Press Release
Aug. 1, 2024
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 1, 2024 – (TSX: ARX) ARC Resources Ltd. (“ARC” or the “Company”) today reported its second quarter 2024 financial and operational results.
HIGHLIGHTS
ARC’s unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements and notes (the “financial statements”) and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) as at and for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024, are available on ARC’s website at www.arcresources.com and under ARC’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The disclosure under the section entitled “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in ARC’s MD&A as at and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 (the “Q2 2024 MD&A”) is incorporated by reference into this news release.
(1) |
ARC has adopted the standard six thousand cubic feet (“Mcf”) of natural gas to one barrel (“bbl”) of crude oil ratio when converting natural gas to barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”). Boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. 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 the 6:1 conversion ratio, utilizing the 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value. |
(2) |
Throughout this news release, crude oil (“crude oil”) refers to light, medium, and heavy crude oil product types as defined by National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”). Condensate is a natural gas liquid as defined by NI 51-101. Throughout this news release, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) comprise all natural gas liquids as defined by NI 51-101 other than condensate, which is disclosed separately. Throughout this news release, crude oil and liquids (“crude oil and liquids”) refers to crude oil, condensate, and NGLs. |
(3) |
See Note 8 “Capital Management” in the financial statements and “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for information relating to this capital management measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(4) |
See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for an explanation of the composition of this supplementary financial measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(5) |
Non-GAAP financial measure that is not a standardized financial measure under International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for information relating to this non-GAAP financial measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” of this news release for the most directly comparable financial measure disclosed in ARC’s current financial statements to which such non-GAAP financial measure relates and a reconciliation to such comparable financial measure. |
(6) |
Non-GAAP ratio that is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial ratios disclosed by other issuers. Free funds flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, is used as a component of the non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for the non-GAAP ratio for the comparative period and other information relating to this non-GAAP ratio, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(7) |
Refer to the section entitled “About ARC Resources Ltd.” contained within the Q2 2024 MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
(Cdn$ millions, except per share amounts(1), boe amounts, |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||
and common shares outstanding) |
March 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
FINANCIAL RESULTS |
|||||
Net income |
185.4 |
239.5 |
278.9 |
424.9 |
853.8 |
Per share |
0.31 |
0.40 |
0.46 |
0.71 |
1.39 |
Cash flow from operating activities |
636.3 |
543.0 |
550.9 |
1,179.3 |
1,091.2 |
Per share(2) |
1.06 |
0.91 |
0.90 |
1.97 |
1.77 |
Funds from operations |
606.9 |
502.8 |
560.8 |
1,109.7 |
1,278.2 |
Per share |
1.01 |
0.84 |
0.92 |
1.85 |
2.08 |
Free funds flow |
102.3 |
(29.5) |
144.3 |
72.8 |
374.3 |
Per share |
0.17 |
(0.05) |
0.24 |
0.12 |
0.61 |
Dividends declared |
101.6 |
101.6 |
103.7 |
203.2 |
195.6 |
Per share |
0.17 |
0.17 |
0.17 |
0.34 |
0.32 |
Cash flow used in investing activities |
499.8 |
643.4 |
464.4 |
1,143.2 |
861.8 |
Capital expenditures |
504.6 |
532.3 |
416.5 |
1,036.9 |
903.9 |
Long-term debt |
1,144.0 |
1,379.5 |
1,122.0 |
1,379.5 |
1,122.0 |
Net debt |
1,336.1 |
1,477.9 |
1,281.1 |
1,477.9 |
1,281.1 |
Common shares outstanding, weighted average diluted (millions) |
598.4 |
598.2 |
611.5 |
598.3 |
615.4 |
Common shares outstanding, end of period (millions) |
596.7 |
596.7 |
608.4 |
596.7 |
608.4 |
OPERATIONAL RESULTS |
|||||
Production |
|||||
Crude oil and condensate (bbl/day) |
82,672 |
74,713 |
83,540 |
78,693 |
81,268 |
Natural gas (MMcf/day) |
1,322 |
1,286 |
1,289 |
1,304 |
1,277 |
NGLs (bbl/day) |
49,411 |
40,994 |
45,202 |
45,203 |
46,991 |
Total (boe/day) |
352,328 |
330,046 |
343,630 |
341,187 |
341,018 |
Average realized price |
|||||
Crude oil ($/bbl)(2) |
83.83 |
100.28 |
88.13 |
91.10 |
90.42 |
Condensate ($/bbl)(2) |
94.58 |
103.73 |
93.43 |
98.96 |
98.58 |
Natural gas ($/Mcf)(2) |
3.19 |
1.86 |
2.83 |
2.53 |
4.34 |
NGLs ($/bbl)(2) |
25.65 |
21.69 |
20.89 |
23.85 |
24.87 |
Average realized price ($/boe)(2) |
37.49 |
33.35 |
35.97 |
35.49 |
42.97 |
Netback per boe |
|||||
Commodity sales from production ($/boe)(3) |
37.49 |
33.35 |
35.97 |
35.49 |
42.97 |
Royalties ($/boe)(3) |
(4.15) |
