Tag: InPlay Oil Corp.

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

Feb 01, 2024, 18:00 ET

CALGARY, AB, Feb. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on February 29, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 15, 2024.  The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: please contact: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632, www.inplayoil.com; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

Jan 29, 2024, 08:00 ET

CALGARY, AB, Jan. 29, 2024 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors have approved a capital program of $64 – $67 million for 2024.

2024 Capital Program Highlights

InPlay’s 2024 exploration and development capital program of $64 – $67 million is forecast to deliver the following⁽⁵⁾:

• Annual average production of 9,000 – 9,500 boe/d (59% – 61% light crude oil and NGLs);
  
  
• Drilling program focused on high return oil weighted locations driving annual oil production growth at the midpoint of guidance of 7% over 2023;
  
  
• Operating income profit margin⁽²⁾ of approximately 59%;
  
  
• Reduction in capital spending of 20% – 25% compared to 2023 including reduced facilities and infrastructure spending by over 50% providing strong capital efficiencies;
  
  
• Adjusted Funds Flow (“AFF”)⁽⁴⁾ of $89 – $96 million;
  
  
• Free Adjusted Funds Flow (“FAFF”)⁽²⁾ of $22 – $32 million;
  
  
• Net debt⁽⁴⁾ of $37 – $44 million with a net debt to EBITDA ratio⁽²⁾ of 0.4 – 0.5 times which is among the lower leverage ratios amongst our peers;
  
  
• Base dividend of $16 – $17 million at the current monthly dividend rate of $0.015/share ($0.18/share annualized) which represents approximately an 8% yield at the current share price; and
  
  
• Significant unutilized financial liquidity which can be used to pursue potential tactical capital investments.

The table below highlights our 2024 guidance:

• The amounts above do not include potential future purchases through the Company’s normal course issuer bid (“NCIB”).

With continued commodity price volatility, specifically weak natural gas fundamentals, and current low investor sentiment, InPlay has taken a measured and disciplined approach to capital allocation for 2024, seeking to maximize capital efficiencies, AFF⁽²⁾, and FAFF⁽²⁾ supporting strong returns to shareholders with a priority on maintaining our pristine balance sheet. Despite a 20% to 25% reduction in capital spending year over year, InPlay is forecasting to deliver approximately 7% growth in our oil volumes as we focus on higher oil weighted assets that deliver greater returns. The capital program is designed to responsibly manage the pace of development, maintain flexibility and remain focused on delivering return of capital to shareholders.

Given the higher rate of return of InPlay’s oil weighted properties, the Company plans to direct its 2024 capital budget towards oil weighted drilling in the Cardium and Belly River. Plans are to drill approximately 11 – 12 net Extended Reach Horizontal (“ERH”) Cardium wells in Willesden Green and Pembina. Also, 3.0 net wells are planned in the Belly River taking advantage of the very high oil weighting of approximately 90%.  These Belly River wells exhibit increasing oil rates over the first three quarters of production and a low decline rate thereafter. Our two most recent horizontal wells drilled in the Belly River, which came online in November 2022, have delivered operating netbacks of approximately $71.25/boe since being brought on production.  Our higher oil weighted locations are characterized by strong light oil rates with lower total boe/d rate relative to wells with higher natural gas weightings. The Company’s 2024 drilling program plans on drilling fewer wells in 2024 compared to 2023, as a result of our cautious, disciplined capital approach for the year and is structured to take advantage of improving differentials starting in the second quarter of 2024 and throughout the balance of the year.  Facility capital in 2024 is forecasted to be approximately $6.4 million less than 2023 due to the reduced drilling program and significant capital spent on two major natural gas plant upgrades completed in 2023.

InPlay’s first quarter of 2024 drilling program consists of five (4.9 net) ERH Cardium wells and three (0.7 net) non-operated ERH Cardium wells. Drilling has started on a two well (1.9 net) pad in Willesden Green which is expected to come on production in February. Capital activity will then move to Pembina to drill three (3.0 net) Cardium ERH wells. These wells will offset our five successful wells drilled in 2023 characterized by low decline rates and high light oil and liquids weighting with average initial production (“IP”) rates of 257 boe/d (89% light crude oil and liquids), 265 boe/d (86% light crude oil and liquids) and 239 boe/d (82% light crude oil and liquids) over their first 30, 60 and 180 days respectively. 

InPlay made significant investments in 2023 to increase operated natural gas takeaway capacity for future growth in Willesden Green and to mitigate potential production issues arising from third party outage and capacity constraints. These projects have already shown their value by reducing back pressure on wells, lowering declines and providing more consistent runtimes while improving our liquids weighting with a higher natural gas liquids recovery. To further enhance our natural gas takeaway capabilities, InPlay has entered into a long term Gas Handling Agreement with an industry partner guaranteeing access to natural gas takeaway and processing capacity in the Company’s Pembina area where we were initially curtailed by approximately 6 mmcfd and associated oil and liquids starting on February 15, 2023 with the gradual reduction in curtailments and the full resumption of production in September 2023. This contract will allow InPlay to restart with certainty of capacity the development of this prolific and strong rate of return growth area where drilling activity has not occurred since the spring of 2022. InPlay plans on drilling a three (3.0 net) ERH Cardium well pad in this area in the third quarter of 2024. The Company projects fewer operated and non-operated turnarounds and other infrastructure issues during 2024 after an unprecedented high level of disruptions in 2023.

