Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for July 2023

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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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for May 2023

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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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces First Quarter 2023 Financial and Operating Results

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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 15th 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 4th and had concluded shutting in all affected wells and facilities by late in the day on May 5th. 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.

Notes:
1.See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” at the end of this press release.
2.Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
3.Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that does not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other companies. Please refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
4.Supplementary financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
5.See “Reader Advisories – Forward Looking Information and Statements” for key budget and underlying assumptions related to our previous and updated 2023 capital program and associated guidance.

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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for April 2023

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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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for March 2023

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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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for February 2023

Research News and Market Data on IPOOF

CALGARY AB, Feb. 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 February 28, 2023, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 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; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Named to 2023 OTCQX Best 50

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NEWS PROVIDED BY

InPlay Oil Corp. 

Jan 19, 2023, 08:00 ET

CALGARY, AB, Jan. 18, 2023 /CNW/ – InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce it has been named to the 2023 OTCQX® Best 50, a ranking of top performing companies traded on the OTCQX Best Market last year.

The OTCQX Best 50 is an annual ranking of the top 50 U.S. and international companies traded on the OTCQX market.  The ranking is calculated based on an equal weighting of one-year total return and average daily dollar volume growth in the previous calendar year.  Companies in the 2023 OTCQX Best 50 were ranked based on their performance in 2022. 

Doug Bartole, President and Chief Executive Officer of InPlay, commented: “We are very pleased with InPlay’s inclusion in the OTCQX Best 50 list. InPlay was the fifth best performer on the OTCQX Best Market based on 2022 total return and average daily dollar volume growth and this is the second consecutive year placing in the top five on this list. This ranking is a stong acknowledgement of the value we have created for shareholders through measured per share growth, free adjusted funds flow generation and delivering sustainable returns to shareholders. It is also evidence of the commitment of our employees and management team, strong leadership from our board of directors and the support of our lenders and shareholders. As outlined in our recently announced 2023 capital budget and guidance, InPlay finds itself in an extremely enviable financial and operational position allowing the Company to continue to forecast strong results in the upcoming year.” 

For the complete 2023 OTCQX Best 50 ranking, visit
https://www.otcmarkets.com/files/2023_OTCQX_Best_50.pdf

The OTCQX Best Market offers transparent and efficient trading of established, investor-focused U.S. and global companies. To qualify for the OTCQX market, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

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.  Additional information about the Company and our latest corporate presentation can be found on InPlay’s website at 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

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Confirms Monthly Dividend for December 2022

Research, News, and Market Data on IPOOF

Dec 01, 2022, 17:02 ET

CALGARY, AB, Dec. 1, 2022 /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 December 30, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2022.  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; Darren Dittmer, Chief Financial Officer, InPlay Oil Corp., Telephone: (587) 955-0634

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces Third Quarter 2022 Financial and Operating Results Highlighted by Record Quarterly Production and the Implementation of an Inaugural Base Dividend

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November 09, 2022 08:00 ET | Source: InPlay Oil Corp.

CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) announces its record setting financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and the implementation of an inaugural base dividend. The implementation of the inaugural base dividend is a significant milestone in the Company’s strategy of providing additional strong returns to shareholders through the return of capital along with the generation of free adjusted funds flow (“FAFF”)(4) and top-tier light oil weighted production per share growth which has been made possible by the Company’s strong financial and operational position.

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, 2022 will be available at “www.sedar.com” and our website at “www.inplayoil.com”. An updated presentation will be posted to our website in due course.

Inaugural Base Dividend

InPlay is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has approved the implementation of a base cash dividend of $0.015/share per month. The initial dividend is payable on November 30, 2022 to holders of the Company’s common shares of record at the close of business on November 18, 2022. The Company continues to make strong progress with respect to its debt reduction targets with a trailing 12 month net debt(2) to earnings before interest, taxes and depletion (“EBITDA”) ratio(4) of less than 0.4x at the end of the third quarter, which is forecast to be approximately 0.1x to 0.2x at year end (inclusive of the monthly base dividend). Any dividend payment after the initial one will be subject to the approval of InPlay’s Board of Directors at the time of declaration.

