Long Run Exploration Ltd. Announces 2015 Second Quarter Results

CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/29/15 -- LONG RUN EXPLORATION LTD. (TSX: LRE) ("Long Run" or the "Company") announces financial and operational results for the second quarter of 2015.

Commodity prices have continued to demonstrate weakness through the second quarter of 2015, however Long Run is committed to our disciplined capital spending plan. Based on our financial and operational results over the first half of the year, we remain on track to meet our 2015 capital budget, production and funds flow targets. Our team is focused on cost savings initiatives in an effort to reduce capital and operating costs and improve project returns in this challenging commodity price environment.

Long Run continues to examine strategic and financial means to improve the capital structure of the Company. We believe in the value of our diversified asset base and are diligently working towards a balance between improved financial strength and operational momentum.

SECOND QUARTER 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

--  Generated funds flow from operations of $45.9 million ($0.24/share)
    compared to $73.4 million ($0.54/share) in 2014, reflecting lower
    commodity prices and lower oil production partially offset by higher
    natural gas and NGLs production, a gain on financial derivatives and
    lower royalties. Funds flow from operations in the first half of 2015
    totaled $85.9 million ($0.44/share).
--  Averaged 34,457 Boe/d of production, an increase of 6,855 Boe/d from
    27,602 Boe/d in 2014. The production increase resulted primarily from
    the liquids-rich natural gas weighted Deep Basin acquisitions in 2014.
    Production averaged 35,026 Boe/d over the first six months of 2015.
--  Reduced capital expenditures to $8.8 million compared to $57.3 million
    in 2014. Capital expenditures of $54.1 million were incurred over the
    first six months of 2015, in line with our planned expenditures of $50 -
    $55 million. Expenditures were focused on our Deep Basin Cardium and
    Peace River Montney core areas.
--  Executed on $10.1 million of non-core dispositions with proceeds being
    directed towards debt repayment.
--  Reduced net debt at June 30, 2015 by $30.4 million from December 31,
    2014, on track with our debt reduction goal of $100 million for 2015.
    The reduction in net debt was a result of disposition proceeds and funds
    flow from operations exceeding capital expenditures. As at June 30,
    2015, Long Run's net debt was $709.2 million and we were in compliance
    with all covenants, obligations and conditions of our credit agreement.
--  Recorded a net loss of $50.1 million compared to net earnings of $20.8
    million in 2014, primarily as a result of lower funds flow from
    operations and higher unrealized losses on financial derivatives. Over
    the first six months of 2015, a net loss of $73.0 million was recorded.
--  Completed the semi-annual review of the Company's credit facilities with
    our bank syndicate on May 29, 2015. Total credit facilities were
    maintained at $695 million. The amended credit facilities consist of a
    $410 million revolving syndicated facility, a $40 million revolving
    operating facility and a $245 million non-revolving syndicated facility.

SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY            Three months ended         Six months ended
 RESULTS                                    June 30                  June 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
($000s, except per share
 amounts or unless
 otherwise noted)                 2015         2014        2015         2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Funds flow from
 operations(1)                  45,924       73,429      85,882      143,479
  Per share, basic(1)             0.24         0.55        0.44         1.10
  Per share, diluted(1)           0.24         0.54        0.44         1.10

Net earnings (loss)            (50,136)      20,842     (72,954)      27,613
  Per share, basic               (0.26)        0.16       (0.38)        0.21
  Per share, diluted             (0.26)        0.15       (0.38)        0.21

Production
  Oil (Bbl/d)                    9,429       12,476       9,990       12,580
  NGLs (Bbl/d)                   4,659        2,038       4,933        1,812
  Total Liquids (Bbl/d)         14,088       14,514      14,923       14,392
  Natural Gas (Mcf/d)          122,214       78,524     120,620       73,327
  Total (Boe/d)                 34,457       27,602      35,026       26,613

Prices, including
 derivatives
  Oil ($/Bbl)                    72.03        89.59       68.52        87.73
  NGLs ($/Bbl)                   24.48        72.76       23.44        78.89
  Total Liquids ($/Bbl)          56.31        87.23       53.61        86.62
  Natural Gas ($/Mcf)             3.30         4.61        3.23         5.03
  Total ($/Boe)                  35.04        59.13       34.24        60.82

Revenues, before royalties      93,436      158,678     174,760      310,564

Capital expenditures             8,770       57,330      54,085      158,178
Net acquisitions
 (divestitures)                 (9,530)     213,716     (10,922)     210,037
Net capital expenditures          (760)     271,046      43,163      368,215

Total assets                 1,823,017    1,750,681   1,823,017    1,750,681
Bank loan                      625,943      494,500     625,943      494,500
Net debt(1)                    709,246      594,085     709,246      594,085
Non-current financial
 liabilities, excluding
 bank loan                      68,986       68,768      68,986       68,768
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1)See Non-GAAP Measures section.