To mitigate risk and add stability during periods of market volatility, commodity hedges have been secured through 2024 and into 2025 as summarized below.

InPlay will continue to prudently allocate capital resources and adjust its capital plans in consideration of commodity prices, inflationary cost pressures and other aspects impacting our business. Should commodity prices improve and stabilize, InPlay will remain disciplined and flexible and can quickly adjust capital activity to respond to changing market conditions.

2023 Update

InPlay’s fourth quarter capital program consisted of drilling two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green that were brought on production in November. Also, the company drilled its first (1.0 net) multilateral Belly River horizontal well which was brought on production in December. The well has been on production for approximately one month and is still in its initial stages of cleanup and early production results are meeting our internal expectations with oil cuts increasing, consistent with offsetting wells.

The increase in North American natural gas production coupled with a warm start to winter has natural gas storage inventories at very high levels resulting in weaker than expected natural gas prices during the fourth quarter that continued into 2024. Crude oil differentials began to weaken in November and widened throughout the quarter which impacted realized oil pricing during this period.  Higher differentials are extending into the first quarter of 2024 but forward indices show them improving and narrowing starting in the second quarter of 2024 and throughout the remainder of the year. 

Annual average production for 2023 is forecast to be approximately 9,050 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (58% light crude oil & NGLs) which was impacted by approximately 650 boe/d over the year due to extraordinary curtailments experienced from third party capacity constraints and turnarounds, Alberta wildfires, and from delays in starting up our natural gas facility in the third quarter as discussed in our prior press releases.    

The table below highlights our updated forecasted 2023 guidance:

• See Reader Advisories for previous guidance and underlying assumptions.

As commented on above, continued commodity price volatility and current weak industry sentiment has resulted in the Company taking a conservative, disciplined approach to capital allocation in 2024.  Preliminary estimates and plans for 2025 and beyond will be dependent on the stability of commodity prices and industry sentiment balancing manageable growth and ensuring the long term sustainability of our return of capital to shareholder strategy. As a result, the Company withdraws its preliminary estimates and plans for 2025.

We look forward to the profitable development of our high rate of return asset base and continuing to provide strong returns to shareholders through 2024 and beyond. On behalf of our employees, management team and Board of Directors, we would like to thank our shareholders for their support. 

For further information please contact:

Doug Bartole
President and Chief Executive Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0632

Darren Dittmer
Chief Financial Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Reader Advisories

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

Throughout this press release 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”, “Net Debt to EBITDA”, “Production per debt adjusted share” and “EV / DAAFF”. 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 (loss) before taxes”, “profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)”, “adjusted funds flow”, “capital expenditures”, “corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”, “net debt”, “weighted average number of common shares (basic)” 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

Management considers FAFF an important measure 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. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.

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 to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of operating income, operating netback per boe and operating income profit margin.

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.

Production per Debt Adjusted Share

InPlay uses “Production per debt adjusted share” as a key performance indicator. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than common shares as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Debt adjusted shares is a non-GAAP measure used in the calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in net debt divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting net debt to equity. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than weighted average number of common shares (basic) as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Management considers Debt adjusted share to be a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of capital structure in relation to the Company’s peers. Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares.  Management considers Production per debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of changes in annual production in relation to the Company’s capital structure. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Production per debt adjusted share.

EV / DAAFF

InPlay uses “enterprise value to debt adjusted AFF” or “EV/DAAFF” as a key performance indicator. EV/DAAFF is calculated by the Company as enterprise value divided by debt adjusted AFF for the relevant period. Debt adjusted AFF (“DAAFF”) is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow plus financing costs. Enterprise value is a capital management measure that is used in the calculation of EV/DAAFF. Enterprise value is calculated as the Company’s market capitalization plus net debt. Management considers enterprise value a key performance indicator as it identifies the total capital structure of the Company. Management considers EV/DAAFF a key performance indicator as it is a key metric used to evaluate the sustainability of the Company relative to other companies while incorporating the impact of differing capital structures. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast EV/DAAFF.

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 ending December 31, 2022 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this document are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. 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. Transaction costs are non-recurring costs for the purposes of an acquisition, making the exclusion of these items relevant in Management’s view to the reader in the evaluation of InPlay’s operating performance. 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 ending December 31, 2022 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. 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.

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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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.

Preliminary Financial Information

The Company’s expectations set forth in the updated forecasted 2023 guidance are based on, among other things, the Company’s anticipated financial results for the three and twelve month periods ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s anticipated financial results are unaudited and preliminary estimates that: (i) represent the most current information available to management as of the date of hereof; (ii) are subject to completion of audit procedures that could result in significant changes to the estimated amounts; and (iii) do not present all information necessary for an understanding of the Company’s financial condition as of, and the Company’s results of operations for, such periods. The anticipated financial results are subject to the same limitations and risks as discussed under “Forward Looking Information and Statements” below. Accordingly, the Company’s anticipated financial results for such periods may change upon the completion and approval of the financial statements for such periods and the changes could be material.

Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This news release 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 news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; all estimates and guidance related to the year ended 2023 results; the Company’s planned 2024 capital program including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; 2024 guidance based on the planned capital program and all associated underlying assumptions set forth in this press release including, without limitation, forecasts of 2024 annual average production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit margin, 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 our planned 2024 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 2024 capital budget and associated guidance are subject to change in light of, among other factors, 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 2024 financial outlook and 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 guidance for 2024 may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.

