CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/05/15 -- Freehold Royalties Ltd. (Freehold) (TSX: FRU) today announced 2014 fourth quarter results and reserves as at December 31, 2014.
Results at a Glance Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31 December 31 ------------------------ ------------------------ FINANCIAL ($000s, except as noted) 2014 2013 Change 2014 2013 Change ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross revenue 43,631 45,287 -4% 199,850 181,578 10% Net income 11,082 14,106 -21% 66,447 57,852 15% Per share, basic and diluted ($) 0.15 0.21 -29% 0.94 0.86 9% Funds from operations (1) 30,774 29,092 6% 138,447 119,431 16% Per share, basic ($) (1) 0.41 0.43 -5% 1.95 1.79 9% Operating income (1) 37,584 37,954 -1% 175,192 155,844 12% Operating income from royalties (%) 80 74 8% 78 73 7% Property and royalty acquisitions 60,566 6,891 779% 248,274 10,091 2360% Capital expenditures 13,500 5,335 153% 33,701 29,287 15% Dividends declared 31,353 28,373 11% 119,788 112,495 6% Per share ($) (2) 0.42 0.42 0% 1.68 1.68 0% Net debt obligations (1) 135,810 45,385 199% 135,810 45,385 199% Shares outstanding, period end (000s) 74,919 67,746 11% 74,919 67,746 11% Average shares outstanding (000s) (3) 74,545 67,483 10% 71,029 66,900 6% OPERATING ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average daily production (boe/d) (4) 9,836 9,173 7% 9,180 8,913 3% Average price realizations ($/boe) (4) 47.46 52.99 -10% 58.91 55.06 7% Operating netback ($/boe) (1) (4) 41.54 44.97 -8% 52.30 47.91 9% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) See Additional GAAP Measures and Non-GAAP Financial Measures. (2) Based on the number of shares issued and outstanding at each record date. (3) Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, basic. (4) See Conversion of Natural Gas to Barrels of Oil Equivalent (boe).
March Dividend Announcement
The Board of Directors has declared the March dividend of $0.09 per share, which will be paid on April 15, 2015 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2015. Including the April 15 payment, our 12-month trailing cash dividends total $1.53 per share. This dividend is designated as an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes.
2014 Fourth Quarter Highlights
Freehold delivered strong operational results in the fourth quarter of 2014. Some of the highlights included:
-- Production for Q4-2014 averaged 9,836 boe/d, a 7% increase over Q4-2013 and a 4% increase over Q3-2014. The key driver behind the year over year increase in volumes was primarily acquisitions completed by Freehold. In total, our royalty production grew by 17% versus Q4-2013. -- Gross revenue for Q4-2014 totalled $43.6 million compared to $45.3 million in Q4-2013. Revenue was down slightly primarily associated with a reduction in our realized oil price, offset by increased natural gas volumes and pricing. -- Funds from operations totalled $30.8 million in Q4-2014 compared to $29.1 million in Q4-2013. The increase versus 2013 was due to a lower tax expense primarily associated with our East Edson joint venture and the tax pools we created through the development of that asset, with negative offsets from gross revenue as mentioned above. -- Net income for Q4-2014 of $11.1 million was 21% lower than Q4-2013. Variance in earnings versus Q4-2013 was primarily driven by higher depletion and depreciation, lower revenues, lower taxes and recoveries to share based and other compensation expense. -- Dividends for Q4-2014 totalled $0.42 per share, unchanged from last year. -- Announced four separate transactions over Q4-2014 showcasing Freehold's flexibility in enhancing value for shareholders. Based on the consolidated transaction price of $49.6 million (all deals were funded through our bank line), the transactions imply approximately $95,000 per expected boe/d and will add approximately 450 boe/d to 2015 average production. -- Capital expenditures on our working interest properties totalled $13.5 million in Q4-2014 with the majority of spending allocated to southeast Saskatchewan. -- Freehold continues to maintain a strong balance sheet with net debt obligations at year-end of $135.8 million. This implies a net debt to Q4-2014 annualized funds from operations ratio of approximately 1.1 times. Increased leverage reflected acquisitions over Q4-2014 with Freehold facilitating the transactions through its existing credit line. -- Average DRIP participation was 35% in Q4-2014 (Q4-2013 - 27%), allowing us to retain $10.9 million (Q4 2013 - $7.6 million) in dividend payments by issuing shares from treasury for the year.
Subsequent Events
Change to Dividend
On January 14, 2015 Freehold announced that its Board of Directors had approved an adjustment to its monthly dividend to $0.09 per share from $0.14 per share. The revision to the dividend is reflective of the current oil and gas price environment.
Anderson Energy Ltd. Acquisition and Corporate Restructuring
On January 23, 2015 Freehold acquired all of the outstanding shares of Anderson Energy Ltd. ("Anderson") pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) for total consideration of $35 million (subject to certain adjustments) with Freehold funding the deal through its existing credit facilities. Pursuant to the plan of arrangement, Anderson shareholders exchanged their shares for shares of a newly formed publicly listed company, Anderson Energy Inc. ("New Anderson"). In addition, prior to Freehold acquiring the outstanding shares, Anderson transferred certain assets and liabilities to New Anderson. The liabilities transferred to New Anderson included Anderson's liabilities and obligations for its currently outstanding convertible debentures.
Immediately following the completion of the acquisition of Anderson, Freehold completed a corporate restructuring pursuant to which Freehold first amalgamated with Anderson and subsequently amalgamated with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Freehold Resources Ltd. In addition, pursuant to the restructuring, Freehold Holdings Trust was established and became a partner in the Freehold Royalties Partnership.
Increase to Credit Line
On January 23, 2015 Freehold increased its credit facilities from $210 to $260 million through a syndicate of four Canadian chartered banks. This increase allows Freehold to maintain its financial flexibility.
Royalty and Mineral Title Acquisition
On January 23, 2015 Freehold closed an agreement purchasing royalty and mineral title assets in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan for $12.4 million. These assets produced 72 boe/d (60% gas) in October 2014 and included 35,600 mineral title acres.
Income Tax
The above mentioned acquisitions have added approximately $235 million to our existing December 31, 2014 tax pool balances.