In determining the initial base dividend rate, InPlay’s Board of Directors took into account the Company’s strong balance sheet and the sustainability of the dividend in the event of a significant drop in commodity prices. In accordance with the recently released long term forecast, the Company projects that the base dividend is sustainable in a flat US$55/bbl WTI price environment in 2023 through 2025 with net debt to EBITDA levels remaining below 0.3x. Using forward strip pricing, as disclosed in our long term forecast announced on Sept 28, 2022 (which is approximately USD $5 – $7 per barrel lower than current WTI forward strip pricing), the Company is forecasting strong FAFF resulting in a build in our positive working capital balance (inclusive of capital expenditures and the monthly base dividend) to $91 – $98 million through the end of 2025 as outlined in greater detail in the “Outlook” section below. Over time, the Company anticipates that excess FAFF will be used for special dividends, share buybacks, tactical capital investment and strategic acquisitions.

The monthly cash dividend is expected to be designated as an “eligible dividend” for Canadian federal and provincial income tax purposes.

Third Quarter 2022 Financial & Operating Highlights

  • Achieved record average quarterly production of 9,495 boe/d(1) (54% light crude oil and NGLs), an increase of 58% from third quarter production in 2021 of 6,011 boe/d(1) (64% light crude oil and NGLs) and an increase of 5% compared to our previous record of 9,063 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil and NGLs) in the second quarter of 2022. Average production per weighted average basic share increased 24% compared to the third quarter of 2021 (37% on a debt adjusted(4) basis) and 4% compared to the second quarter of 2022 (6% on a debt adjusted basis).
  • Generated quarterly adjusted funds flow (“AFF”)(2) of $30.2 million ($0.35 per weighted average basic share(3)), an increase of 94% compared to $15.6 million ($0.23 per weighted average basic share) in the third quarter of 2021. On a year-to-date basis, generated AFF of $100.5 million ($1.16 per weighted average basic share(3)), an increase of 236% compared to $29.9 million ($0.44 per weighted average basic share) in 2021.
  • Increased operating netbacks(4) on a year to date basis by 49% to $48.78/boe from $32.66/boe in 2021.
  • Realized quarterly operating income(4) of $34.5 million, an increase of 68% compared to $20.5 million in the third quarter of 2021. On a year-to-date basis, realized quarterly operating income $119.0 million, an increase of 145% compared to $48.6 million in 2021.
  • Maintained operating expenses at $12.53/boe compared to $12.23/boe in the third quarter of 2021 and $12.28/boe in the second quarter of 2022, despite rising costs of industry services as well as fuel and energy costs.
  • Generated FAFF of $5.7 million resulting in a 10% reduction to net debt from June 30, 2022 with the majority of 2022 annual capital expenditures already incurred.  Strong FAFF and resulting debt reductions are expected to accumulate throughout the fourth quarter (inclusive of the monthly base dividend).
  • Achieved a trailing twelve month net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 0.4x to September 30, 2022 with a ratio of between 0.1x to 0.2x forecasted by year end (inclusive of the monthly base dividend).
  • Realized net income of $15.4 million ($0.18 per basic share; $0.17 per diluted share). On a year-to-date basis, realized net income of $63.2 million ($0.73 per basic share; $0.69 per diluted share).

Financial and Operating Results

Third Quarter 2022 Financial & Operations Overview

Production averaged 9,495 boe/d(1) (54% light crude oil & NGLs) of sales in the third quarter of 2022, the sixth consecutive quarter that the Company has increased its quarterly production record. Quarterly production increased by 58% compared to 6,011 boe/d(1) (64% light crude oil & NGLs) in the third quarter of 2021 and 5% compared to 9,063 boe/d(1) (57% light crude oil & NGLs) in the second quarter of 2022, our previous quarterly record. This resulted in $30.2 million of AFF generated during the third quarter of 2022 and $5.7 million of FAFF which has reduced net debt levels by 10% to $45.6 million at September 30, 2022. On a year-to-date basis, the Company has generated AFF of $100.5 million and FAFF of $36.6 million resulting in a 43% reduction to net debt from December 31, 2021. Liquidity ratios to the end of the quarter continued to improve resulting in a trailing twelve month net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 0.4x to September 30, 2022.

InPlay’s capital program for the third quarter of 2022 consisted of $24.5 million of capital expenditures. During the quarter, the Company completed and brought on production two (1.9 net) Extended Reach Horizontal (“ERH”) wells in Willesden Green that were drilled in the second quarter.  Also in Willesden Green, the Company drilled, completed and brought on production three (2.9 net) ERH wells. Drilling operations were completed on an additional two (1.9 net) ERH wells in Willesden Green during the third quarter and these wells were brought on production in October. The Company also allocated capital to the construction of two Vapor Recovery Units which will increase gas conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Efficient field operations and increased production levels allowed the Company to limit operating cost increases, achieving operating costs of $12.53/boe compared to $12.23/boe in the third quarter of 2021 and $12.28/boe in the second quarter of 2022. The Company continues to focus on operational efficiency and is proactive in reducing the impact of the inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions that are impacting the oil and gas industry. This resulted in strong operating income and operating netbacks during the quarter of $34.5 million and $39.55/boe respectively.