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.

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 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; the timing and amount of purchases under the Company’s NCIB; 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.

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: the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2023 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 we operate; changes in the demand for or supply of our 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 our properties; changes in our credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of our 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 our Annual Information Form and our MD&A.

This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, potential dividends, share buybacks and beliefs underlying our Board approved 2024 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 press release 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 press release was made as of the date of this press release 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 press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release 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 2023 and 2024 capital program and associated guidance and estimates include:

• 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 2024 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 current and previous 2023 guidance and 2024 guidance are as follows:

• The change in production per debt adjusted share growth between previous and updated guidance is primarily due to 2023 production being impacted by approximately 650 boe/d as a result of curtailments, Alberta wildfires, natural gas facility startup delays as discussed in the body of this press release.

• 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.

Production Breakdown by Product Type

Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this press release consists of the constituent product types as defined in NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:

References to crude oil, light 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 (“NI 51-101”).

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.

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

09 Nov, 2023, 08:00 ET

CALGARY AB, Nov. 8, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. InPlay’s condensed unaudited interim financial statements and notes, as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 will be available at “www.sedar.com” and our website at “www.inplayoil.com“. 

Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operating Highlights

• Realized average quarterly production of 9,003 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (57% light crude oil and NGLs), a 6% increase compared to 8,474 boe/d (57% light crude oil and NGLs) in the second quarter of 2023 despite extended curtailments and unplanned downtime experienced in the quarter of approximately 550 boe/d.
• Generated strong quarterly adjusted funds flow (“AFF”)⁽²⁾ of $25.2 million ($0.28 per basic share⁽³⁾), an increase of 16% from the second quarter of 2023.
• Returned $4.0 million ($12.0 million in the first nine months of 2023) directly to shareholders through our monthly base dividend.
• Increased revenues by 17% to $46.7 million compared to $39.8 million in the second quarter of 2023.
• Improved field operating netbacks⁽³⁾ by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2023.
• Achieved net income of $7.5 million ($0.08 per basic share; $0.08 per diluted share). InPlay has now returned to a retained earnings position on the balance sheet demonstrating that the Company has generated positive earnings since inception (net of dividends paid).
• Invested $27.5 million to drill, complete and equip three (2.9 net) Extended Reach Horizontal (“ERH”) wells in Willesden Green, three (3.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina and one (0.35 net) non-operated ERH well in Willesden Green.

Fourth Quarter Operational Update:

• Drilled and completed two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which were recently put on production.
• The three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells brought on production shortly before start of the quarter are producing at strong rates of approximately 260 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well.
• Brought online our second natural gas facility upgrade at Leafland, which has increased operated facility capacity by 66% while improving our liquids yield by 40%. Production benefits are already being realized through reduced back pressure on wells, lower declines and providing more consistent runtimes.
• Current production is 9,700 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (60% light crude oil and NGLs) based on field estimates., excluding the impact of the two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green showing strong flowback rates in the early clean up stage.

Financial and Operating Results:

Third Quarter 2023 Financial & Operations Overview:

The third quarter of 2023 was a capital intensive quarter for the Company. InPlay invested $27.5 million drilling, completing and equipping three (2.9 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green and three (3.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina. The Company also participated in one (0.35 net) non-operated ERH well in Willesden Green not previously budgeted.

In addition to the upgrade of a natural gas facility in the second quarter, the Company completed a second material upgrade of a gas facility during the third quarter which was brought back on-line in early October. This project modernized existing infrastructure in the Leafland area of Willesden Green and has resulted in an approximate 66% increase to the natural gas processing capability of this facility. The addition of a refrigeration plant to this facility has also improved NGL recoveries by approximately 40%. This additional capacity has lowered field pressures in the area which is expected to improve production and reduce declines on existing wells and future drilling locations. This upgrade is expected to accommodate future development in Leafland and provide more consistent and reliable processing capacity within the Company’s operational control.

The Company has been focused on a high oil weighted drilling program. Three (2.9 net) Willesden Green ERH wells came on production in August into high pressure pipeline systems with average initial production (“IP”) rates per well of 203 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (94% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 30 days and 215 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (93% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 60 days. The impact of our facility improvements has enabled these wells to have multiple weeks of flat to improving production rates and after two months they continue to produce at an average rate of approximately 280 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well. The production witnessed from the most recent six wells drilled in Willesden Green have recently benefitted from reduced field pressures and consistent facility runtimes resulting from our operated natural gas facility expansions.

In addition, three (3.0 net) Pembina ERH wells came on production at the end of September with average initial production (“IP”) rates per well of 227 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (88% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 30 days. These wells have also continued to clean up after completions and are currently producing approximately 260 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (87% light crude oil and NGLs) per well.

Production for the three months ended September 30, 2023 averaged 9,003 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (57% light crude oil and NGLs), 6% higher compared to the three months ended June 30, 2023. Third quarter production was impacted by approximately 550 boe/d (52% light crude oil and NGLs) primarily due to the continuation of multiple third-party natural gas takeaway constraints on our operations and the commissioning of our expanded gas facility that slightly exceeded the anticipated startup timeline. The continued third-party facility outages forced the redirection of associated natural gas to less favorable third-party facilities impacting production through increased back pressure on producing wells as well as higher operating costs.