2014 Year-end Reserves and Land Highlights
Freehold's reserves data is presented on a net basis (our share of working interest properties minus royalties payable to others, plus royalties receivable on our royalty lands), as under National Instrument 51-101, royalty interests cannot be included under gross reserves. This causes our gross reserves to be lower than our net reserves and makes it difficult for investors to compare our reserves to exploration and development companies. We believe the most appropriate measure of reserves for Freehold is net reserves. Reserve values do not include potential reserve additions that may occur as a result of future drilling on most of our royalty lands.
-- Net proved plus probable reserves at December 31, 2014 totalled 29.7 MMboe, with reserves assigned to 23,514 wells. Net proved plus probable royalty interest reserves increased 35% year-over-year, and net proved plus probable working interest reserves were up 7%. Approximately 66% of our net reserves are in the proved category, and 72% of our net proved reserves are producing. On a boe basis, net reserves are 53% liquids (22% heavy oil, 24% light and medium oil, 7% natural gas liquids) and 47% natural gas. -- Net proved plus probable reserve additions totalled 9.4 MMboe (60% natural gas). Drilling on our royalty lands added 1.1 MMboe of net proved plus probable reserves, development activities added 0.6 MMboe of net proved plus probable reserves, and acquisitions added 7.8 MMboe of net proved plus probable reserves. Based on this, we replaced approximately 286% of 2014 production. -- Freehold's finding costs are calculated based on net reserves. In 2014, finding and development costs for net proved plus probable reserves were $21.87 per boe, while acquisition costs were $30.04 per boe and the all- in finding, development and acquisition (FD&A) cost was $28.60 per boe (including changes in future development capital). Based on an operating netback of $52.30 per boe in 2014, these activities resulted in a recycle ratio of 1.8, and a three-year average recycle ratio of 2.0. -- Our land holdings as at December 31, 2014 encompassed approximately 3.2 million gross acres, up 4% from last year mainly as a result of acquisitions completed throughout the year. Royalty interests comprised 93% of our acreage. Our undeveloped land was independently valued by Seaton-Jordan & Associates Ltd., at $114.0 million.
Royalty Interest Activity
In total, 443 (15.1 equivalent net) wells were drilled on our royalty lands through 2014 representing a 27% improvement versus 2013 on an equivalent net basis (excluding the East Edson joint venture). The increase was the result of a combination of royalty acquisitions made through the year along with the overall prospectivity of our title land.
Our royalty lands give us exposure to several of the attractive resource plays employing horizontal drilling, including Bakken and Mississippian light oil in southeast Saskatchewan, heavy oil in the Lloydminster area, and Cardium light oil in west-central Alberta. Continued success with horizontal drilling (for both oil and liquids-rich natural gas) is positive and bodes well for improved well productivity.
As at December 31, 2014, there were 82 (6.0 equivalent net) licensed drilling locations on our royalty lands; this compares to 51 (3.6 equivalent net) licensed wells seen one year ago.
Three Months Ended December 31 Twelve Months Ended December 31 2014 2013 2014 2013 --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent Equivalent Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Non- unit- ized wells 73 4.0 68 4.3 258 14.0 197 11.3 Unitized wells (2) 65 0.3 38 0.2 185 1.1 141 0.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 138 4.3 106 4.5 443 15.1 338 11.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- East Edson joint venture (3) 9 13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Equivalent net wells are the aggregate of the numbers obtained by multiplying each gross well by our royalty interest percentage. (2) Unitized wells are in production units wherein we generally have small royalty interests in hundreds of wells. (3) Wells drilled on our East Edson joint venture lands, where equivalent net wells cannot be calculated.
Working Interest Activity
Our development plans are primarily oil related, and are focused almost entirely on our own mineral title lands, where we have chosen to invest our own capital on attractive, low-risk opportunities.
In Q4-2014, capital expenditures totalled $13.5 million, the majority of which was spent to complete, equip, and tie-in wells drilled in southeast Saskatchewan. We participated in the drilling of 25 (5.7 net) wells with a 100% success rate.
-- In southeast Saskatchewan there were six (1.9 net) Frobisher oil wells, three (0.8 net) Midale oil wells and three (0.5 net) Bakken oil wells drilled. All of these wells were drilled horizontally. -- The Lloydminster area saw one (0.5 net) vertical oil well drilled in Q4- 2014. -- In Alberta, there were three (0.8 net) vertical Glacuonite gas wells and nine (1.2 net) horizontal Cardium oil wells drilled over the quarter.
Freehold spent almost 40% of its 2014 capital in Q4-2014. This spending is expected to add to Q1/15 production levels as these wells are brought onstream.
Three Months Ended December 31 Twelve Months Ended December 31 2014 2013 2014 2013 ------------------------------- ------------------------------- Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) Gross Net (1) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Oil 22 4.9 6 1.2 47 11.3 41 12.9 Natural gas 3 0.8 - - 7 0.9 - - Other - - - - - - 7 0.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 25 5.7 6 1.2 54 12.2 48 13.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Excludes royalty interest portion on properties where Freehold has both a working interest and a royalty interest. The royalty interest portion is included in equivalent net wells in the Royalty Interest Wells Drilled table above.
Fourth Quarter Production
Production volumes in Q4-2014 averaged 9,836 boe/d, an increase of 7% when compared with levels averaged one-year ago.
-- Royalty production averaged 7,320 boe/d in Q4-2014, representing a 17% increase when compared to Q4-2013. Oil and natural gas liquids production was up 8%. On the natural gas side, volumes were up 29% from Q4-2013, largely as the result of a full quarter of operations associated with the East Edson joint venture. -- Working interest production volumes averaged 2,516 boe/d in Q4-2014. This represented a 13% decrease versus Q4-2013 with reduced volumes primarily associated with delayed capital spending. Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31 December 31 ------------------------ ------------------------ 2014 2013 Change 2014 2013 Change ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Royalty interest (1) Oil (bbls/d) 3,501 3,336 5% 3,384 3,177 7% NGL (bbls/d) 403 293 38% 435 332 31% Natural gas (Mcf/d) 20,494 15,853 29% 17,915 16,115 11% Oil equivalent (boe/d) 7,320 6,271 17% 6,805 6,195 10% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working interest (1) Oil (bbls/d) 1,972 2,225 -11% 1,851 2,109 -12% NGL (bbls/d) 101 91 11% 102 103 -1% Natural gas (Mcf/d) 2,657 3,515 -24% 2,531 3,033 -17% Oil equivalent (boe/d) 2,516 2,902 -13% 2,375 2,718 -13% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Oil (bbls/d) 5,473 5,561 -2% 5,235 5,286 -1% NGL (bbls/d) 504 384 31% 537 435 23% Natural gas (Mcf/d) 23,151 19,368 20% 20,446 19,148 7% Oil equivalent (boe/d) 9,836 9,173 7% 9,180 8,913 3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of days in period (days) 92 92 0% 365 365 0% Total volumes during period (Mboe) 905 844 7% 3,350 3,253 3% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) On certain properties where we have both a royalty interest and a working interest, production is allocated based on the applicable royalty and working interest percentages.