(4.19) |
(4.38) |
(4.16) |
(6.14) |
Operating expense ($/boe)(3) |
(4.26) |
(5.51) |
(4.81) |
(4.87) |
(4.66) |
Transportation expense ($/boe)(3) |
(5.35) |
(5.22) |
(5.34) |
(5.29) |
(5.47) |
Netback per boe ($/boe)(3) |
23.73 |
18.43 |
21.44 |
21.17 |
26.70 |
TRADING STATISTICS(4) |
|||||
High price |
24.32 |
26.18 |
18.44 |
26.18 |
18.44 |
Low price |
19.44 |
23.45 |
15.38 |
19.44 |
14.33 |
Close price |
24.15 |
24.41 |
17.67 |
24.41 |
17.67 |
Average daily volume (thousands of shares) |
3,343 |
3,648 |
4,009 |
3,498 |
4,979 |
(1) |
Per share amounts, with the exception of dividends, are based on weighted average diluted common shares. |
(2) |
See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for an explanation of the composition of this supplementary financial measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(3) |
Non-GAAP ratio that is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. Netback, a non-GAAP financial measure, is used as a component of the non-GAAP ratio. See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for the non-GAAP ratio for the comparative period and other information relating to this non-GAAP ratio, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(4) |
Trading prices are stated in Canadian dollars on a per share basis and are based on intra-day trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange. |
OUTLOOK
ARC’s strategic priorities center on growing free funds flow per share while upholding its principles of capital discipline, profitability, and financial strength.
With these principles in mind, ARC introduced a long-term plan to attain its objectives in 2023. The strategy is focused on delivering a competitive total return by balancing profitable investment in the Montney with margin expansion initiatives and a substantial return of capital.
One year later, ARC remains on-track to achieve its targets established in its long-term plan. Attachie – ARC’s single largest growth asset – is advancing as planned with commissioning scheduled for later this year and operational efficiencies are being realized across the base assets that will contribute to higher profitability over the next five years.
Attachie Phase I Update
Attachie Phase I remains on schedule and on-budget. First volumes are expected late in the fourth quarter, with full productive capacity of 40,000 boe per day anticipated for the first quarter of 2025. ARC invested $182 million at Attachie in the second quarter of 2024, and $362 million through the first six months of 2024.
Attachie Phase I is approximately 75 per cent complete:
Investor Tour
ARC plans to host an Investor Field Tour at Attachie for institutional investors and research coverage analysts on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.
Operational Update
Sunrise
Kakwa
Production growth at Kakwa in the second half of 2024 will focus on higher condensate-rich regions of the asset compared to development in 2023.
2024 Guidance
Capital expenditures and production guidance for 2024 remain unchanged. ARC plans to invest between $1.75 and $1.85 billion and generate average production of between 350,000 and 360,000 boe per day (63 per cent natural gas, 37 per cent crude oil and liquids). Full-year average production will be influenced by the duration of the natural gas curtailment at Sunrise and to a lesser extent, downtime related to extreme temperatures in the third quarter, with current expectations to be at the low end of the guidance range.
ARC’s 2024 annual guidance and a review of 2024 year-to-date results are outlined below.
2024 Guidance |
2024 YTD Actual |
% Variance from 2024 Guidance |
|
Production |
|||
Crude oil and condensate (bbl/day) |
87,000 – 91,500 |
78,693 |
(10) |
Natural gas (MMcf/day) |
1,325 – 1,340 |
1,304 |
(2) |
NGLs (bbl/day) |
42,000 – 45,000 |
45,203 |
— |
Total (boe/day) |
350,000 – 360,000 |
341,187 |
(3) |
Expenses ($/boe)(1) |
|||
Operating |
4.50 – 4.90 |
4.87 |
— |
Transportation |
5.50 – 6.00 |
5.29 |
(4) |
General and administrative (“G&A”) expense before share-based compensation expense |
1.05 – 1.25 |
1.36 |
9 |
G&A – share-based compensation expense |
0.55 – 0.65 |
0.85 |
31 |
Interest and financing(2) |
0.90 – 1.00 |
0.91 |
— |
Current income tax expense as a per cent of funds from operations(1) |
10 – 15 |
9 |
(10) |
Capital expenditures ($ billions)(3) |
1.75 – 1.85 |
1.0 |
n/a |
(1) |
See “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for an explanation of the composition of these supplementary financial measures, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(2) |
Excludes accretion of ARC’s asset retirement obligation. |
(3) |
Refer to the section entitled “About ARC Resources Ltd.” contained within the Q2 2024 MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
ARC’s 2024 corporate guidance is based on various commodity price scenarios and economic conditions; certain guidance estimates may fluctuate with commodity price changes and regulatory changes. ARC’s guidance provides readers with the information relevant to Management’s expectations for financial and operational results for 2024. Readers are cautioned that the guidance estimates may not be appropriate for any other purpose. Refer to the section entitled “Annual Guidance” in the Q2 2024 MD&A, available on ARC’s website at www.arcresources.com and under ARC’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.