InPlay generated AFF⁽²⁾ of $25.2 million ($0.28 per basic share) an increase of 16% from the second quarter of 2023. The Company achieved net income of $7.5 million ($0.08 per basic share; $0.08 per diluted share) and has returned to a retained earnings position on the balance sheet. This is evidence of the long-term sustainability of the Company as positive earnings have been generated since inception (net of dividends paid).

Outlook and Operations Update⁽⁵⁾

The majority of InPlay’s capital program for the year has been completed. The Company’s drilling program for the fourth quarter is underway with two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green having been drilled to date. These two wells have been completed and are in the early stages of production. In addition, a 1.0 net Belly River well is now planned to be drilled in the fourth quarter and anticipated to come online in December with its first full month of production expected to commence in January 2024. This well replaces a previously planned one (0.8 net) Willesden Green well.

The investments made in increasing natural gas takeaway capacity through the two facility upgrades in Willesden Green will be important in alleviating potential production issues from third party facility outages going forward. These upgrades have increased our natural gas processing and takeaway capacity in Leafland from approximately 8,400 mcf/d to 17,300 mcf/d. These projects have already shown their importance by reducing back pressure on wells, lowering declines and providing more consistent runtimes, and the reduction in field pressures has the added benefit of improving our liquids weighting. Current production is approximately 9,700 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (60% light crude oil and NGLs) based on field estimates, excluding the impact of two (1.6 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which are in early stage cleanup and with only four days of production are showing strong flowback rates. 

As a result, the fourth quarter is forecasted to be our highest production quarter of the year and given the strong crude oil pricing environment and weak Canadian dollar, the fourth quarter is also projected to be our highest AFF quarter for the year. As the majority of the 2023 capital program was completed by the end of the third quarter, significant free adjusted funds flow (“FAFF”)⁽³⁾ is expected to be generated in the fourth quarter resulting in a sizeable reduction to net debt prior to year-end.

The Company’s updated 2023 drilling program will be more active than previously planned by approximately 0.6 net wells consisting of 21 (17.1 net) horizontal wells. The changes include an additional one (0.35 net) non-op ERH Willesden Green well and a 1.0 net Belly River well instead of a previously planned one (0.8 net) Willesden Green well. As a result, InPlay has revised its 2023 development capital expenditure guidance to approximately $83 million⁽⁵⁾. The timing of the Belly River well will not materially add to 2023 production but will pave the way for potentially an increased Belly River program in 2024 given the high oil weighting and high netback nature of this play. This area is defined by high light-oil weightings that receive a premium to the Mixed Sweet Blend (“MSW”), our pricing benchmark. Our two recent horizontal wells drilled in the area came online in November 2022 and have had operating netbacks of approximately $71.25/boe since being brought on production, and light oil and liquids weightings of approximately 94% to date. These wells have had very low decline rates over this period with average IP rates per well of 98 boe/d (97% light crude oil and NGLs) and 115 boe/d (92% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 90 and 335 days respectively.

The Company remains committed to providing strong returns to shareholders. Our monthly base dividend of $0.015/share represents approximately a 7% yield at the current share price. To date, the Company has returned $16 million to shareholders through dividends since our inaugural dividend was declared in November 2022, representing approximately 7% of our current market capitalization while maintaining a strong financial position. The generation of shareholder returns through significant FAFF, top-tier production per share growth while maintaining low leverage all remain top priorities of InPlay.

InPlay would like to thank our staff, contractors, and suppliers for their continued dedication and execution, and thank the Board of Directors and shareholders for their continued guidance and support. We look forward to releasing our 2024 capital budget and associated guidance in January.

Reader Advisories

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

Throughout this press release 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”, “Net Debt to EBITDA”, “Net Corporate Acquisitions”, “Debt adjusted production per share” and “EV / DAAFF”. 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 (loss) before taxes”, “profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)”, “adjusted funds flow”, “capital expenditures”, “corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”, “net debt”, “weighted average number of common shares (basic)” 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

Management considers FAFF an important measure 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 cashflows 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. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.

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.

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.

Net Corporate Acquisitions

Management considers Net corporate acquisitions an important measure as it is a key metric to evaluate the corporate acquisition in comparison to other transactions using the negotiated consideration value and ignoring changes to the fair value of the share consideration between the signing of the definitive agreement and the closing of the transaction. Net corporate acquisitions should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired” as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Net corporate acquisitions is calculated as total consideration with share consideration adjusted to the value negotiated with the counterparty, less working capital balances assumed on the corporate acquisition. Refer below for a calculation of Net corporate acquisitions and reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”.

Production per Debt Adjusted Share

InPlay uses “Production per debt adjusted share” as a key performance indicator. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than common shares as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Debt adjusted shares is a non-GAAP measure used in the calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in net debt divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting net debt to equity. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than weighted average number of common shares (basic) as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Management considers Debt adjusted share to be a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of capital structure in relation to the Company’s peers. Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares.  Management considers Production per debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of changes in annual production in relation to the Company’s capital structure. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Production per debt adjusted share.

EV / DAAFF

InPlay uses “enterprise value to debt adjusted AFF” or “EV/DAAFF” as a key performance indicator. EV/DAAFF is calculated by the Company as enterprise value divided by debt adjusted AFF for the relevant period. Debt adjusted AFF (“DAAFF”) is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow plus financing costs. Enterprise value is a capital management measure that is used in the calculation of EV/DAAFF. Enterprise value is calculated as the Company’s market capitalization plus working capital (net debt). Management considers enterprise value a key performance indicator as it identifies the total capital structure of the Company. Management considers EV/DAAFF a key performance indicator as it is a key metric used to evaluate the sustainability of the Company relative to other companies while incorporating the impact of differing capital structures. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast EV/DAAFF.

