Tag: InPlay Oil

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Updated guidance reflects reduced production expectations

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, January 31, 2024

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, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Management updated its 2023 guidance. The adjustment reflects a drop in production expectations. New guidance is significantly below the 9,700 boe/d production flow reported from the field on November 9, 2023. The decline may represent a sharper decline rate from initial production rates than had previously been expected by management. The drop in production lead to a sharp reduction in projected Adjusted Funds Flow and Free Funds Flow.

Management also sharply reduced its 2024 production estimates. New guidance calls for 2024 production that is only slightly higher than newly revised 2023 guidance despite the drilling of 14-15 new wells and an expected reduction in curtailment. While it is possible that management is simply being conservative, it may also reflect well decline rates as discussed above. 


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InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Estimates finetuned down to reflect weak December-quarter energy prices

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Tuesday, January 09, 2024

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, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

As indicated in our last energy industry report, oil and natural gas prices were weak in the December quarter. WTI oil prices averaged $78.40/bbl. in the quarter, below our previous estimate of $80/bbl. Henry Hub natural gas prices average $2.74/mcf., below our previous estimate of $3.25/mcf. due to warm weather. The C$ to US$ exchange rate was 1.35 times, slightly higher than our 1.33 estimate. We have adjusted our InPlay models to reflect updated results.

We are fine tuning our estimates to reflect lower energy prices and a higher exchange rate. Our revenue estimate for the 2023  December quarter has been lowered to C$44.7 million from C$47.2 million. Our EBITDA estimate for the quarter is now C$23.3 million, down from C$25.5 million and our Adjusted Fund Flow estimate is C$18.9 million, down from C$20.6 million. Our EPS estimate for the quarter drops to C$0.08 from C$0.09. We have not made any changes to our 2024 estimates. With this report, we are initiating 2024 quarterly estimates.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

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

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – September-quarter results

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Friday, November 10, 2023

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, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Production increased 6% quarter over quarter despite continued curtailments and unplanned downtime. Curtailments and well pressure issues have hampered production for InPlay and other Canadian producers in recent quarters. InPlay invested $27.5 million during the quarter to drill and make infrastructure improvements. This represents more than half of the year’s capital expenditure budget. During the quarter, the company completed six wells and upgraded a natural gas facility to process 66% more gas.

InPlay reported strong results in the 2023-3Q and 2023-4Q should be better. Management indicated that its investments should lead to the fourth quarter being the highest production quarter of the year. Management did not make any changes to its guidance for 2023, 2024, and 2025 production and fund flow generation. With a drop in capital expenditures in the upcoming quarter, management should  have ample cash flow to pay dividends (7% yield), strategically repurchase shares, and explore small add-on acquisitions.


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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. 

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Gas processing constraints, wildfire shut ins, and road closings combine to lower production

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

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, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

A combination of negative events led to a 7.6% year over year and 6.1% quarter over quarter decline in production. Management estimates that the events reduced production by 1,350 boe/day. The decline was larger than expected and led to management taking down 2023 production guidance to 9,100-9,500 boe/day from 9,500-10,000 boe/day. The production decline is unfortunate but should be viewed as temporary. 


New wells coming on should boost production. Six wells have recently, or are about to, come on line. Initial well production is impressive. In addition, six new wells are planned for the rest of 2023. Management believes processing constraints should ease in the third quarter. Higher production, combined with easing processing constraints should help boost cash flow and earnings.


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InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Curtailments hurt production, but drilling successes should offset lost sales

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, May 15, 2023

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, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Energy & Transportation, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

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

Production levels hit by curtailments. InPlay reported average quarterly production of 9,020 boe/d in the 2023-1Q vs. 8,221 boe/d for 2022-1Q, and below last quarter’s production and our expectations. Management indicated that gas curtailments reduced production by 625 boe/d. Increased back pressure has become an issue in recent quarters as production is rising faster than the infrastructure can handle, even as new infrastructure investments are being made.

Lower production caused bottom-line numbers to be below expectations. Although InPlay did a good job holding the line on costs, it was unable to offset the reduction in sales. As a result, management lowered cash flow guidance for the year. Cash flow should improve in upcoming quarters due to accelerated drilling activity including bringing two wells online with impressive flow rates.