2025 Outlook
The 2025 outlook incorporates lower anticipated capital spending relative to 2024 and approximately 10 per cent production growth reflecting a full-year contribution from Attachie Phase I. This is expected to drive a meaningful increase in free funds flow, which is planned to be returned to shareholders through a combination of a growing base dividend and share repurchases.
The outlook for 2025 production and capital expenditures is unchanged from the first quarter of 2024, and outlined in the table below.
2024 |
2025 |
|
Total production (boe/day) |
350,000 – 360,000 |
375,000 – 400,000 |
Natural gas production (%) |
63 % |
60 % |
Crude oil and liquids production (%) |
37 % |
40 % |
Capital Expenditures ($ billions)(1) |
1.75 – 1.85 |
1.6 – 1.8 |
Funds from Operations ($ billions)(2)(3) |
2.4 – 2.7 |
3.0 – 3.3 |
(1) |
Refer to the section entitled “About ARC Resources Ltd.” contained within the Q2 2024 MD&A for historical capital expenditures, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
(2) |
Based on the forward curve at July 19, 2024 (2024: WTI US$79 per barrel; US$2.30/MMbtu NYMEX; C$1.50/Mcf AECO; 2025: WTI US$74 per barrel; US$3.30/MMbtu NYMEX; C$2.50Mcf AECO). |
(3) |
See Note 8 “Capital Management” in the financial statements and “Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures” in the Q2 2024 MD&A for information relating to this capital management measure, which information is incorporated by reference into this news release. |
FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL RESULTS
Production
Funds from Operations, Cash Flow from Operating Activities, and Free Funds Flow
The following table details the change in funds from operations for the second quarter of 2024 relative to the first quarter of 2024.
Funds from Operations Reconciliation |
$ millions |
$/share(1) |
Funds from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 |
606.9 |
1.01 |
Production volumes |
||
Crude oil and liquids |
(86.3) |
(0.14) |
Natural gas |
(10.3) |
(0.02) |
Commodity prices |
||
Crude oil and liquids |
51.7 |
0.10 |
Natural gas |
(155.5) |
(0.27) |
Sales of commodities purchased from third parties |
39.6 |
0.07 |
Other income |
0.8 |
— |
Realized gain on risk management contracts |
46.9 |
0.08 |
Royalties |
7.2 |
0.01 |
Expenses |
||
Commodities purchased from third parties |
(32.5) |
(0.05) |
Operating |
(29.0) |
(0.05) |
Transportation |
14.8 |
0.02 |
G&A |
25.7 |
0.04 |
Interest and financing |
(1.2) |
— |
Current income tax |
22.4 |
0.04 |
Realized gain on foreign exchange |
1.0 |
— |
Other |
0.6 |
— |
Funds from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 |
502.8 |
0.84 |
(1) |
Per share amounts are based on weighted average diluted common shares. |
The following table details the change in funds from operations for the second quarter of 2024 relative to the second quarter of 2023.
Funds from Operations Reconciliation |
$ millions |
$/share(1) |
Funds from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2023 |
560.8 |
0.92 |
Production volumes |
||
Crude oil and liquids |
(82.1) |
(0.13) |
Natural gas |
(0.8) |
— |
Commodity prices |
||
Crude oil and liquids |
74.1 |
0.12 |
Natural gas |
(114.2) |
(0.19) |
Sales of commodities purchased from third parties |
56.7 |
0.09 |
Other income |
1.4 |
— |
Realized gain on risk management contracts |
72.9 |
0.12 |
Royalties |
10.9 |
0.02 |
Expenses |
||
Commodities purchased from third parties |
(57.9) |
(0.10) |
Operating |
(15.1) |
(0.03) |
Transportation |
10.2 |
0.02 |
G&A |
1.3 |
— |
Interest and financing |
(6.4) |
(0.01) |
Current income tax |
(14.6) |
(0.02) |
Realized gain on foreign exchange |
6.3 |
0.01 |
Other |
(0.7) |
— |
Weighted average shares, diluted |
— |
0.02 |
Funds from operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 |
502.8 |
0.84 |
(1) |
Per share amounts are based on weighted average diluted common shares. |
Shareholder Returns
Operating, Transportation, and General and Administrative Expense
Operating Expense
Transportation Expense
General and Administrative Expense
Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities and Capital Expenditures
The following table details ARC’s first six months of 2024 drilling and completion activities by area.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 |
||
Area |
Wells Drilled(1) |
Wells Completed |
Kakwa |
26 |
31 |
Greater Dawson |
20 |
21 |
Sunrise |
6 |
10 |
Ante Creek |
— |
— |
Attachie |
25 |
3 |
Total |
77 |
65 |
(1) |
Excludes disposal wells. |
Physical Natural Gas Marketing
Net Debt
Net Income
CONFERENCE CALL
ARC’s senior leadership team will be hosting a conference call to discuss the Company’s second quarter 2024 results on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time (“MT”).