Business Environment
Through the first six months of 2014, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) averaged greater than US$100/bbl as the market responded to concerns of prolonged production disruptions in Libya, hopes for improving worldwide demand and stimulus provided through the U.S. quantitative easing program. Approximately half way through the year sentiment flipped and prices began to steadily decline. OPEC's announcement in late November 2014 that they would not cut production in the face of weaker demand saw prices retreat another 25% through year-end. WTI oil prices fell by greater than 50% from their highs and has traded between US$45-$55/bbl within the last month.
Through 2014 the benchmark WTI crude oil price averaged US$92.99/bbl, slightly lower when compared to 2013. Within Canada, oil and gas producers have been protected somewhat from depressed prices by prevailing weakness in the Canadian dollar with the US$/Cdn$ exchange rate averaging $0.91 for 2014, a 6% decrease versus 2013. Through 2014, the price of Edmonton Par averaged C$94.58/bbl, a 2% increase over 2013. Heavy oil producers have fared slightly better with Western Canadian Select (WCS) prices averaging C$81.10/bbl for 2014, up 8% when compared to 2013. Through improvements in transportation (proliferation of rail and pipelines) within North America we have seen light heavy oil differentials contract from $17.93/bbl in 2013 to $13.48/bbl in 2014 (Edmonton Par to WCS), with the expectation that these levels should sustain themselves as further advancements are made on the infrastructure side.
Looking forward, 2015 is expected to be a very challenging year for oil and gas producers that are levered to crude oil. Without improving economic conditions outside of the U.S, it is likely that the U.S. dollar will remain strong and energy prices may remain at depressed levels. Global oil demand has been weaker than expected, most notably in Asia. While it is expected that demand will pick-up with lower prices, there may be a timing delay. Finally, it is estimated that global oil demand is approximately 2.0 mmbbl/d oversupplied, primarily due to accelerated spending within non-OPEC members (mainly the U.S.). As a result, barring an unanticipated disruption in supply or a decision by OPEC to cut production, prices are likely to remain weak through a large part of 2015.
On the natural gas side, prices were relatively strong, with AECO averaging C$4.41/mcf in 2014, a 40% increase when compared to last year. Similar to crude oil prices, weakness in the Canadian dollar helped mitigate the pricing gap between Henry Hub and AECO through the year. However, in the near to medium term we expect natural gas prices, particularly AECO, to remain challenged. Growth out of the U.S. shale basins, particularly the Marcellus, continues to have an impact by displacing Canadian volumes. It is expected that the Marcellus gas production itself could grow at greater than 2 bcf/d annually over the near-term. Marcellus production is now greater than Canada's total natural gas output. With no near-term solution outlined for getting natural gas off the continent, particularly as it relates to West Coast LNG, it is expected that Canadian producers may be natural gas price challenged.
Drilling Activity
In 2014, a total of 10,920 wells were drilled and completed within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (the "Basin"), up slightly from 10,883 in 2013. While activity was relatively flat through 2014, with the retreat in commodity prices we have seen a material reduction in drilling activity within the Basin. On January 22, 2015, the Canadian Association of Oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAODC) published an updated drilling activity forecast. CAODC is now estimating a total of 6,612 wells will be completed within the Basin through 2015 representing a 39% decrease from 2014. CAODC ran its forecasts under the assumption that WTI and AECO average US$55.00/bbl and AECO $3.00/mcf respectively through 2015.
Given the diversity of our asset base, drilling activity on our lands typically mirrors activity within the Basin. In our guidance we are forecasting drilling on our royalty lands will decline by approximately 50% versus 2014.
2014 Performance Compared to Guidance
The following table compares our key operating assumptions during 2014 to our actual results for the year.
Compared to our November guidance:
-- Average production for the year was 80 boe/d higher than November guidance. Gains in production were driven primarily by acquisitions. -- Average oil prices, both for WTI and WCS were slightly below our forecasts as prices retreated materially through the fourth quarter. -- Current income tax expense was lower than expected due to benefits obtained from our East Edson joint venture. 2014 Key Operating Assumptions Previous Guidance --------------------------- 2014 Nov. Aug. May Mar. Actual 13, 7, 14, 6, 2014 Annual Average Results 2014 2014 2014 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily production boe/d 9,180 9,100 9,500 9,100 8,700 WTI oil price US$/bbl 92.99 94.00 99.00 98.00 97.00 Western Canadian Select (WCS) Cdn$/bbl 81.10 83.00 85.00 85.00 83.00 AECO natural gas price Cdn$/Mcf 4.41 4.25 4.25 4.50 4.50 Exchange rate Cdn$/US$ 0.91 0.91 0.92 0.90 0.90 Operating costs $/boe 5.67 5.70 6.00 6.00 6.00 General and administrative costs (1) $/boe 2.59 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.60 Capital expenditures $ millions 34 35 35 35 35 Dividends paid in shares (DRIP) $ millions 32 29 31 29 29 Long-term debt at year end $ millions 139 142 131 137 38 Current income tax expense $ millions 22 26 28 33 32 Weighted average shares outstanding millions 71 71 71 68 68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Excludes share based and other compensation.
Guidance Update
For 2015, the Board has approved a capital budget of $25 million with our focus continuing to center on oil development within our mineral title lands. Approximately 65% of our spending will be in southeast Saskatchewan (light oil), with 30% allocated to Western Alberta (Cardium light oil) and the remaining balance to heavy oil. Capital may be adjusted as the year progresses, depending on the operating environment and individual well results. Also, an increasing percentage of our capital expenditures are non-operated and therefore dependent on the budgets and changing plans of our partners.