Outlook

InPlay began its fourth quarter capital program drilling one (0.95 net) ERH well in Willesden Green which was brought on production in late October and is flowing without artificial lift and the start of drilling operations with our first two (2.0 net) Belly River wells.  InPlay utilized the technologies and expertise developed in our Cardium play over the years to complete these Belly River drills in 5.4 and 5.6 days respectively. This was a dramatic improvement compared to our most recent two one-mile drilling operations in the area in 2016 averaging approximately 10 days per well and approximately 2.5 days quicker than recent one-mile wells drilled in the area by other operators. 

Given the continued strong operational results and positive future commodity prices, the Company reiterates its 2022 guidance and long-term forecast as released September 27, 2022 with the incorporation of the base dividend. The Company remains committed to providing top-tier production per share growth and a return of capital to shareholders.  This base dividend and the recently implemented share buyback program in addition to our forecasted measured production per share growth places InPlay in a solid position to continue realizing on meaningful returns to shareholders over the long term.

The table below reiterates the highlights of our 2022 guidance and long-term forecast at our current share price, including the impact of our inaugural base dividend:

* Assumes a $3.50 share price

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

As outlined above in the long term forecast, the Company is forecasting to generate material FAFF resulting in a growing positive working capital balance through to 2025. Our strategy for the accumulating additional FAFF is to provide additional means for returns to shareholders through dividends, share buybacks, increased tactical capital investment and accretive strategic acquisitions.

InPlay is pleased to achieve this significant milestone of implementing our inaugural base dividend and would like to thank our employees, board members, lenders and shareholders for their support. The Company looks forward to releasing our 2023 budget outlining our capital program for the year in early January.

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

Notes:

  1. See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” at the end of this press release.
  2. Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
  3. Supplementary financial measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
  4. Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that does not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other companies. Please refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.

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” and “Debt adjusted production per share”. 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.

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 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. AFF is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. All references to AFF throughout this document are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. This item is adjusted from funds flow as decommissioning expenditures are incurred on a discretionary and irregular basis and are primarily incurred on previous operating assets and 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 AFF per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of profit (loss) 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 consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. 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.

“AFF per weighted average basic share” is comprised of AFF divided by the basic weighted average common shares.

“AFF per weighted average diluted share” is comprised of AFF divided by the diluted weighted average common shares.

“AFF per boe” is comprised of AFF 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”, “targets”, “framework” 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 including, without limitation, the Company’s forecast net debt to EBITDA ratio at year ended 2022; InPlay’s expectations regarding the sustainability of the base monthly dividend, including in the event of a drop in commodity prices; the projection that the dividend is sustainable in a flat $US 55/bbl WTI price environment; the expectation that the net debt to EBITDA ratio will continue to drop; the anticipated generation of strong FAFF through 2025 and our expected working capital balance; the expectation that additional FAFF will be used for special dividends, share buybacks, tactical capital investment and strategic acquisitions; the expectation of strong debt reductions in the fourth quarter of 2022; the expected results from the construction of the two Vapor Recovery Units; the anticipated timing of the release of the Company’s 2023 budget; 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; the anticipated tax treatment of the monthly base dividend; future development, exploration, acquisition, development and infrastructure activities and related capital expenditures, including our planned 2022 capital program and associated guidance and long-term forecast to 2025.

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 2022 capital program; 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 best 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 2022 capital budget and associated guidance, as well as management’s preliminary estimates and targets in respect of plans for 2023 and beyond, are subject to change in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and any related actions taken by businesses and governments, 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 2023 and beyond internal plan and associated economic model. Such information reflects internal 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 2022, and more particularly 2023 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.

The key budget and underlying material assumptions used by the Company in the development of its 2022 guidance and long-term forecast including forecasted production, operating income, capital expenditures, AFF, FAFF, working capital (net debt), Net Debt/EBITDA, production per debt adjusted share and EV/DAAFF are as follows:

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:

Notes:

  1. This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s 2022 production guidance range of 9,150 to 9,400 boe/d.
  2. This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s annual production forecast range.
  3. With respect to forward-looking production guidance, product type breakdown is based upon management’s expectations based on reasonable assumptions but are subject to variability based on actual well results.