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 three months ended March 31, 2023. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this MD&A are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. 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. Transaction costs are non-recurring costs for the purposes of an acquisition, making the exclusion of these items relevant in Management’s view to the reader in the evaluation of InPlay’s operating performance. 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 / Working Capital

Net debt / working capital is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for three months ended March 31, 2023. 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 / working capital as part of its capital structure. The Company uses net debt / working capital (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 / working capital an important measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.

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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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 news release 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 news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; the Company’s planned 2023 capital program including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; the expectation that our Leafland gas facility upgrade will accommodate full development, provide consistent and reliable processing capacity, improve production on existing wells and future drilling locations and reduce production declines; accommodate full development in Leafland and provide consistent and reliable processing capacity within the Company’s operational control; 2023 guidance based on the planned capital program and all associated underlying assumptions set forth in this press release including, without limitation, forecasts of 2023 annual average production levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit margin, 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; that the fourth quarter is forecasted to be our highest production and AFF quarter of the year with significant FAFF generated resulting in a sizeable reduction to net debt and a material reduction to our leverage metrics; 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 our planned 2023 capital program; the amount and timing of capital projects; forecasted spending on decommissioning; expectations regarding third party processing constraints and maintenance shut ins and the timing and impact of the same; that the Company has the financial capability to deliver consistent return to shareholders and the dividend is supportable at a $55 WTI pricing environment until 2025; the potential for an increased Belly River program in 2024; the timing of the release of the Company’s 2024 capital budget and associated guidance; and methods of funding our capital program.

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.

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 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; 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.

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: the continuing impact of the Russia/Ukraine conflict and war in the Middle East; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2023 capital program; changes in our long range plan; 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 we operate; changes in the demand for or supply of our 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 our properties; changes in our credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of our 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 our Annual Information Form and our MD&A.

This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, InPlay’s long-term forecast, and potential dividends, 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 press release 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 press release was made as of the date of this press release 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 press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. 

The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying our Board approved 2023 capital budget and associated guidance, as well as management’s preliminary estimates and targets in respect of plans for 2024 and beyond (which are not based on Board approved budgets at this time), are subject to change in light of, among other factors, the impact of world events including the Russia/Ukraine conflict, ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and industry conditions and regulations. InPlay’s financial outlook and 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. In this document reference is made to the Company’s longer range 2024 and beyond internal plan and associated economic model. Such information reflects internal estimates and targets used by management for the purposes of making capital investment decisions and for internal long-range planning and budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to differ materially from those predicted and InPlay’s guidance for 2023, and more particularly 2024 and beyond, may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release 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 2023 capital program and associated guidance and long-term preliminary plans and estimates include:

• 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 2023 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 Company’s 2023 guidance remains the same as previously released August 14, 2023, with updated capital expenditures to $83 million. The 2023 guidance calculations which are impacted by this change are outlined below.

The Company’s 2024 and 2025 preliminary plans remains the same as previously released January 18, 2023, with net debt (working capital) updated to reflect the updated forecast 2023 ending net debt. The 2024 and 2025 preliminary plan guidance calculations which are impacted by this change are outlined below.

• 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 (net debt) are not assumed to have a material impact between the years presented above.

Test Results and Initial Production Rates

Test results and initial production (“IP”) rates disclosed herein, particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. A pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out and thus certain of the test results provided herein should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis or interpretation has been completed.

Production Breakdown by Product Type

Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this press release consists of the constituent product types as defined in NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:

References to crude oil, light 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”).

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. 

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 2, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on October 31, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on October 16, 2023. The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

www.inplayoil.com

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

04 Jul, 2023, 19:16 ET

CALGARY, AB, July 4, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on July 31, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 17, 2023. The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

www.inplayoil.com

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

01 Jun, 2023, 19:49 ET

CALGARY, AB, June 1, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on June 30, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15, 2023.  The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632, www.inplayoil.com; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

May 12, 2023, 08:00 ET

CALGARY, AB, May 12, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) announces its financial and operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023. InPlay’s condensed unaudited interim financial statements and notes, as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2023 will be available at “www.sedar.com” and our website at “www.inplayoil.com“. Our corporate presentation will soon be available on our website.

First Quarter 2023 Financial & Operating Highlights

• Achieved average quarterly production of 9,020 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (58% light crude oil and NGLs), an increase of 21% on a debt adjusted per share basis compared to 8,221 boe/d⁽¹⁾ (59% light crude oil and NGLs) in the first quarter of 2022.
• Generated strong quarterly adjusted funds flow (“AFF”)⁽²⁾ of $21.3 million ($0.24 per weighted average basic share⁽³⁾).
• Maintained balance sheet strength with a low net debt⁽²⁾ to earnings before interest, taxes and depletion (“EBITDA”)⁽³⁾ ratio of 0.4 on a trailing twelve month basis down from 1.0 in the first quarter of 2022.
• Executed the most active quarter in the Company’s history drilling four (3.2 net) extended reach horizontal (“ERH”) wells in Willesden Green, two (2.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina and two (0.3 net) non-operated Willesden Green ERH wells. InPlay also started the upgrade of an operated gas facility in Willesden Green providing additional capacity. One (0.95 net) additional Willesden Green well which was planned for the second quarter was drilled in March and drilling operations began on another one (0.95 net) Willesden Green well in the first quarter.
• Returned $4.4 million in the quarter directly to shareholders through $4.0 million in dividends and $0.4 million of share repurchases under the Company’s Normal Course Issuer Bid.
• Realized net income of $9.3 million ($0.11 per basic share; $0.10 per diluted share).
• Financial capability to deliver consistent returns to shareholders with the dividend supportable at a $55 WTI pricing environment until 2025.

