CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – March 3, 2016) – Baytex Energy Corp. (“Baytex”) (TSX:BTE)(NYSE:BTE) reports its operating and financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2015 (all amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted).
“Our 2015 results reflect the strong contribution from our Eagle Ford assets. The Eagle Ford generates the highest cash netbacks in our portfolio and has enhanced the quality of our production and reserves base. In 2015, 86% of our development activity was focused in the Eagle Ford, which contributed to strong reserves growth in our U.S. assets. The execution of our capital program has yielded impressive results as we advance the multi-zone development potential of our Eagle Ford acreage,” commented James Bowzer, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Bowzer said, “Based on the current commodity price environment and our commitment to ensuring strong levels of financial liquidity, we are reducing our 2016 exploration and development capital budget to $225 to $265 million, a 33% reduction from initial expectations of $325 to $400 million. In addition, we are proactively shutting-in approximately 7,500 bbl/d of low or negative margin heavy oil production in order to optimize the value of the resource base and maximize our funds from operations. Should netbacks improve, we have the ability to restart these wells in relatively short order at minimal cost. Our 2016 program will remain flexible and allows for adjustments to spending and production based on changes in the commodity price environment.”
Highlights
- Generated production of 81,110 boe/d (81% oil and NGL) during Q4/2015 and 84,648 boe/d for the full-year 2015, in line with guidance;
- Delivered funds from operations (“FFO”) of $93.1 million ($0.44 per share) in Q4/2015 and $516.4 million ($2.61 per share) for the full-year 2015;
- Produced 40,284 boe/d (78% oil and NGL) in the Eagle Ford during Q4/2015, an increase of 3% over Q3/2015 and 6% over Q4/2014;
- Realized over $150 million in efficiencies in 2015 as we remained focused on cost reduction initiatives across all of our operations, including drilling and completions, production and operating expenses, transportation expenses, and general and administrative expenses;
- Increased proved plus probable reserves (excluding thermal) by 2% to 347 mmboe. Year-end 2015 proved plus probable reserves are comprised of 81% oil and NGL and 19% natural gas;
- In the Eagle Ford, replaced 205% of production and increased proved plus probable reserves 8% to 203 mmboe. From the time of acquisition in June 2014, proved plus probable reserves in the Eagle Ford have increased by 22%;
- Recorded finding and development (“F&D”) costs for proved plus probable reserves, including changes in future development costs, of $7.68/boe for 2015 and generated a recycle ratio (operating netback divided by F&D costs) of 2.1x;
- Using the December 31, 2015 independent reserves evaluation, the present value of our reserves, discounted at 10% before tax, is estimated to be $4.3 billion; and
- Our estimated net asset value at year-end 2015, discounted at 10%, is estimated to be $11.05 per share. This is based on the estimated
