Touchstone Exploration Inc. Announces Second Quarter Financial Results
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/29/13 -- Touchstone Exploration Inc. (TSX VENTURE: TAB) (the "Company") is pleased to report its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013. All values in this news release are in thousands of United States dollars unless otherwise stated. Highlights for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2013 are noted below.
-- Achieved average quarterly oil production of 1,956 barrels per day, up
from 1,012 barrels per day for the same period in 2012. Year to date
2013 average oil production was 1,750 barrels per day, representing an
81 percent increase from the 969 barrels per day produced in the
corresponding 2012 period.
-- Generated funds flow from operations of $2,976 compared to $2,119 for
the same period in 2012. During the six months ended March 31, 2013,
funds flow from operations was $6,099 ($0.05 per share), representing an
increase of 171 percent from the $2,253 ($0.02 per share) recognized in
the 2012 comparable period.
-- For the six months ended March 31, 2013, funds flow per barrel netback
increased to $18.12, representing a 42 percent increase from the $12.80
achieved in the corresponding 2012 period.
Financial and Operational Highlights
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Three months ended Six months ended March
($000's unless otherwise March 31 31
stated) 2013 2012 2013 2012
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Petroleum revenue net of
royalties $ 11,748 $ 6,476 $ 21,099 $ 12,345
Net loss (138) (1,262) (444) (1,518)
Per share (basic) (0.00) (0.01) (0.00) (0.01)
Per share (diluted) (0.00) (0.01) (0.00) (0.01)
Funds flow from
operations(1) 2,976 2,119 6,099 2,253
Per share (basic)(1) 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.02
Per share (diluted)(1) 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.02
Operating netback(1) ($/Bbl) 54.64 50.45 52.46 49.96
Funds flow netback(1)
($/Bbl) 17.34 23.24 18.14 12.80
Capital expenditures 1,214 4,332 3,919 7,474
Assets acquired from
acquisitions - - 12,605 -
Total assets (end of period) 136,015 125,693
Total debt(1) (end of
period) 24,110 26,395
Shareholders' equity (end of
period) 53,205 43,092
Weighted average shares
outstanding
Basic 138,956,517 108,928,242 128,892,095 108,928,242
Diluted 138,980,007 108,928,242 128,899,515 108,928,242
Outstanding shares (end of
period) 138,956,517 108,928,242
Average daily production
(Bbls/day) 1,956 1,012 1,750 969
Average realized selling
prices ($/Bbl) 93.21 102.18 91.18 99.02
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(1) See "Non-GAAP Measures".
The second quarter ended March 31, 2013 was another successful quarter for the Company. The quarter was the first full period in which the assets obtained in the PERL business acquisition were fully integrated into the Company's operations. This resulted in average daily production for the quarter of 1,956 barrels per day, marking the Company's eleventh consecutive quarter of production growth. During the quarter the Company focused on the integration of the acquired assets and the optimization of its existing production. The production focus was to manage production from existing wells and to fully utilize Company owned equipment. Both of these efforts resulted in higher production volumes, lower operating costs and fewer third party operators being utilized. As the Company only incurred $1.2 million of total capital expenditures for the quarter, additional funds were used to improve its working capital position.
The Company has now commenced its 2013 drilling program which will provide for growth during the second half of the 2013 fiscal year. The Company will continue its field optimization projects that will include surface equipment enhancements and down-hole sand control technology. These work-overs will have a short-term negative impact on production as wells will be shut in and then slowly brought back on stream. Despite the short-term impact to production volumes, this approach will result in longer future production run times and lower operating costs.
Financial Statements
Below is selected financial statement information as at and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2013 with 2012 comparative data which should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and the related Management, Discussion and Analysis for the year ended September 30, 2012 and the Company's unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related Management, Discussion and Analysis for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2013, available at the Company's website (www.touchstoneexploration.com) or on the Canadian System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") website (www.sedar.com).