First Quarter 2023 Financial & Operations Overview:

InPlay’s capital program for the first quarter of 2023 was the Company’s most active quarter in our history. During the quarter, InPlay invested $29.6 million drilling, completing and equipping four (3.2 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green, two (2.0 net) ERH wells in Pembina and two (0.3 net) non-operated Willesden Green ERH wells. Completion operations on two wells were advanced into the quarter that were originally planned to occur in the second quarter to ensure these wells could be brought on production prior to spring breakup. InPlay also advanced the initiation of its second quarter capital program into the first quarter by drilling in Willesden Green an additional one (0.95 net) ERH well in March and beginning the drilling operations on another one (0.95 net) ERH well. During the quarter, the Company also started construction on the first of two planned natural gas facility upgrades in Willesden Green in 2023.

In one area of Pembina, as published in our March 15, 2023 press release, the Company had natural gas production curtailments beginning February 15^th from a third party natural gas facility due to capacity constraints. This impacted production in the quarter by approximately 475 boe/d (68% natural gas). InPlay actively responded to mitigate the impact of this curtailment on revenue by shutting in wells with high gas weightings, maximizing oil production and AFF in the strong oil pricing environment. The impact of the constraints was also mitigated by the fact that due to expected weaker natural gas pricing in 2023, InPlay previously shifted 2023 drilling plans away from this prolific production area due to its higher gas weighted production, and its higher gas processing fees in comparison to our Willesden Green property.

In Willesden Green, two (1.6 net) ERH wells that were brought on production in early February had average initial production (“IP”) rates per well of 579 boe/d (73% light crude oil and NGLs) and 428 boe/d (70% light crude oil and NGLs) over their first 30 and 60 days respectively. The Company also brought on production another two (1.6 net) ERH Willesden Green wells in early March. The average IP rates for these wells was 722 boe/d (82% light crude oil and NGLs) and 564 boe/d (81% light crude oil and NGLs) per well over their first 30 and 60 days respectively. These four wells have delivered IP rates significantly above internal expectations and their high production rates led to increased back pressure in the area resulting in operated and non-operated curtailments of approximately 150 boe/d (57% light crude oil and NGLs) during the quarter due to temporarily backing out production from our older lower pressured offsetting wells. During April, InPlay completed the upgrade on the first of two natural gas processing facilities in the Willesden Green area which allowed curtailed production to be brought back online.

Production averaged 9,020 boe/d (58% light crude oil & NGLs) ⁽¹⁾ in the first quarter of 2023 resulting in $21.3 million of AFF. The impact on production due to the two above mentioned curtailments was approximately 625 boe/d (48% light crude oil & NGLs) in the first quarter of 2023. During the quarter, InPlay increased light oil and NGLs weighting by approximately 1.5% over the fourth quarter of 2022, and this weighting is expected to continue to increase as the Company is focused on drilling in areas with higher oil weightings.

Outlook and Operations Update ⁽⁵⁾

InPlay continues to be excited about 2023 as our drilling continues to outperform our expectations including the two oil focused wells drilled in Pembina in the first quarter and brought on production in April. The two (2.0 net) ERH wells had average IP rates over their first 25 days of 307 boe/d (89% light crude oil and NGLs) per well, exceeding our internal forecasts with a strong oil and liquids weighting. These wells are expected to remain at an elevated oil weighting and flat for a few months as we continue to see strong pressures, decreasing water cuts and the artificial lift equipment is operating at maximum pumping capacity.

Capital activity planned for the second quarter will include completing and bringing on production three (2.9 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green which commenced drilling in March and finished in April. These wells are expected to be completed in late May and brought on production in early June. Continued work on our second significant upgrade to an operated natural gas plant in Willesden Green is also planned for the quarter. This upgrade is expected to be online in the second half of July and provides InPlay with considerable increased operated natural gas capacity to facilitate continued development and growth in Willesden Green in the current and future years. Drilling activity is expected to resume in late June or early July but overall capital spending in the second quarter is expected to be significantly lower than the first quarter providing strong free adjusted funds flow⁽³⁾.

A three week turnaround at the Company’s largest non-operated midstream natural gas facility is expected to occur in June. InPlay proactively secured capacity at alternative facilities for a significant amount of impacted gas production and the production of oil and NGLs in the second quarter of 2023 is not expected to be materially affected.

InPlay responded quickly and effectively to address the production curtailments impacting the Company in the first quarter. Natural decline of InPlay and other operators’ production in Pembina continues to reduce the impact of curtailed production, which is currently estimated at 825 boe/d (68% natural gas), compared to the 950 boe/d (68% natural gas) impact during the last half of the first quarter. We expect natural declines will continue to reduce the impact of curtailed production through the summer and alternative options to bring the remaining curtailed production fully back online are currently being evaluated. The Company anticipates all curtailed production to be back online early in the fourth quarter of 2023 which will be sold into the much higher future winter natural gas prices.