Selected financial and operational information outlined in this news release should be read in conjunction with Long Run's unaudited interim financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis for the period ended June 30, 2015, which will be available for review at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.longrunexploration.com.

SECOND QUARTER 2015 UPDATE

As planned, capital expenditures of $8.8 million were incurred in the quarter with no new wells drilled. Long Run executed on $10.1 million in non-core dispositions relating to a pipeline sale and minor properties producing approximately 50 Boe/d. Proceeds from these dispositions have been directed towards debt repayment.

Second quarter 2015 production averaged 34,457 Boe/d (41% oil and NGLs), including Deep Basin production of 13,072 Boe/d (31% oil and NGLs), Peace River Montney production of 8,767 Boe/d (55% oil and NGLs) and Redwater Viking production of 3,295 Boe/d (87% oil and NGLs).

Realized oil prices in the second quarter of 2015, including derivatives, averaged $72.03/Bbl compared to $89.59/Bbl in 2014. The decrease was a result of lower West Texas Intermediate benchmark prices partially offset by an increase in the U.S. dollar exchange rate and a gain on oil financial derivatives. Long Run's average NGLs price decreased to $24.48/Bbl from $72.76/Bbl in 2014 reflecting lower market prices as well as the change in our NGLs product mix following the Deep Basin acquisitions in 2014. Average natural gas prices, including derivatives, of $3.30/Mcf decreased from $4.61/Mcf in 2014, reflecting weaker AECO benchmark prices partially offset by a gain on natural gas financial derivatives.

Long Run's realized prices in the second quarter of 2015 benefitted significantly from our ongoing risk management program. Our financial derivatives contributed $13.70/Bbl to our realized oil price and $0.41/Mcf to our realized natural gas price. In total, Long Run recognized a $16.4 million gain on financial derivatives, comprised of $11.8 million from oil contracts and $4.6 million from natural gas contracts.

In the second quarter of 2015, the Company's operating netback of $19.92/Boe and corporate netback of $14.64/Boe reflected lower commodity prices partially offset by lower royalties, lower operating costs and a realized gain on financial derivatives. Long Run's average operating costs were $11.55/Boe impacted by the addition of the lower cost Deep Basin assets and lower utilities, fuel and chemical costs. Royalty rates averaged 7% reflecting the low commodity price environment. Long Run's general and administration expense averaged $2.53/Boe. Annual operating costs and general and administration expense are expected to average $13.25/Boe and $2.50/Boe, respectively for 2015. We continue to forecast average royalty rates of 10 - 11% for the year.

OUTLOOK

For 2015, Long Run is targeting $100 million of debt reduction through disposition proceeds and funds flow from operations in excess of our annual capital spending. We continue to expect annual funds flow from operations of between $120 - $135 million to exceed our planned capital spending of $100 million. The Company plans to repay the remaining $145 million on the non-revolving syndicated facility due by May 29, 2016 through further strategic and financial means, which may include asset dispositions and alternative debt refinancing.

Second half of 2015 capital spending is expected to be $45 million, with a focus on our Redwater Viking and Deep Basin Edson properties. After reviewing expected cost structures and factoring in forecast commodity prices, we have reallocated capital spending. We anticipate drilling 12.0 net Redwater Viking wells in the second half of 2015, in place of the previously planned 4.0 Kakwa/Elmworth Cardium wells. We continue to plan for 3.0 Edson wells to be drilled in the fourth quarter. Our annual production guidance of 32,000 - 33,000 Boe/d (43% oil and NGLs) remains unchanged. Long Run's current production is approximately 31,500 Boe/d (41% oil and NGLs).

Our on-going risk management program continues to be an important part of our strategy to mitigate commodity price risk. For the second half of 2015, Long Run has hedged approximately 60% of our oil production (40% with an average floor price of WTI US$95.00/Bbl and 20% with an average floor price of C$74.50/Bbl) and 70% of our natural gas production (average floor price of $3.30/GJ). For 2016, we have hedged approximately 10% of our oil production with an average WTI price of C$77.53/Bbl and approximately 45% of our natural gas production with an average AECO price of $3.01/GJ. We continue to look for additional opportunities to add financial hedges into 2016 in order to protect funds flow from continued commodity price volatility.