References to crude oil, NGLs or natural gas production in this press release refer to the light and medium crude oil, natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas product types, respectively, as defined in National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“Nl 51-101”).

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.  

Release – InPlay Receives TSX Approval for Normal Course Issuer Bid

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October 13, 2022 08:00 ET | Source: InPlay Oil Corp.

CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 13, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company“) today announced that the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX“) has accepted InPlay’s notice of intention to commence a normal course issuer bid (the “NCIB“).

Under the NCIB, InPlay may purchase for cancellation, from time to time, as InPlay considers advisable, up to a maximum of 6,467,875 common shares of InPlay (“Common Shares“), which represents 10% of the Company’s public float of 64,678,759 Common Shares as at October 7, 2022. As of the same date, InPlay had 87,150,301 Common Shares issued and outstanding. Purchases of Common Shares may be made on the open market through the facilities of the TSX and through other alternative Canadian trading platforms at the prevailing market price at the time of such transaction. The actual number of Common Shares that may be purchased for cancellation and the timing of any such purchases will be determined by InPlay, subject to a maximum daily purchase limitation of 112,558 Common Shares which equates to 25% of InPlay’s average daily trading volume of 450,234 Common Shares for the six months ended September 30, 2022. InPlay may make one block purchase per calendar week which exceeds the daily repurchase restrictions. Any Common Shares that are purchased by InPlay under the NCIB will be cancelled.

The NCIB will commence on October 17, 2022 and will terminate on October 16, 2023 or such earlier time as the NCIB is completed or terminated at the option of InPlay.

InPlay believes that implementing the NCIB is a prudent step in this volatile energy market environment, when at times, the prevailing market price does not reflect the underlying value of its Common Shares. The timely repurchase of the Company’s Common Shares for cancellation represents confidence in the long term prospects and sustainability of its business model. This reduction in share count adds per share value to InPlay’s shareholders and adds another tool to management’s disciplined capital allocation strategy.

About InPlay Oil Corp.

InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The Company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The Common Shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX under the symbol IPOOF.

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

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information includes, but is not limited to InPlay’s intentions with respect to the NCIB and purchases thereunder and the effects of repurchases under the NCIB. Although InPlay believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because InPlay can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could defer materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Certain of these risks are set out in more detail in InPlay’s Annual Information Form which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and InPlay undertakes no obligation to update publically or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Rediscovering the Special Sauce


Thursday, September 29, 2022

InPlay Oil is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Alberta focused on light oil production. The company operates long-lived, low-decline properties with drilling development and enhanced oil recovery potential as well as undeveloped lands with exploration possibilities. The common shares of InPlay trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol IPO and the OTCQX Exchange under the symbol IPOOF.

Michael Heim, CFA, Senior Research Analyst, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Production surpassing expectations. InPlay announced production levels of 9,600 boe/d, a significant increase over 2022-2Q average of 9,063 BOE/d. Management now believes 2022 production will be at the upper half of a previously stated range of 9,150-9,400 BOE/d. so we are raising our production forecast to 9,400 BOE/d. In addition, two other wells will be brought to production in the next few days leading us to believe production will continue to grow into the fourth quarter.



Drilling success leads to more activity. The company is adding two Extended Reach Horizontal (ERH) wells in 2022. We suspect InPlay may be drilling ERH wells to forego building infrastructure. In addition to drilling longer well spurs, management announced that it is planning to move part of its 2023 drilling program into late 2022. InPlay is adding two horizontal wells in the Belly River where it has not drilled since 2016. Management believes utilizing the success it has found in the Cardium play (Pembina and Willesden Green) will translate into the Belly River.


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This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces Operations Update with Record Corporate Production, a Long-Term Forecast and Return to Shareholder Strategy

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September 28, 2022 08:00 ET | Source: InPlay Oil Corp.

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce an operations update and a long-term forecast through 2025.

Operations Update

InPlay is currently producing at record production levels of 9,600 boe/d(2) (57% light oil and NGLs) based on field estimates. In Willesden Green, three (2.9 net) Extended Reach Horizontal (“ERH”) wells were brought on production approximately ten days ago and an additional two (1.9 net) ERH wells will be brought on production in the next few days. These wells are currently in the early clean-up stage and should achieve peak production over the next 30 to 60 days. The Company’s current plans from our original capital program is to drill one (0.95 net) additional two-mile well in Willesden Green.