Strong fundamentals have InPlay continuing to focus on high oil weighted properties as we have a much more favorable outlook for oil prices versus natural gas prices, specifically in the second half of 2023. This focus is due to light oil and NGLs representing an estimated 86% of our overall forecasted corporate revenue in 2023. The 2023 capital program will remain flexible and the Company will revisit this program should commodity prices continue to remain volatile.

Similar to other operators, InPlay has had production in the Pembina region affected by the recent wildfires in Alberta. Our first priority was ensuring the safety of our employees, contractors, the community and our infrastructure, which to date has been accomplished. The Company started shutting in production and facilities late on May 4^th and had concluded shutting in all affected wells and facilities by late in the day on May 5^th. Affected production shut in peaked at approximately 3,400 boe/d (52% light oil and liquids). Since the weekend the fire hazard has somewhat diminished in the area. Production has started to be brought back on over the past few days and we will continue to restart the remaining production down as services allow. We will continue to monitor the hazards and act accordingly. The Company thanks its field employees for their diligent and quick action in safely shutting in operations.

Strong results from our 2023 drilling program to date has InPlay reiterating our previous production guidance of 9,500 – 10,500 boe/d⁽¹⁾. However, given the curtailments experienced to date in 2023 and their expected impact over the next few quarters, the Company is forecasting 2023 average production to be within the lower half of this guidance at 9,500 – 10,000 boe/d⁽¹⁾ but at the higher end of our light crude oil and NGLs weighting guidance at 59% – 61%.

The Company continues to expect near term volatility in commodity prices, specifically natural gas prices, but with the United States refined product inventory levels at five year lows, oil inventory at the five year average and refineries starting back up after maintenance downtime, we anticipate the second half of 2023 to have higher oil prices. The Company’s downside exposure to lower forward summer 2023 natural gas prices are protected with hedges put in place of 12,500 GJ/day swaps at $3.73 AECO per GJ for April to October 2023. InPlay forecasts 2023 AFF⁽²⁾ of $117 to $123 million with FAFF⁽³⁾ of $37 to $48 million. The Company’s leverage metrics are forecasted to remain at very low levels, with net debt to EBITDA⁽³⁾ forecast to be 0.0x – 0.2x for 2023.

The Company continues to remain focused on providing strong returns to shareholders through the payment of our monthly dividend of $0.015/share (which is expected to be only 13%-14% of forecasted 2023 AFF), timely share repurchases under our normal course issuer bid and top-tier production per debt adjusted share growth. The Company’s strong debt position, disciplined and adaptable capital allocation, and high quality asset base provides InPlay with a competitive advantage to continue to provide strong returns to shareholders in a volatile commodity pricing environment. The Company forecasts our base monthly dividend to be sustainable in a scenario where WTI dropped to US $55/bbl through to the end of 2025.

On behalf of our employees, management team and Board of Directors, we would like to thank our shareholders for their support and look forward to updating you on our progress throughout the year.

Reader Advisories

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

Throughout this press release 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”, “Net Debt to EBITDA”, “Net Corporate Acquisitions”, “Debt adjusted production per share” and “EV / DAAFF”. 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 (loss) before taxes”, “profit (loss) and comprehensive income (loss)”, “adjusted funds flow”, “capital expenditures”, “corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”, “net debt”, “weighted average number of common shares (basic)” 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

Management considers FAFF an important measure 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. Refer below for a calculation of historical FAFF and to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.

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.

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 below for a calculation of Net Debt to EBITDA and to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Net Debt to EBITDA.

Net Corporate Acquisitions

Management considers Net corporate acquisitions an important measure as it is a key metric to evaluate the corporate acquisition in comparison to other transactions using the negotiated consideration value and ignoring changes to the fair value of the share consideration between the signing of the definitive agreement and the closing of the transaction. Net corporate acquisitions should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired” as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Net corporate acquisitions is calculated as total consideration with share consideration adjusted to the value negotiated with the counterparty, less working capital balances assumed on the corporate acquisition. Refer below for a calculation of Net corporate acquisitions and reconciliation to the nearest GAAP measure, “Corporate acquisitions, net of cash acquired”.

Production per Debt Adjusted Share

InPlay uses “Production per debt adjusted share” as a key performance indicator. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than common shares as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Debt adjusted shares is a non-GAAP measure used in the calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in net debt divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting net debt to equity. Debt adjusted shares should not be considered as an alternative to or more meaningful than weighted average number of common shares (basic) as determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the Company’s performance. Management considers Debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of capital structure in relation to the Company’s peers. Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares. Management considers Production per debt adjusted share is a key performance indicator as it adjusts for the effects of changes in annual production in relation to the Company’s capital structure. Refer below for a calculation of Production per debt adjusted share and to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast Production per debt adjusted share.

EV / DAAFF

InPlay uses “enterprise value to debt adjusted AFF” or “EV/DAAFF” as a key performance indicator. EV/DAAFF is calculated by the Company as enterprise value divided by debt adjusted AFF for the relevant period. Debt adjusted AFF (“DAAFF”) is calculated by the Company as adjusted funds flow plus financing costs. Enterprise value is a capital management measures that is used in the calculation of EV/DAAFF. Enterprise value is calculated as the Company’s market capitalization plus working capital (net debt). Management considers enterprise value a key performance indicator as it identifies the total capital structure of the Company. Management considers EV/DAAFF a key performance indicator as it is a key metric used to evaluate the sustainability of the Company relative to other companies while incorporating the impact of differing capital structures. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast EV/DAAFF.