Freehold's royalty drilling for 2015 is expected to see a significant drop-off in activity reflecting commodity weakness. While it remains early in our forecast, we anticipate drilling on our lands could be down as much as 50% relative to 2014 activity levels. We expect light oil development in southeast Saskatchewan, horizontal drilling for shallow heavy oil targets and deeper Cardium oil drilling will be the key plays in 2015.
Based on this level of capital investment, anticipated drilling activity by lessees on our royalty lands, normal production declines, and acquisitions closed to date (but excluding any potential acquisitions), we expect 2015 production to average approximately 9,800 boe per day. Volumes will be comprised of approximately 59% oil and NGL's and 41% natural gas. We continue to maintain our royalty focus with royalty production expected to account for approximately 68% of forecasted 2015 production.
Royalties are expected to be approximately 78% of Freehold's 2015 operating income.
2015 Key Operating Assumptions Guidance Dated Mar. 5, Jan. 14, Nov. 13, 2015 Annual Average 2015 2015 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Daily production boe/d 9,800 9,800 9,700 WTI oil price US$/bbl 60.00 60.00 85.00 Western Canadian Select (WCS) Cdn$/bbl 56.00 54.00 77.00 AECO natural gas price Cdn$/Mcf 3.00 3.00 3.75 Exchange rate Cdn$/US$ 0.80 0.84 0.87 Operating costs $/boe 6.60 6.60 6.60 General and administrative costs (1) $/boe 2.60 2.60 2.90 Capital expenditures $ millions 25 25 30 Dividends paid in shares (DRIP) (2) $ millions 26 26 27 Weighted average shares outstanding millions 76 76 75 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Excludes share based and other compensation. (2) Assumes average 30% participation rate in Freehold's dividend reinvestment plan, which is subject to change at the participants' discretion.
Recognizing the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, we continue to closely monitor commodity prices and industry trends for signs of changing market conditions. We caution that it is inherently difficult to predict activity levels on our royalty lands since we have no operational control. As well, significant changes (positive or negative) in commodity prices (including Canadian oil price differentials), foreign exchange rates, or production rates may result in adjustments to the dividend rate.
Based on our current guidance and commodity price assumptions, and assuming no significant changes in the current business environment, we expect to maintain the current monthly dividend rate of $0.09/share through 2015, subject to the Board's quarterly review and approval.
A sensitivity analysis of the potential impact of key variables on funds from operations per share is provided below. For the purposes of the sensitivity analysis, the effect of a change in a particular variable is calculated independently of any change in another variable. In reality, changes in one factor will contribute to changes in another, which can magnify or counteract the sensitivities. For instance, trends have shown a correlation between the movement in the foreign exchange rate of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar and the benchmark WTI crude oil price.
Land and Reserves
The majority of our assets are royalty interests and under National Instrument 51-101 royalty interests cannot be included under gross reserves. This causes our gross reserves to be lower than our net reserves and makes it difficult for investors to compare our reserves and finding and development costs to exploration and development companies. We believe the most appropriate measure of reserves and finding and development costs for Freehold is on a net basis.
As at year-end 2014, our undeveloped land was independently valued at $114.0 million by Seaton-Jordan & Associates Ltd. Our total land holdings encompass approximately 3.2 million gross acres, 93% of which are royalties. Of this, our mineral title lands (including royalty assumption lands), which we own in perpetuity, cover more than 693,000 acres; all but approximately 145,000 gross acres of which are currently leased to third parties. In addition, we have gross overriding royalty interests in over 2.2 million acres.
These royalty interest lands are significant to Freehold. The majority of these lands are leased to third party operators. As a royalty owner, we have no operational control over the operator's future development activities. As such, the extent of drilling and development activity in future years can be difficult to predict. However, these operators have historically invested significant amounts to generate future reserve additions, and production from which Freehold receives certain royalties. Reserve values do not include potential reserve additions that may occur as a result of future drilling on most of our royalty lands. In addition, based on an internal estimate, we have estimated the net present value of the future royalty revenue from our potash reserves at $11.1 million before tax (discounted at 10%).
Our oil and gas reserves were independently evaluated by Trimble Engineering Associates Ltd. (Trimble) as at December 31, 2014. The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the standards contained in the COGE Handbook and the reserve definitions contained in National Instrument 51-101. Our Reserves Committee met with Trimble to review the findings and procedures, and the reserves report has been accepted by our Board.
Summary oil and gas reserves information is provided below. Complete reserves disclosure as required under National Instrument 51-101 will be included in our Annual Information Form.
Summary of Oil and Gas Reserves As of December 31, 2014 Forecast Prices and Costs Light and Medium (1) Oil Heavy Oil Total Crude Oil ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Gross Gross Gross (2) Net (3) (2) Net (3) (2) Net (3) Reserves Category (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (MMcf') (MMcf) ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Proved Developed producing 1,612 3,837 723 3,994 2,334 7,831 Developed non-producing 109 97 15 16 124 113 Undeveloped 38 80 - - 38 80 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Total proved 1,758 4,014 738 4,010 2,496 8,024 Probable 1,508 3,106 779 2,592 2,287 5,698 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Total proved plus probable 3,267 7,120 1,517 6,602 4,783 13,722 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Natural Gas Natural Gas Liquids Oil Equivalent ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- Gross Gross Gross (2) Net (3) (2) Net (3) (2) Net (3) Reserves Category (MMcf) (MMcf) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mboe) (Mboe) ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Proved Developed producing 4,199 32,458 157 857 3,191 14,098 Developed non-producing 1,463 3,279 80 113 448 772 Undeveloped - 24,633 - 566 38 4,752 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Total proved 5,663 60,369 237 1,536 3,676 19,622 Probable 5,076 22,525 230 639 3,363 10,091 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- Total proved plus probable 10,738 82,894 466 2,175 7,040 29,713 ------------------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- (1) Numbers may not add due to rounding. (2) Gross reserves are our share of working interest properties before deduction of royalties payable to others. Gross reserves exclude royalty interests. (3) Net reserves are defined as our share of working interest properties minus royalties payable to others, plus royalties receivable on our royalty lands.
The reserves data below is presented on a net basis (our share of working interest properties minus royalties payable to others, plus royalties receivable on our royalty lands).