Given the strong operational results in 2022 to date, InPlay expects to be in the upper half of our full year 2022 production guidance which equates to 9,150 to 9,400 boe/d(2). This forecast is estimated to deliver production growth of 28% to 31% on a per share basis (83% to 92% on a debt adjusted per share basis (1)) which is expected to be top-tier amongst light oil peers.

InPlay has elected to drill additional extended reach wells in 2022 (and fewer one-mile wells) than originally planned, including two two-mile ERH wells which achieved exceptional efficient drill times. The Company is also expecting increased industry activity levels in the first quarter of 2023. With our strong balance sheet, InPlay plans to take advantage of utilizing our preferred contractors and is now tactically planning to start 2023 expenditures in late 2022 by initiating preliminary construction work and adding two horizontal (2.0 net) Belly River light oil wells to the 2022 capital program. These wells are expected to be brought on production late in the fourth quarter positioning the Company for significant production increases in 2023. The Belly River is a producing play which we have not drilled in since 2016 and plans are to utilize the technologies and expertise developed in our Cardium play over the years. These wells have a high light oil weighting (approximately 90% – 95% light oil) that receives a premium to our benchmark Mixed Sweet Blend (“MSW”) pricing. The Company also plans to invest in environmental initiatives by constructing a third vapour recovery unit for additional emission conservation. As a result, the Board of Directors have approved an increased 2022 development capital budget of $70 to $72 million.

Outlook and Long-Term Forecast (3)

InPlay is continuously evaluating market conditions including current recession concerns in order to maximize shareholder returns. Even with the current volatility, commodity prices continue to remain historically strong in part due to the weak Canadian dollar, resulting in high rates of return on capital investment and short payout periods. It is InPlay’s belief that long-term commodity pricing will remain strong due to the lack of industry wide capital spending over recent years, restrictive government regulations and mandates and unstable global geopolitics leading to a multi-year bull cycle in crude oil prices. The Company is continuing to rapidly pay down debt and is in the best operational and financial position in our history while remaining focused on our disciplined strategy.

InPlay is pleased to provide a forecast to the end of 2025. The Company’s strategy is to continue to provide top-tier light-oil weighted growth, maintaining a strong financial position while providing significant FAFF and sustainable returns to shareholders. Our strategy is to provide organic production growth in a range of 6% – 10%. At a WTI price of US $80/bbl or better, we target 10% production growth and with WTI pricing of approximately US $60/bbl, production growth of 6% is targeted. This is demonstrated in our forecast to 2025 which would provide a meaningful return to shareholders.

The table below outlines the highlights of the four year forecast based on the following WTI pricing scenarios:

 2022202320242025
WTI (US$/bbl)93.2575.0070.0065.00
Production (boe/d)(2)9,150 – 9,4009,900 – 10,40010,650 – 11,20011,300 – 11,900
Capital ($ millions)70 – 7269 – 7175 – 7780 – 82
Net wells17.517.5 – 18.518.5 – 19.521.0 – 22.0
DAPPS Growth (%)(1) *83 – 9246 – 5940 – 4530 – 35
AFF ($ millions)(4)139 – 143134 – 140136 – 142133 – 139
FAFF ($ millions)(1)67 – 7363 – 7159 – 6751 – 59
Working Capital (Net Debt) at Year-end ($ millions)(4)(12) – (16)43 – 5097 – 103141 – 147
Annual Net Debt / EBITDA(1)0.1 – 0.2(0.3) – (0.4)(0.7) – (0.8)(1.0) – (1.1)
EV / DAAFF(1)*1.5 – 1.61.2 – 1.30.8 – 0.90.5 – 0.6

* Assumes a $2.50 share price

This forecast shows the high quality deliverability and return of our assets evidencing the sustainability of the Company with increasing positive working capital and minimal leverage.

Return of Shareholder Capital

InPlay’s trailing 12 month net debt to earnings before interest, taxes and depletion (“EBITDA”) ratio was less than 0.5 times at the end of the second quarter and is forecast to be 0.1 – 0.2 times at the end of 2022. With this threshold achieved, in addition to the continued generation of FAFF, elimination of debt and generation of positive working capital forecasted through to 2025, the Company is committed towards providing a return of capital to shareholders. The Company believes that our share price is currently significantly undervalued and the prudent first step in enhancing returns to shareholders is a share buyback program which the Company’s Board of Director’s has approved for implementation and will be subject to regulatory approval. With this in place the Company will be able to acquire common shares at opportunistic times and share prices.

As outlined above in the long term forecast, the Company is forecasting to generate material FAFF resulting in a growing positive working capital balance through to 2025. Our strategy for the accumulating additional FAFF is to provide returns to shareholders through potential share buybacks, dividends, increased tactical capital investment and accretive strategic acquisitions.