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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. 

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Results meet expectations, new drilling may be accelerating growth

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, March 16, 2023

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.

Results demonstrate strong growth, generally meeting expectations. Annual production volumes came in at the lower end of guidance but 58% above last year. Higher production levels in the area may be beginning to show signs of affecting takeaway capacity (see third party curtailment and widening basis discount differentials). Weak summer natural gas prices bounced back nicely in the fourth quarter.

Drilling is accelerating and creating higher producing wells. The company drilled 17.5 net wells in 2022 surpassing our 15 well estimate. Management reports that initial production rates for recent wells were “significantly above internal expectations”. InPlay has been shifting towards longer horizontal laterals and spending more on infrastructure. Production increases seem to justify the higher costs. Management believes the steps it is taking will offset recent curtailments and reiterated 2023 production guidance.


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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. 

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Production slows, expenditures rise, and gas prices drop

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, January 19, 2023

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 slows. Management projects 2022 production of 9,100-9,200 BOE/d versus 11/9/22 guidance of 9,150-9,400. Downtime at a third party gas facility led to a 435 BOE/d decrease in production. Cold weather also delayed getting wells on line. We have reduced our estimate to 9,162 BOE/d from 9,280. The company projects 2023 production of 9,500-10,000 BOE/d down from 9,900-10,400. We have lowered our forecast to 10,000 BOE/d from 10,400 to be within management’s guidance. We are comfortable being at the upper end of guidance given InPlay’s history of surpassing guidance (until the most recent quarter).

Expenditures rise. The company projects 2022 capital expenditures of C$76-78 million up from C$70-72 million due the acceleration of a drilling program. 2023 capital expenditure guidance increased to C$75-80 million (versus C$69-71 million) despite the drilling of 0.5 net wells less than previously assumed. Management attributes the higher capital expenditures mainly to two gas facility upgrades but also notes that it plans to drill longer wells in 2023 than in 2022.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

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

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

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Results below elevated expectations but production growth justifies dividend initiation

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Thursday, November 10, 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.

Third-quarter results were below expectations due to lower-than-expected energy pricing. Production levels were in line with expectations and management guidance given on September 29. Realized oil and gas prices were well below U.S. reported oil and gas prices when adjusted to Canadian prices, reflecting a widening basis discount for western Canada production. We will incorporate a widening basis differential going forward.

InPlay is able to offset a weakening pricing environment with ever-improving production results. Management provided production guidance for 2023-25 for the first time. Guidance was well above production levels assumed in our models and reflects an acceleration of capital investments going forward. We believe increased investment is prudent at current payback rates of less than one year. We also believe management’s commitment to higher spending levels is a positive sign that it believes it has ample areas to drill at attractive returns.


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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. 

InPlay Oil (IPOOF) – Share Buyback Logical Next Use of Cash

Posted on by cpatches


Friday, October 14, 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.

InPlay received Toronto Stock Exchange approval for a Normal Course Issuer Bid. Under the NCIB, InPlay may purchase and cancel up to 10% of public float of the shares of IPO on the TSX subject to a daily limit of 25% of the average daily trading volume. At current prices, the buyback would be approximately C$20 million if maxed out. Management believes the buyback is a prudent step given the energy market volatility and its belief that, at times, its stock is undervalued. We would note that the shares of IPO (and IPOOF on the OTC exchange) have declined 40% off of June peak levels despite very positive recent operational developments (see 9/29/2022 report). NCIB approval follows 9/28/22 comments that Board of Directors had approved a share buyback program.

The company has the cash flow and balance sheet to do a share buyback. At current energy price levels, we expect the company to generate approximately C$150 million in Adjusted Fund Flow, far exceeding recently-raised capital expenditures of C$70-72 million (up from C$18 million in 2020). The company has been paying down debt and expects to reduce its net debt to EBITDA ratio to 0.1-0.2 times by the end of 2022 (implying that the current net debt level of C$52 million will be reduced to C$15-30 million). Net debt, which represented 50% of total capitalization as recently as 2020, now represents less than 10% of capitalization. We believe management has adequate cash flow to continue to grow capital expenditures, pay down debt, and still initiate a share repurchase program.


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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.