Summary of Net Present Values of Future Net Revenue As of December 31, 2014 Forecast Prices and Costs (000's) (1) (2) Before Income Taxes, Discounted at (% per year) ------------------------------------------------------ Reserves Category 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Proved Developed producing 749,329 560,979 452,343 382,233 333,297 Developed non- producing 18,449 15,640 13,824 12,493 11,446 Undeveloped 175,073 122,089 88,731 66,761 51,718 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total proved 942,852 698,708 554,898 461,487 396,461 Probable 639,091 349,404 231,220 170,513 134,181 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total proved plus probable 1,581,943 1,048,112 786,118 632,000 530,642 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- After Income Taxes, Discounted at (% per year) ------------------------------------------------------ Reserves Category 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Proved Developed producing 673,485 503,987 406,649 343,939 300,190 Developed non- producing 13,814 11,607 10,202 9,181 8,383 Undeveloped 130,878 91,214 66,255 49,821 38,571 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total proved 818,176 606,809 483,106 402,941 347,144 Probable 478,079 259,528 170,927 125,555 98,444 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Total proved plus probable 1,296,255 866,337 654,033 528,496 445,588 -------------------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (1) Based on the December 31, 2014 escalated oil and gas price forecasts by an independent qualified reserves evaluator. Future net revenue values do not represent fair market value. Reserve values do not include potential reserve additions that may occur as a result of future drilling on our royalty lands. Columns may not add due to rounding. (2) The after-tax net present value calculation reflects the tax burden on the properties on a standalone basis, utilizing our tax pools to the maximum depreciation rate as currently permitted. It does not consider the corporate-level tax situation, or tax planning. It does not provide an estimate of the value at the corporate level, which may be significantly different. See our financial statements and accompanying MD&A for additional tax information. Total Future Net Revenue (Undiscounted) As of December 31, 2014 Forecast Prices and Costs (000's) (1) Reserves Category ------------------------------ Proved Plus Proved Probable ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Royalty income 856,783 1,384,193 Revenue from working interest properties 275,941 554,334 Royalty expense on working interest (36,916) (77,122) Operating costs (139,502) (249,933) Development costs (4,221) (18,708) Well abandonment and reclamation costs (9,232) (10,820) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Future net revenue before income taxes 942,852 1,581,943 Future income taxes (2) (124,676) (285,688) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Future net revenue after income taxes 818,176 1,296,255 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Future net revenue calculation includes future capital expenditures required to bring booked non-producing and undeveloped reserves on production. Future net revenue values do not represent fair market value. Reserve values do not include potential reserve additions that may occur as a result of future drilling on our royalty lands. Columns may not add due to rounding. (2) The after-tax net present value calculation reflects the tax burden on the properties on a standalone basis, utilizing our tax pools to the maximum depreciation rate as currently permitted. It does not consider the corporate-level tax situation, or tax planning. It does not provide an estimate of the value at the corporate level, which may be significantly different. See our financial statements and accompanying MD&A for additional tax information. Future Development Costs (Undiscounted) ($000s)(1) Forecast Prices and Costs -------------------------------------------------------- Proved Reserves Proved Plus Probable Reserves (undiscounted) (undiscounted) Year ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 2,453 8,215 2016 178 7,930 2017 1,443 1,993 2018 73 406 2019 50 86 Remainder 25 79 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 4,221 18,709 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) The source of funding for future development costs includes internally generated cash flow, debt or a combination of both. Disclosed reserves and future net revenue will not be materially affected by the costs of funding the future development expenditures. Columns may not add due to rounding. Reserve Life Index As of December 31, 2014 (1) Proved Total Proved Plus Producing Proved Probable ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net reserves (Mboe) 14,098 19,622 29,713 Net production (Mboe) 2,889 2,975 3,313 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reserve life index (years) 4.9 6.6 9.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Reflects the theoretical production life of a property if the remaining reserves were produced out at current rates. The index is calculated by dividing the reserves in the selected reserve category at a certain date by the estimated production for the first year's production period (calculated by dividing the Trimble forecast of 2014 net production into the remaining net reserves). Reconciliation of Net Reserves (1) By Principal Product Type Forecast Prices and Costs Light and Medium Oil Heavy Oil ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Proved Proved Plus Plus Proved Probable Probable Proved Probable Probable (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- December 31, 2013 3,506 2,322 5,828 4,181 2,730 6,911 Extensions 392 315 707 327 158 485 Improved recovery - - - - - - Technical revisions 389 (342) 47 367 (375) (8) Discoveries - - - - - - Acquisitions 670 832 1,501 34 76 110 Dispositions - - - - - - Economic factors 41 (21) 20 (6) 4 (2) Production (983) - (983) (893) - (893) ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- December 31, 2014 4,014 3,106 7,120 4,010 2,592 6,602 ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Natural Gas Natural Gas Liquids ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Proved Proved Plus Plus Proved Probable Probable Proved Probable Probable (MMcf) (MMcf) (MMcf) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) (Mbbls) ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- December 31, 2013 35,243 18,385 53,627 923 513 1,436 Extensions 1,003 940 1,943 69 79 148 Improved recovery - - - - - - Technical revisions 4,321 (1,734) 2,588 61 (79) (18) Discoveries - - - - - - Acquisitions 26,974 4,973 31,947 704 126 830 Dispositions - - - - - - Economic factors 39 (39) - - - - Production (7,210) - (7,210) (221) - (221) ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- December 31, 2014 60,369 22,525 82,894 1,536 639 2,175 ---------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- Oil Equivalent ----------------------------- Proved Plus Proved Probable Probable (Mboe) (Mboe) (Mboe) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 2013 14,483 8,629 23,113 Extensions 956 709 1,665 Improved recovery - - - Technical revisions 1,537 (1,086) 452 Discoveries - - - Acquisitions 5,903 1,862 7,765 Dispositions - - - Economic factors 42 (24) 18 Production (3,299) - (3,299) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- December 31, 2014 19,622 10,091 29,713 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net reserves are our share of working interest properties minus royalties payable to others, plus royalties receivable on our royalty lands. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Finding, Development and Acquisition (FD&A) Costs (1) Three-Year Net Proved Reserves 2014 2013 2012 Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finding and development expenditures ($000s) 33,701 29,287 36,746 99,734 Change in future development capital estimates ($000s) 1,638 1,142 (934) 1,846 Net reserve additions by development (Mboe) 956 834 1,071 2,860 Finding and development costs ($/boe) 36.98 36.47 33.45 35.51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acquisition expenditures ($000s) 233,274 10,091 60,852 304,217 Net reserve additions by acquisition (Mboe) 5,902 142 2,300 8,344 Acquisition costs ($/boe) 39.52 71.21 26.46 36.46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total expenditures ($000s) 266,975 39,378 97,598 403,951 Change in future development capital estimates ($000s) 1,638 1,142 (934) 1,846 Net reserve additions (Mboe) 6,858 976 3,371 11,205 Finding, development and acquisition costs ($/boe) 39.17 41.52 28.68 36.22 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Three-Year Net Proved Plus Probable Reserves 2014 2013 2012 Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finding and development expenditures ($000s) 33,701 29,287 36,746 99,734 Change in future development capital estimates ($000s) 2,702 3,448 1,916 8,065 Net reserve additions by development (Mboe) 1,665 1,649 1,809 5,123 Finding and development costs ($/boe) 21.87 19.85 21.37 21.04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Acquisition expenditures ($000s) 233,274 10,091 60,852 304,217 Net reserve additions by acquisition (Mboe) 7,765 294 3,483 11,542 Acquisition costs ($/boe) 30.04 34.38 17.47 26.36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total expenditures ($000s) 266,975 39,378 97,598 403,951 Change in future development capital estimates ($000s) 2,702 3,447 1,916 8,065 Net reserve additions (Mboe) 9,430 1,943 5,292 16,665 Finding, development and acquisition costs ($/boe) 28.60 22.04 18.80 24.72 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Included in 2014 acquisition costs are $15.2 million of exploration costs from four wells drilled on the East Edson joint venture lands and included in 2014 finding and development costs are $0.1 million of miscellaneous exploration costs. Excluded from 2014 acquisition costs are $15.0 million of costs for undeveloped land acquired during the year. In calculating finding and development costs, NI 51-101 requires that the exploration and development costs incurred in the year and the change in estimated future development costs be aggregated and then divided by the applicable reserve additions. The calculation specifically excludes the effects of acquisitions on both reserves and costs. We believe that by excluding the effects of acquisitions, the provisions of NI 51-101 do not fully reflect Freehold's ongoing reserve replacement costs. Because acquisitions can have a significant impact on annual reserve replacement costs, excluding these amounts could result in an inaccurate portrayal of Freehold's cost structure. Accordingly, we also provide costs that incorporate all acquisitions during the year. The aggregate of the exploration and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and the change during that year in estimated future development costs generally will not reflect total finding and development costs related to reserves additions for that year. Recycle Statistics, Net Proved Plus Probable Reserves Three-Year ($ per boe, except as noted) 2014 2013 2012 Results ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating netback (1) (4) 52.30 47.91 45.09 48.47 Finding, development and acquisition costs (2) (4) 28.60 22.04 18.80 24.72 Recycle ratio (times) (3) 1.8 2.2 2.4 2.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Total revenue, less operating costs and royalty expenses. (2) Development expenditures, plus change in future capital, plus acquisition costs; divided by net reserves added through development and acquisition activities. (3) Operating netback divided by the average cost of acquiring and developing new reserves. (4) Operating netback is based on gross production, while development and acquisition costs are based on net reserves. Land Holdings As of December 31, 2014 LAND HOLDINGS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2014 (gross acres) (1) Developed Undeveloped Total ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mineral title lands (2) 372,122 224,711 596,833 Royalty assumption lands (3) 75,391 20,875 96,266 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total title lands (4) 447,513 245,586 693,099 Gross overriding royalty (GORR) lands (5) 1,671,219 586,021 2,257,240 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total royalty lands 2,118,732 831,607 2,950,339 Working interest properties 173,758 41,213 214,971 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Land Holdings 2,292,490 872,820 3,165,310 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Land Holdings by Province Royalty Interest Working Interest ------------------- ----------------------------------- Undevelo Developed ped Developed Undeveloped ---------- -------- ----------------- ----------------- Gross Gross Gross Net Gross Net -------------------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Alberta 1,613,627 391,285 136,256 19,692 27,710 5,743 Saskatchewan 321,692 213,853 18,097 5,787 7,293 4,000 Ontario 88,799 173,305 - - - - British Columbia 84,098 25,884 19,247 1,265 6,131 101 Manitoba 10,516 27,280 158 37 79 18 -------------------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total 2,118,732 831,607 173,758 26,781 41,213 9,862 -------------------- ---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Land Holdings by Province Total ------------------------------------------------------- Developed Undeveloped --------------------------- --------------------------- Gross Gross -------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------- Alberta 1,749,883 418,995 Saskatchewan 339,789 221,146 Ontario 88,799 173,305 British Columbia 103,345 32,015 Manitoba 10,674 27,359 -------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------- Total 2,292,490 872,820 -------------------- --------------------------- --------------------------- (1) Gross acres are the total number of acres in which we have an interest. (2) The royalties received from the sale of oil, natural gas and potash produced from the leased mineral title lands are determined by the individual lease agreements. All but approximately 145,000 gross acres of our mineral title lands are currently leased to third parties. (3) Mineral title properties owned by a number of third party oil and gas companies in respect of which gross overriding royalties, varying from 4.7% to 6.5%, have been reserved to Freehold. (4) Title lands are held in perpetuity. (5) Gross overriding royalty lands consist of properties leased by a number of third party oil and gas companies in respect of which contractual royalties or net profits interests have been reserved to Freehold. Quarterly Review 2014 2013 ------------------------------- ---------------------------- Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 ------------------------------- ---------------------------- Financial ($000s, except as noted) Revenue, net of royalty expense 42,597 50,625 52,793 48,169 43,436 49,728 42,704 39,332 Dividends declared 31,353 31,148 28,711 28,576 28,373 28,206 28,019 27,897 Per share ($) (1) 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.42 Net income 11,082 17,913 19,598 17,854 14,106 18,961 14,292 10,493 Per share, basic and diluted ($) 0.15 0.24 0.29 0.26 0.21 0.28 0.21 0.16 Funds from operations (2) 30,774 39,561 37,319 30,793 29,092 36,407 30,115 23,817 Per share, basic ($) (2) 0.41 0.54 0.55 0.45 0.43 0.54 0.45 0.36 Operating Income (2) 37,584 46,012 47,801 43,795 37,954 44,642 37,898 35,350 Net operating income from royalties (%) 80 78 77 77 74 69 74 74 Dividends paid in shares (DRIP) 10,915 6,170 7,588 7,591 7,617 9,076 6,874 4,381 Average DRIP participation rate (%) (3) 35 20 26 27 27 32 25 16 Property and royalty acquisitions 60,566 76,780 109,044 1,884 6,891 2,542 658 - Capital expenditures 13,500 2,811 6,284 11,106 5,335 5,725 3,313 14,914 Net debt obligations 135,810 122,091 160,061 