Given the significant volatility in both commodity prices and market conditions experienced in recent weeks, the Company and its Board of Directors will continue to monitor and evaluate the timing and implementation of additional returns to shareholders.

The Company has been disciplined in maintaining operational flexibility by quickly adapting to changing market conditions and commodity price fluctuations in making business decisions. This same prudent approach is currently being followed. Management would like to thank our employees, board members, lenders and shareholders for their support and we look forward to continuing our journey of deleveraging and delivering strong returns to shareholders in a sustainable, prudent and responsible manner.

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

Notes:

  1. Non-GAAP financial measure or ratio that does not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other companies. Please refer to “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.
  2. See “Production Breakdown by Product Type” at the end of this press release.
  3. See “Reader Advisories – Forward Looking Information and Statements” for full details and key budget and underlying assumptions related to our 2022 capital program and associated guidance and long-term forecast.
  4. Capital management measure. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” contained within this press release.

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 (“FAFF”)”, “Net Debt to EBITDA”, “Production per debt adjusted share (“DAPPS”)” 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”, “working capital (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 (“FAFF”)

Management considers FAFF per share important measures to identify the Company’s ability to improve its financial condition through debt repayment, which has become more important recently with the introduction of second lien lenders, on an absolute and weighted average per share basis. 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, and repayment of debt or decommissioning expenditures or potentially return of capital to shareholders. FAFF per share is calculated by the Company as FAFF divided by weighted average outstanding shares. Refer to the “Forward Looking Information and Statements” section for a calculation of forecast FAFF.

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 working capital (net debt) divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting working capital (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 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 (“AFF”) is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. All references to AFF throughout this document are calculated as funds flow adjusting for decommissioning expenditures and transaction and integration costs. This item is adjusted from funds flow as decommissioning expenditures are incurred on a discretionary and irregular basis and are primarily incurred on previous operating assets and 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 AFF per share whereby per share amounts are calculated using weighted average shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of profit (loss) per common share.

Working Capital (Net Debt)

Working capital (Net Debt) is a GAAP measure and is disclosed in the notes to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2021 and the most recently filed quarterly financial statements. 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 working capital (net debt) as part of its capital structure. The Company uses working capital (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 working capital (net debt) an important measure to assist in assessing the liquidity of the Company.

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”, “targets”, “framework” 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 planned 2022 capital program including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; 2022 guidance based on the planned capital program including forecasts of 2022 annual average production levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, and growth rates; the Company’s long-term forecast including wells to be drilled and completed and the timing of the same; production estimates based on the planned capital program including forecasts of annual average production levels, debt adjusted production levels, adjusted funds flow, free adjusted funds flow, working capital, Net Debt/EBITDA ratio, EV/DAAFF and growth rates; light oil and liquids weighting estimates; the expectation that the Company will be in the upper half of our full year 2022 production guidance; the expectation of high industry activity levels in the first quarter of 2023; the expectation that the Belly River wells will significantly reduce operating expenses in the field; the Company’s business strategy, milestones and objectives including, without limitation, the anticipated continuation of debt reduction throughout the year; the expectation that the Company will generate strong FAFF through 2025; expectations regarding the use of additional FAFF; expectations regarding the Company’s share buyback program, including the timing of the same; expectations regarding future commodity prices including InPlay’s belief that strong commodity pricing will remain leading to a multi-year crude bull cycle in crude oil 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 2022 capital program and associated guidance.

Without limitation of the foregoing, readers are cautioned that the Company’s return to shareholders framework including a share buyback program and future dividend payments to shareholders of the Company, if any, and the level thereof remains uncertain and accordingly management’s expectations related thereto should not be unduly relied upon. The Company’s share buyback program, if any, dividend policy and funds available for the repurchase of shares or 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 implement a return to shareholder program will be subject to applicable laws, including, but not limited to, satisfaction of solvency tests under the ABCA, approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) 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 and the anticipated lifting of certain restrictions on the payment of distributions to shareholders which currently exist thereunder; 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, including TSX approval; 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; changes in our planned 2022 capital program; changes in commodity prices and other assumptions outlined herein; the risk that the Company is unable to implement a return to shareholder strategy or, if implemented, the risk that such strategy 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 and InPlay’s long-term forecast, 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 best 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.