Date |
Friday, August 2, 2024 |
Time |
8:00 a.m. MT |
Dial-in Numbers |
|
Calgary |
587-880-2171 |
Toronto |
416-764-8659 |
Toll-free |
1-888-664-6392 |
Conference ID |
76324761 |
Webcast URL |
https://app.webinar.net/8mG2Dzwqp6x |
Callers are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes before the start time to register for the event. A replay will be available on ARC’s website at www.arcresources.com following the conference call.
NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES
Throughout this news release and in other materials disclosed by the Company, ARC employs certain measures to analyze its financial performance, financial position, and cash flow. These non-GAAP and other financial measures are not standardized financial measures under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered to be more meaningful than generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measures which are determined in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, such as net income, cash flow from operating activities, and cash flow used in investing activities, as indicators of ARC’s performance.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Capital Expenditures
ARC uses capital expenditures to monitor its capital investments relative to those budgeted by the Company on an annual basis. ARC’s capital budget excludes acquisition or disposition activities as well as the accounting impact of any accrual changes and payments under certain lease arrangements. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to capital expenditures is cash flow used in investing activities. The following table details the composition of capital expenditures and its reconciliation to cash flow used in investing activities.
Capital Expenditures |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||
($ millions) |
March 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
Cash flow used in investing activities |
499.8 |
643.4 |
464.4 |
1,143.2 |
861.8 |
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas assets |
(0.1) |
(5.0) |
— |
(5.1) |
(0.5) |
Disposal of crude oil and natural gas assets |
— |
— |
— |
— |
73.6 |
Long-term investments |
(2.8) |
(1.3) |
(3.2) |
(4.1) |
(4.4) |
Change in non-cash investing working capital |
3.0 |
(109.6) |
(44.8) |
(106.6) |
(28.8) |
Other (1) |
4.7 |
4.8 |
0.1 |
9.5 |
2.2 |
Capital expenditures |
504.6 |
532.3 |
416.5 |
1,036.9 |
903.9 |
(1) |
Comprises non-cash capitalized costs related to the Company’s right-of-use asset depreciation and share-based compensation. |
Free Funds Flow
ARC uses free funds flow as an indicator of the efficiency and liquidity of ARC’s business, measuring its funds after capital investment available to manage debt levels, pay dividends, and return capital to shareholders through share repurchases. ARC computes free funds flow as funds from operations generated during the period less capital expenditures. Capital expenditures is a non-GAAP financial measure. By removing the impact of current period capital expenditures from funds from operations, Management monitors its free funds flow to inform its capital allocation decisions. The most directly comparable GAAP measure to free funds flow is cash flow from operating activities. The following table details the calculation of free funds flow and its reconciliation to cash flow from operating activities.
Free Funds Flow |
Three Months Ended |
Six Months Ended |
|||
($ millions) |
March 31, 2024 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
June 30, 2024 |
June 30, 2023 |
Cash flow from operating activities |
636.3 |
543.0 |
550.9 |
1,179.3 |
1,091.2 |
Net change in other liabilities |
6.7 |
(1.5) |
(13.9) |
5.2 |
(0.2) |
Change in non-cash operating working capital |
(36.1) |
(38.7) |
23.8 |
(74.8) |
187.2 |
Funds from operations |
606.9 |
502.8 |
560.8 |
1,109.7 |
1,278.2 |
Capital expenditures(1) |
(504.6) |
(532.3) |
(416.5) |
(1,036.9) |
(903.9) |
Free funds flow |
102.3 |
(29.5) |
144.3 |
72.8 |
374.3 |
(1) |
Certain additional disclosures for these specified financial measures have been incorporated by reference. See “Cash Flow used in Investing Activities, Capital Expenditures, Acquisitions, and Dispositions” in the Q2 2024 MD&A. |
Please visit ARC’s website at www.arcresources.com or contact Investor Relations:
E-mail: IR@arcresources.com
Telephone: (403) 503-8600
Fax: (403) 509-6427
Toll Free: 1-888-272-4900
ARC Resources Ltd.
Suite 1200, 308 – 4 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0H7
IBF4