48,600 45,385 41,715 50,564 55,466 ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Shares outstanding Weighted average (000s) 74,545 73,214 68,296 67,965 67,483 67,078 66,649 66,375 At quarter end (000s) 74,919 74,286 68,520 68,157 67,746 67,326 66,874 66,522 ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Operating ($/boe, except as noted) Daily production (boe/d) (4) 9,836 9,430 8,810 8,623 9,173 8,699 8,714 9,067 Royalty interest (%) 74 75 74 74 68 67 71 71 Average selling price 47.46 59.54 67.45 62.72 52.99 63.74 54.66 49.09 Operating netback (2) 41.54 53.03 59.62 56.43 44.97 55.79 47.80 43.32 Operating expenses 5.54 5.32 6.23 5.64 6.50 6.36 6.06 4.88 Working interest properties 21.66 21.05 23.61 21.40 20.53 19.50 21.00 16.91 Net general and administrative expenses (5) 2.32 2.16 2.36 3.62 2.13 1.74 2.04 3.47 ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Benchmark Prices WTI crude oil (US$/bbl) 73.15 97.15 102.99 98.68 97.46 105.83 94.22 94.37 Exchange rate (US$/Cdn$) 0.88 0.92 0.92 0.91 0.95 0.96 0.98 0.99 Edmonton Par crude oil (Cdn$/bbl) 75.79 97.10 105.70 99.73 86.28 104.69 92.55 88.16 Western Canadian Select (WCS) (Cdn$/bbl) 66.74 83.82 90.44 83.40 68.44 91.71 76.78 62.96 AECO natural gas (Cdn$/Mcf) 4.01 4.22 4.68 4.75 3.15 2.82 3.59 3.08 ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- Share Trading Performance High ($) 23.27 26.92 28.15 23.47 24.63 24.88 24.58 24.48 Low ($) 17.02 22.64 23.01 21.41 21.54 22.50 22.46 21.00 Close ($) 19.12 23.16 26.78 23.28 22.11 23.78 23.57 23.38 Volume (000s) 18,607 10,412 7,232 7,322 6,077 4,374 8,108 7,203 ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------- (1) Based on the number of shares issued and outstanding at each record date. (2) See Additional GAAP Measures and Non-GAAP Financial Measures. (3) Participation in Freehold's DRIP is subject to change at the participants discretion. (4) Reported production for a period may include minor adjustments from previous production periods. (5) Excludes share based and other compensation. Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31 December 31 ($000s) (unaudited) 2014 2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assets Current assets: Cash $ 1,126 $ 158 Accounts receivable 26,430 25,587 Current taxes receivable 2,597 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30,153 25,745 Acquistion advance 949 - Exploration and evaluation assets 37,852 24,858 Petroleum and natural gas interests 584,323 377,262 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 653,277 $ 427,865 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Dividends payable $ 10,488 $ 9,485 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 15,864 10,813 Current taxes payable - 730 Current portion of share based and other compensation payable 611 1,102 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26,963 22,130 Decommissioning liability 21,279 15,781 Share based and other compensation payable 321 1,240 Long-term debt 139,000 49,000 Deferred income tax liability 44,847 45,642 Shareholders' equity: Shareholders' capital 635,223 455,497 Contributed surplus 2,577 2,167 Deficit (216,933) (163,592) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 420,867 294,072 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 653,277 $ 427,865 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended (unaudited) December 31 December 31 -------------------------- ---------------------------- ($000s, except per share and weighted average data) 2014 2013 2014 2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Revenue: Royalty income and working interest sales $ 43,631 $ 45,287 $ 199,850 $ 181,578 Royalty expense (1,034) (1,851) (5,666) (6,378) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 42,597 43,436 194,184 175,200 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Expenses: Operating 5,013 5,482 18,992 19,356 General and administrative 2,102 1,795 8,679 7,634 Share based and other compensation (1,164) (158) 438 1,531 Interest and financing 1,196 613 4,405 2,554 Depletion and depreciation 19,237 15,283 67,145 61,320 Accretion of decommissioning liability 123 127 498 452 Management fee 1,034 1,080 4,743 4,495 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27,541 24,222 104,900 97,342 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income before taxes 15,056 19,214 89,284 77,858 Income taxes: Current expense 3,273 6,214 22,178 23,558 Deferred expense (recovery) 701 (1,106) 659 (3,552) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,974 5,108 22,837 20,006 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income and comprehensive income $ 11,082 $ 14,106 $ 66,447 $ 57,852 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net income per share, basic and diluted $ 0.15 $ 0.21 $ 0.94 $ 0.86 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average number of shares: Basic 74,544,796 67,483,469 71,029,156 66,899,776 Diluted 74,681,308 67,598,380 71,170,896 67,021,372 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended December 31 December 31 ---------------------- ------------------------- ($000s) (unaudited) 2014 2013 2014 2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating: Net income $ 11,082 $ 14,106 $ 66,447 $ 57,852 Items not involving cash: Depletion and depreciation 19,237 15,283 67,145 61,320 Share based and other compensation (1,164) (158) 438 1,531 Deferred income tax expense (recovery) 701 (1,106) 659 (3,552) Accretion of decommissioning liability 123 127 498 452 Management fee 1,034 1,080 4,743 4,495 Expenditures on share based and other compensation (91) (189) (1,195) (2,299) Decommissioning expenditures (148) (51) (288) (368) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Funds from operations 30,774 29,092 138,447 119,431 Changes in non-cash working capital 3,741 1,336 (4,060) (26,196) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 34,515 30,428 134,387 93,235 Financing: Issuance of shares, net of issue costs - - 141,085 - Long-term debt 6,000 - 90,000 31,000 Dividends paid (20,350) (20,697) (86,521) (84,340) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (14,350) (20,697) 144,564 (53,340) Investing: Acquisition advance 49,211 - (949) - Property and royalty acquisitions (60,566) (6,891) (248,274) (10,091) Capital expenditures (13,500) (5,335) (33,701) (29,287) Changes in non-cash working capital 5,014 1,965 4,941 (461) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (19,841) (10,261) (277,983) (39,839) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase (decrease) in cash 324 (530) 968 56 Cash, beginning of period 802 688 158 102 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash, end of period $ 1,126 $ 158 $ 1,126 $ 158 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity Twelve Months Ended December 31 ---------------------------------- ($000s) (unaudited) 2014 2013 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shareholders' capital: Balance, beginning of period $ 455,497 $ 422,728 Shares issued for dividend reinvestment plan 32,264 27,948 Shares issued in lieu of management fee 4,743 4,495 Shares issued for deferred share unit plan redemption 180 326 Shares issued for equity offering 146,810 - Issue costs, net of tax effect (4,271) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period 635,223 455,497 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contributed surplus: Balance, beginning of period 2,167 2,036 Share based compensation expense 666 597 Deferred share unit plan redemption (256) (466) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period 2,577 2,167 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Deficit: Balance, beginning of period (163,592) (108,949) Net income and comprehensive income 66,447 57,852 Dividends declared (119,788) (112,495) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period (216,933) (163,592) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity $ 420,867 $ 294,072 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release offers our assessment of Freehold's future plans and operations as at March 5, 2015, and contains forward-looking statements that we believe allow readers to better understand our business and prospects. These forward-looking statements include our expectations for the following:
-- our outlook for commodity prices including supply and demand factors relating to crude oil, heavy oil, and natural gas; -- light/heavy oil price differentials; -- changing economic conditions; -- foreign exchange rates; -- drilling activity during 2015 and the impact on our production base; -- industry drilling, development activity on our royalty lands, our exposure in emerging resource plays, and the potential impact of horizontal drilling on production and reserves; -- development of working interest properties; -- participation in the DRIP and our use of cash preserved through the DRIP; -- estimated capital budget and expenditures and the timing thereof; -- average production and contribution from royalty lands; -- key operating assumptions; -- amounts and rates of income taxes and timing of payment thereof; -- maintaining our monthly dividend rate through 2015 and our dividend policy.
In addition, statements relating to "reserves" and the future net revenue associated with such reserves are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated and can be profitably produced in the future.
Such statements are generally identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "should", "plan", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions (including the negatives thereof). By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, lack of pipeline capacity; currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, royalties, environmental risks, taxation, regulation, changes in tax or other legislation, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, and our ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources. Risks are described in more detail in our AIF.
With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this news release, we have made assumptions regarding, among other things, future commodity prices, future capital expenditure levels, future production levels, future exchange rates, future tax rates, future participation rates in the DRIP and use of cash preserved through the DRIP, future legislation, the cost of developing and producing our assets, our ability and the ability of our lessees to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities, our ability to market our oil and gas successfully to current and new customers, our expectation for the consumption of crude oil and natural gas, our expectation for industry drilling levels, our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, and our ability to add production and reserves through development and acquisition activities. The key operating assumptions with respect to the forward- looking statements referred to above are detailed in the body of this news release.
You are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward- looking statements. Our actual results, performance, or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them. The forward-looking information contained in this document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Our policy for updating forward-looking statements is to update our key operating assumptions quarterly and, except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any other forward-looking statements.
You are further cautioned that the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make certain judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. These estimates may change, having either a positive or negative effect on net income, as further information becomes available and as the economic environment changes.
Conversion of Natural Gas To Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE)
To provide a single unit of production for analytical purposes, natural gas production and reserves volumes are converted mathematically to equivalent barrels of oil (boe). We use the industry-accepted standard conversion of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil (6 Mcf = 1 bbl). The 6:1 boe ratio is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip. It does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead and is not based on either energy content or current prices. While the boe ratio is useful for comparative measures and observing trends, it does not accurately reflect individual product values and might be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. As well, given that the value ratio, based on the current price of crude oil to natural gas, is significantly different from the 6:1 energy equivalency ratio, using a 6:1 conversion ratio may be misleading as an indication of value.
Additional GAAP Measures
This news release contains the term "funds from operations", which does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other entities. Funds from operations, as presented, is not intended to represent operating cash flow or operating profits for the period nor should it be viewed as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We consider funds from operations to be a key measure of operating performance as it demonstrates Freehold's ability to generate the necessary funds to fund capital expenditures, sustain dividends, and repay debt. We believe that such a measure provides a useful assessment of Freehold's operations on a continuing basis by eliminating certain non-cash charges. It is also used by research analysts to value and compare oil and gas companies, and it is frequently included in their published research when providing investment recommendations. Funds from operations per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of net income per share.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Within this news release, references are made to terms commonly used as key performance indicators in the oil and natural gas industry. We believe that operating income, operating netback, net debt obligations, and net debt to funds from operations are useful supplemental measures for management and investors to analyze operating performance, financial leverage, and liquidity, and we use these terms to facilitate the understanding and comparability of our results of operations and financial position. However, these terms do not have any standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other entities.
Operating income, which is calculated as gross revenue less royalties and operating expenses, represents the cash margin for product sold. Operating netback, which is calculated as average unit sales price less royalties and operating expenses, represents the cash margin for product sold, calculated on a per boe basis. Net debt obligations is long- term debt less working capital (current assets less current liabilities). Net debt to funds from operations is calculated as net debt as a proportion of funds from operations for the previous twelve months. In addition, we refer to various per boe figures, such as revenues and costs, also considered non-GAAP measures, which provide meaningful information on our operational performance. We derive per boe figures by dividing the relevant revenue or cost figure by the total volume of oil and natural gas production during the period, with natural gas converted to equivalent barrels of oil as described above.
Availability on SEDAR
Freehold's 2014 audited financial statements and accompanying Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) are being filed today with Canadian securities regulators and will be available at www.sedar.com and on our website at www.freeholdroyalties.com. Our Annual Information Form (including reserves disclosure required under National Instrument NI 51-101) is expected to be filed on or about March 9, 2015.
Contacts:
Freehold Royalties Ltd.
Matt Donohue
Manager, Investor Relations
403.221.0833 / tf. 1.888.257.1873
403.221.0888 (FAX)
mdonohue@rife.com
www.freeholdroyalties.com