The key budget and underlying material assumptions used by the Company in the development of its 2022 guidance and long-term forecast including forecasted production, operating income, capital expenditures, AFF, FAFF, working capital (net debt), Net Debt/EBITDA, DAPPS and EV/DAAFF are as follows:

  Actuals
FY 2021
Previous Guidance
FY 2022(1)
Updated Guidance
FY 2022
Forecast
FY 2023
Forecast
FY 2024
Forecast
FY 2025
WTIUS$/bbl$67.91$95.40$93.25$75.00$70.00$65.00
NGL Price$/boe$37.79$47.80$50.50$43.00$40.00$37.25
AECO$/GJ$3.44$6.00$5.15$4.90$4.50$4.65
Foreign Exchange RateCDN$/US$0.800.790.770.730.730.73
MSW DifferentialUS$/bbl$3.88$2.70$1.90$3.75$3.75$3.75
ProductionBoe/d5,7688,900 – 9,4009,150 – 9,4009,900 – 10,40010,650 – 11,20011,300 – 11,900
Royalties$/boe5.5111.50 – 13.0010.10 – 11.607.75 – 9.256.25 – 7.755.00 – 6.50
Operating Expenses$/boe12.8311.00 – 14.0011.00 – 14.0010.50 – 13.5010.00 – 13.009.50 – 12.50
Transportation$/boe1.111.05 – 1.301.05 – 1.301.00 – 1.250.90 – 1.150.85 – 1.10
Interest$/boe2.670.85 – 1.251.20 – 1.600.00 – 0.500.00 – 0.100.00 – 0.10
General and Administrative$/boe2.832.40 – 2.952.40 – 2.952.25 – 2.752.20 – 2.702.15 – 2.65
Hedging loss$/boe6.201.85 – 2.151.90 – 2.20
Decommissioning Expenditures$ millions$1.4$2.0 – $2.5$2.0 – $2.5$3.5 – $4.0$5.0 – $5.5$5.0 – $5.5
Adjusted Funds Flow$ millions$47.0$147 – $156$139 – $143$134 – $140$136 – $142$133 – $139
  Actuals
FY 2021
Previous Guidance
FY 2022(1)
Updated Guidance
FY 2022
Forecast
FY 2023
Forecast
FY 2024
Forecast
FY 2025
Adjusted Funds Flow$ millions$47.0$147 – $156$139 – $143$134 – $140$136 – $142$133 – $139
Capital Expenditures$ millions$33.3$64$70 – $72$69 – $71$75 – $77$80 – $82
Free Adjusted Funds Flow$ millions$13.6$83 – $92$67 – $73$63 – $71$59 – $67$51 – $59
  Actuals
FY 2021
Previous Guidance
FY 2022(1)
Updated Guidance
FY 2022
Forecast
FY 2023
Forecast
FY 2024
Forecast
FY 2025
Adjusted Funds Flow$ millions$47.0$147 – $156$139 – $143$134 – $140$136 – $142$133 – $139
Interest$/boe2.670.85 – 1.251.20 – 1.600.00 – 0.500.00 – 0.100.00 – 0.10
EBITDA$ millions$52.6$150 – $159$143 – $147$135 – $141$136 – $142$133 – $139
Working Capital (Net Debt)$ millions($80.2)$1 – $10($12) – ($16)$43 – $50$97 – $103$141 – $147
Net Debt/EBITDA 1.50.0 – 0.10.1 – 0.2(0.3) – (0.4)(0.7) – (0.8)(1.0) – (1.1)
  Actuals
FY 2021
Previous Guidance
FY 2022(1)
Updated Guidance
FY 2022
Forecast
FY 2023
Forecast
FY 2024
Forecast
FY 2025
ProductionBoe/d5,7688,900 – 9,4009,150 – 9,4009,900 – 10,40010,650 – 11,20011,300 – 11,900
Opening Working Cap. (Net Debt)$ millions($73.7)($80.2)($80.2)($12) – ($16)$43 – $50$97 – $103
Ending Working Cap. (Net Debt)$ millions($80.2)$1 – $10($12) – ($16)$43 – $50$97 – $103$141 – $147
Weighted avg. outstanding shares# millions69.886.586.987.187.187.1
Assumed Share price$1.16(4)3.662.502.502.502.50
DAPPS Growth(2) 31%70% – 80%83% – 92%46% – 59%40% – 45%30% – 35%
  Actuals
FY 2021
Previous Guidance
FY 2022(1)
Updated Guidance
FY 2022
Forecast
FY 2023
Forecast
FY 2024
Forecast
FY 2025
Share outstanding, end of year# millions86.286.587.187.187.187.1
Assumed Share price$2.18(3)3.662.502.502.502.50
Market capitalization$ millions$188$317$218$218$218$218
Working Capital (Net Debt)$ millions($80.2)$1 – $10($12) – ($16)$43 – $50$97 – $103$141 – $147
Enterprise value$millions$268.2$307 – $316$230 – $234$168 – $175$115 – $121$71 – $77
Adjusted Funds Flow$ millions$47.0$147 – $156$139 – $143$134 – $140$136 – $142$133 – $139
Interest$/boe2.670.85 – 1.251.20 – 1.600.00 – 0.500.00 – 0.100.00 – 0.10
Debt Adjusted AFF$ millions$49.7$151– $160$143 – $147$135 – $141$136 – $142$133 – $139
EV/DAAFF 5.41.9 – 2.11.5 – 1.61.2 – 1.30.8 – 0.90.5 – 0.6