ADVISORIES

Non-GAAP Measures

The press release contains terms commonly used in the oil and gas industry, such as funds flow from operations and net debt. These terms are not defined by International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash provided by operating activities as determined in accordance with IFRS as an indicator of Long Run's performance. These measures are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and by Long Run to provide shareholders and potential investors with additional information regarding the Company's liquidity and its ability to generate funds to finance its operations. Long Run's determination of these measures may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Funds flow from operations is calculated as cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital and abandonment expenditures. Net debt is calculated as bank debt plus working capital deficiency and principal amount of outstanding convertible debentures. Long Run has provided information on how these measures are calculated in the Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2014 and the second quarter ended June 30, 2015, which are available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

Barrels of Oil Equivalent

Barrels of oil equivalent may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil 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 from the energy equivalency conversion ratio of 6:1, utilizing a conversion on a 6:1 basis is misleading as an indication of value.

Netbacks

Netbacks are calculated by subtracting royalties, transportation costs and operating costs from revenue.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the Company's plans and other aspects of Long Run's anticipated future operations, management focus, objectives, strategies and priorities including 2015 capital expenditure budget and the nature and timing of expenditures, 2015 forecast annual production, 2015 estimated royalty rates, operating and general and administration expense, use of proceeds from dispositions, expected 2015 annual funds flow from operations and effects thereof, drilling plans and timing thereof, targeted debt reduction in the year and use of disposition proceeds and funds flow from operations in excess of annual capital spending for debt reduction and plans to repay non-revolving syndicated facility. Forward-looking information typically uses words such as "anticipate", "believe", "project", "expect", "goal", "plan", "intend" or similar words suggesting future outcomes, statements that actions, events or conditions "may", "would", "could" or "will" be taken or occur in the future. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Long Run's management, including expectations and assumptions concerning commodity prices, exchange rates, interest rates, applicable royalty rates and tax laws; future production rates and estimates of operating costs and general and administrative costs; performance of existing and future wells; reserve volumes; anticipated timing and results of capital expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the timing, location and extent of future drilling operations; the state of the economy and the exploration and production business; results of operations; performance; business prospects and opportunities; the availability and cost of financing, labor and services; the impact of increasing competition; ability to market oil and natural gas successfully; and Long Run's ability to access capital, and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; and Long Run's ability to dispose of assets to reduce debt. Included herein is an estimate of Long Run's 2015 funds flow from operations based on assumptions provided herein and WTI US$52.50/Bbl, AECO $2.60/GJ and FX CDN/USD $0.80 and other assumptions utilized in arriving at Long Run's capital budget. To the extent such estimate constitutes a financial outlook, it was approved by management March 4, 2015 and is included herein to provide readers with an understanding of the anticipated funds available to fund its capital expenditures, debt reduction and for other purposes and readers are cautioned that the information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Long Run can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking information and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive there from. Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this press release in order to provide a more complete perspective on Long Run's future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect our operations or financial results are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Long Run disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws.

ABBREVIATIONS
Oil and Natural Gas Liquids           Natural Gas
Bbl     barrels                       Mcf     thousand cubic feet
Bbl/d   barrels per day               Mcf/d   thousand cubic feet per day
NGL     natural gas liquids           MMcf/d  Million cubic feet per day
Boe     barrels of oil equivalent
Boe/d   barrels of oil equivalent per
        day
Liquids light oil, heavy oil, and NGLs
MBoe    thousand barrels of oil
        equivalent
US$     U.S. dollar currency
$ or C$ Canadian dollar currency

Contacts:
Long Run Exploration Ltd.
William E. Andrew
Chair and Chief Executive Officer
(403) 261-6012

Long Run Exploration Ltd.
Corine Bushfield
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(403) 261-6012

Long Run Exploration Ltd.
Lauren Kimak
Investor Relations
(403) 716-3222 or (888) 598-1330
[email protected]
www.longrunexploration.com

Source: Long Run Exploration Ltd.

You May Also Be Interested In

• Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) stock slips despite earnings beat
• PHINIA Inc. (PHIN) Reports Q1 EPS of $1.08, provides guidance
• Meta Platforms, IBM, Caterpillar fall premarket; American Airlines, Chipotle rise