors. The potential for industry consolidation means that well-positioned companies could emerge as attractive acquisition targets or potential market leaders.
Market indicators suggest that volatility in the energy sector is likely to continue. Successful investment strategies will require a disciplined approach, continuous research, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions.
Investors should maintain a balanced perspective, recognizing that short-term market fluctuations do not necessarily indicate long-term sector performance. Careful analysis, diversification, and a forward-looking investment approach will be key to navigating these complex market dynamics.
Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Reverse Split. Effective February 24, Comstock Inc. implemented a reverse split of its common stock at a ratio of 1-for-10, resulting in ~23.8 million shares outstanding. Comstock’s authorized number of shares of common stock remains 245.0 million. LODE shares began trading on a split-adjusted basis on February 25 and gained 5.6% to close at $3.05 per share.
Updating estimates. While we have made no changes to our 2024 estimates, we estimate first quarter 2025 weighted average shares outstanding of 154.5 million due to the timing of the reverse split. We have reduced our share count for the last three quarters of 2025 and project weighted average shares in 2025 to be 56.2 million. While our full year loss forecast of $22.0 million is unchanged, our earnings per loss estimate increased to $(0.39) from $(0.09).
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Optimization study identifies sources of lower cost.Century Lithium recently completed an initial internal optimization study of its Angel Island Lithium project. The review identified cost reductions of up to 25%, or $395.2 million, associated with the project’s Phase I capital expenditures totaling $1,580.7 billion. Recall the most recent feasibility study dated April 29, 2024, contemplates three phases of production with the capital costs associated with the second and third phases amounting to $657.0 million and $1,338.5 billion, respectively.
Key areas of focus.Among other potential cost savings, the study identified opportunities to reduce capital costs through changes in the flow sheet, equipment selection, and updated vendor quotes in the processing areas of filtration, direct lithium extraction, and the chlor-alkali plant. The study also identified potential areas where modification of site facilities and the elimination of inefficiencies could streamline the process from mining to the production of battery-grade lithium. We expect that some of these efficiencies may extend to Phases II and III thus offering the potential for additional savings.
Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.
This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).
*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.