(1)   As previously released May 11, 2022.

(2)   Production per debt adjusted share is calculated by the Company as production divided by debt adjusted shares. Debt adjusted shares is calculated by the Company as common shares outstanding plus the change in working capital (net debt) divided by the Company’s current trading price on the TSX, converting working capital (net debt) to equity. Share price at December 31, 2022 through December 31, 2025 is assumed to be consistent with the current share price.

(3)   Ending share price at December 31, 2021.

(4)   Weighted average share price throughout 2021.

  • 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 Dec 31, 2021 and Dec 31, 2022.

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 National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities and their respective quantities disclosed in the table below:

 Light and Medium
Crude oil
(bbls/d)
 NGLS
(boe/d)
 Conventional Natural gas
(Mcf/d)
 Total
(boe/d)
2022 Annual Guidance4,014 1,340 23,530 9,275(1)
2023 Annual Forecast4,355 1,380 26,500 10,150(2)
2024 Annual Forecast4,660 1,500 28,600 11,925(2)
2025 Annual Forecast4,590 1,645 32,200 11,600(2)
Current Production4,050 1,520 24,190 9,600

Notes:

  1. This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s 2022 production guidance range of 9,150 to 9,400 boe/d.
  2. This reflects the mid-point of the Company’s annual production forecast range.
  3. With respect to forward-looking production guidance, product type breakdown is based upon management’s expectations based on reasonable assumptions but are subject to variability based on actual well results.

References to crude oil, NGLs or natural gas production in this press release refer to the light and medium crude oil, natural gas liquids and conventional natural gas product types, respectively, as defined in 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.
  
Oil and Gas Metrics
This presentation may contain metrics commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, such as “payout”. This term does not have standardized meaning or standardized methods of calculation and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons. Management uses oil and gas metrics for its own performance measurements and to provide shareholders with measures to compare InPlay’s operations over time. Readers are cautioned that the information provided by these metrics, or that can be derived from the metrics presented in this presentation, should not be unduly relied upon.

“Payout” refers to the time required to pay back the capital expenditures (on a before tax basis) of a project.

Release – InPlay Oil Corp. Announces Inaugural Sustainability Report

Research, News, and Market Data on IPOOF

CALGARY, Alberta, Sept. 22, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — InPlay Oil Corp. (TSX: IPO) (OTCQX: IPOOF) (“InPlay” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has published its inaugural sustainability report (the “Sustainability Report”) which can be accessed through the Company’s website.

The Sustainability Report highlights the Company’s significant environmental successes and reaffirms the Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship while safely and efficiently developing our assets that contribute to the local, provincial and Canadian economies. The Sustainability Report outlines the Company’s progress on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and has been prepared using principles set forth by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (“TCFD”). The Company’s Board of Directors has approved the Sustainability Report which contains performance metrics for the 2020 and 2021 calendar years. Our goal is to ensure all stakeholders benefit from our business operations both in the short-term and long into the future.

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

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward–looking 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”, “targets”, “framework” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward looking statements pertaining to the following: statements with respect to the Company’s commitments and goals, including its commitment to environmental stewardship while safely and efficiently developing our assets and its goal of ensuring all stakeholders benefit from our business operations both in the short-term and long into the future.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors, expectations or assumptions of InPlay which have been used to develop such statements but which may prove to be incorrect. Although InPlay believes that the expectations reflected in such forward looking statements 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 and the anticipated lifting of certain restrictions on the payment of distributions to shareholders which currently exist thereunder; 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; 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 statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to defer materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements including, without limitation: the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine conflict; changes in commodity prices and other assumptions outlined herein; 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.

The forward-looking 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, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.