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 three months ended March 31, 2023. All references to adjusted funds flow throughout this MD&A are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. 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. Transaction costs are non-recurring costs for the purposes of an acquisition, making the exclusion of these items relevant in Management’s view to the reader in the evaluation of InPlay’s operating performance. 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 / Working Capital

Net debt / working capital is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s financial statements for three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company closely monitors its capital structure with a goal of maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund the future growth of the Company. The Company monitors net debt / working capital as part of its capital structure. The Company uses net debt / working capital (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 / working capital an important measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.

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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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 production. 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 news release 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 news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the following: the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives; the Company’s planned 2023 capital program including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same and that the operated natural gas plant in Willesden Green is expected to be online in the second half of July; 2023 guidance based on the planned capital program and all associated underlying assumptions set forth in this press release including, without limitation, forecasts of 2023 annual average production levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, operating income profit margin, 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 our planned 2023 capital program; the amount and timing of capital projects; forecasted spending on decommissioning; that the Company has the financial capability to deliver consistent return to shareholders and the dividend is supportable at a $55 WTI pricing environment until 2025; that the Company’s light oil and NGLs weighting is expected to continue to increase as the Company is focused on drilling in areas with higher oil weightings; that the production profile of the two Pembina wells brought on production in April is expected to remain flat for a few months; the expectation that the second quarter will provide strong free adjusted funds flow; the expectation that all curtailed production will be back online in the fourth quarter of 2023; and methods of funding our capital program.

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.

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 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 timing and amount of purchases under the Company’s NCIB; the anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; 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; expectations regarding the potential impact of COVID-19 and the Russia/Ukraine conflict; 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.

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: the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine conflict; inflation and the risk of a global recession; changes in our planned 2023 capital program; changes in our long range plan; changes in our approach to shareholder returns, including in relation to the Company’s NCIB and the timing and amount of any potential purchases thereunder; 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 we operate; changes in the demand for or supply of our 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 our properties; changes in our credit structure, increased debt levels or debt service requirements; inaccurate estimation of our 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 our Annual Information Form and our MD&A.

This press release contains future-oriented financial information and financial outlook information (collectively, “FOFI”) about InPlay’s financial and leverage targets and objectives, InPlay’s long-term forecast, and potential dividends and share buybacks, 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 press release 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 press release was made as of the date of this press release 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 press release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein. 

The internal projections, expectations, or beliefs underlying our Board approved 2023 capital budget and associated guidance, as well as management’s preliminary estimates and targets in respect of plans for 2024 and beyond (which are not based on Board approved budgets at this time), are subject to change in light of, among other factors, the impact of world events including pandemics and the Russia/Ukraine conflict, ongoing results, prevailing economic circumstances, volatile commodity prices, and industry conditions and regulations. InPlay’s financial outlook and 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. In this document reference is made to the Company’s longer range 2024 and beyond internal plan and associated economic model. Such information reflects internal estimates and targets used by management for the purposes of making capital investment decisions and for internal long range planning and budget preparation. Readers are cautioned that events or circumstances could cause capital plans and associated results to differ materially from those predicted and InPlay’s guidance for 2023, and more particularly 2024 and beyond, may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on same.

The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release 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 2023 capital program and associated guidance and long-term preliminary plans and estimates include:

• volatility of petroleum and natural gas prices and inherent difficulty in the accuracy of predictions related thereto;
• the extent of any unfavorable 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 2023 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;
• 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 current and previous 2023 guidance and preliminary estimates are as follows:

The change in the current 2023 guidance from prior guidance results from forecasted production to be within the lower half of guidance given the curtailments experienced to date in 2023 and their expected impact over the next few quarters as detailed in this press release.

The Company’s 2024 and 2025 preliminary plans remains the same as previously released January 18, 2023, with net debt (working capital) updated to reflect the updated 2023 ending net debt. The 2024 and 2025 preliminary plan guidance calculations which are impacted by this change and the change in assumed share price to $2.75 are outlined below.

• 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 (net debt) are not assumed to have a material impact between the years presented above.
• The assumptions above do not include potential future purchases through the Company’s NCIB.

Test Results and Initial Production Rates

Test results and initial production (“IP”) rates disclosed herein, particularly those short in duration, may not necessarily be indicative of long term performance or of ultimate recovery. A pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out and thus certain of the test results provided herein should be considered to be preliminary until such analysis or interpretation has been completed.

Production Breakdown by Product Type

Disclosure of production on a per boe basis in this press release consists of the constituent product types as defined in NI 51–101 and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:

References to crude oil, light 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”).

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. 

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

CALGARY, AB, April 3, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on April 28, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 17, 2023.  The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

www.inplayoil.com

SOURCE InPlay Oil Corp.

For further information: Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer, InPlay Oil Corp. , Telephone: (587) 955-0632; Darren Dittmer , Chief Financial Officer , InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

CALGARY, AB, March 1, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to confirm that its Board of Directors has declared a monthly cash dividend of $0.015 per common share payable on March 31, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2023.  The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay 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.

For further information:

Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0632, www.inplayoil.com

Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer
InPlay Oil Corp.
Telephone: (587) 955-0634