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
(amounts in 000's of U.S. dollars)
(unaudited)
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March 31, September
2013 30, 2012
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ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,813 $ 7,409
Accounts receivable 10,624 7,330
Inventory 250 172
Prepaid expenses and deposits 564 452
Assets held for sale - 830
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17,251 16,193
Investment in associate - 5,070
Exploration and evaluation assets 30,447 30,447
Property and equipment 76,505 63,833
Goodwill 11,182 8,154
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$ 136,015 $ 123,697
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 4,294 $ 7,050
Income taxes payable 13,602 11,342
Current portion of long-term debt 2,511 114
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20,407 18,506
Liability component of convertible debentures 1,319 1,176
Embedded derivatives related to convertible
debentures 94 112
Decommissioning obligations 5,831 4,619
Long-term debt 20,280 23,242
Warrant component of long-term debt 876 574
Deferred income taxes 34,003 28,574
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82,810 76,803
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Shareholders' equity
Share capital 47,264 40,764
Contributed surplus 6,199 5,944
Accumulated (deficit) earnings (258) 186
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53,205 46,894
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$ 136,015 $ 123,697
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Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss
(amounts in 000's of U.S. dollars)
(unaudited)
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Three months ended Six months ended
March 31 March 31
2013 2012 2013 2012
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Income
Petroleum $ 16,409 $ 9,412 $ 29,045 $ 17,552
Royalties (4,661) (2,936) (7,946) (5,207)
Share of (loss) earnings of
an associate - (333) - 98
Interest and other 38 53 680 170
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11,786 6,196 21,779 12,613
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Expenses
Operating costs 2,128 1,829 4,391 3,489
General and administrative 1,537 873 3,085 1,710
Transaction costs 19 (22) 552 433
Depletion and depreciation 2,255 1,315 3,963 2,416
Share-based payments 150 183 155 331
Loss on unrealized embedded
derivatives 220 218 306 38
Foreign exchange (gain) loss (378) 225 (472) 337
Finance expenses 987 1,018 1,966 2,051
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6,918 5,639 13,946 10,805
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Earnings before income taxes 4,868 557 7,833 1,808
Income taxes
Current expense 4,404 1,021 6,041 3,102
Deferred expense 602 798 2,236 224
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5,006 1,819 8,277 3,326
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Net loss for the period $ (138) $ (1,262) $ (444) $ (1,518)
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Net loss per share
Basic $ (0.00) $ (0.01) $ (0.00) $ (0.01)
Diluted (0.00) (0.01) (0.00) (0.01)
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Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
(000's)
Basic 138,957 108,928 128,892 108,928
Diluted 138,980 108,928 128,900 108,928
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Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(amounts in 000's of U.S. dollars)
(unaudited)
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Three months ended Six months ended
March 31 March 31
2013 2012 2013 2012
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Cash provided by (used in):
Cash flows from operating
activities:
Net loss for the period $ (138) $ (1,262) $ (444) $ (1,518)
Items not involving cash from
operations:
Depletion and depreciation 2,225 1,315 3,963 2,416
Share-based payments 150 183 155 331
Loss on unrealized embedded
derivatives 220 218 306 38
Unrealized foreign exchange
(gain) loss (494) 151 (825) 151
Accretion on long-term debt 113 - 204 -
Accretion on liability
component of convertible
debentures 99 202 181 3,464
Accretion on decommissioning
obligations 169 181 323 363
Deferred income tax expense 602 798 2,236 224
Share of loss (earnings) of
an associate - 333 - (98)
Change in non-cash working
capital (1,869) (6,121) (4,930) (3,405)
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1,107 (4,002) 1,169 (1,152)
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Cash flows from financing
activities:
Share issuance costs - - - (27)
Repayment of debt (37) - (37) -
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(37) - (37) (27)
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Cash flows from investing
activities:
Exploration and evaluation
expenditures - - - (20)
Property and equipment
expenditures (1,214) (4,322) (3,919) (7,454)
Disposal of property and
equipment 830 - 830 -
Acquisitions - - 2,553 -
Change in non-cash working
capital (786) 4,092 (2,192) 4,413
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(1,170) (240) (2,728) (3,061)
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Change in cash and cash
equivalents (100) (4,242) (1,596) (4,240)
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period 5,913 7,120 7,409 7,118
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Cash and cash equivalents, end
of period $ 5,913 $ 2,878 $ 5,813 $ 2,878
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Cash paid during the period for
interest 596 517 1,211 1,138
Cash paid during the period for
income taxes 4,913 1,821 9,631 3,620
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Touchstone Exploration Inc. is engaged in the business of acquiring interests in petroleum and natural gas rights, and the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum and natural gas internationally. The Company is currently active in onshore properties located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange under the symbol "TAB". Please see the latest corporate presentation on the Touchstone Exploration Inc. website at www.touchstoneexploration.com.
The companies in which Touchstone Exploration Inc. directly own are separate entities. In this news release "Touchstone" or the "Company" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Touchstone Exploration Inc. and its subsidiaries in general.
READER ADVISORY
Forward-looking Statements
The information herein contains forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe" and other similar expressions. Statements relating to "reserves" and "resources" are deemed to be forward-looking statements, as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the reserves and resources described exist in the quantities predicted or estimated, and can be profitably produced in the future. Such statements represent the Company's internal projections, estimates or beliefs concerning future growth, results of operations based on information currently available to the Company based on assumptions that are subject to change and are beyond the Company's control, such as: production rates and production decline rates, the magnitude of and ability to recover oil and gas reserves, plans for and results of drilling activity, well abandonment costs and salvage value, the ability to secure necessary personnel, equipment and services, environmental matters, future commodity prices, changes to prevailing regulatory, royalty, tax and environmental laws and regulations, the impact of competition, future capital and other expenditures (including the amount, nature and sources of funding thereof), future financing sources, business prospects and opportunities, among other things. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect anticipated results in the future and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those predicted. Although the Company's management believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievement since such expectations and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.
The Company is exposed to numerous operational, technical, financial and regulatory risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond its control and may significantly affect anticipated future results. Operations may be unsuccessful or delayed as a result of competition for services, supplies and equipment, mechanical and technical difficulties, ability to attract and retain qualified employees on a cost-effective basis, commodity and marketing risk and seasonality. The Company is subject to significant drilling risks and uncertainties including the ability to find oil reserves on an economic basis and the potential for technical problems that could lead to well blowouts and environmental damage. The Company is exposed to risks relating to the inability to obtain timely regulatory approvals, surface access, and access to third party gathering and processing facilities, transportation and other third party related operation risks. The Company is exposed to risks related to recent acquisitions including unforeseen difficulties in integrating acquired companies, properties, personnel and infrastructure into the Company's operations; the outcome of litigation brought against the Company or acquired companies or other disputes involving the Company or any acquired companies; or the failure generally to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions. The Company is subject to industry conditions including changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced. There are uncertainties in estimating the Company's reserve base due to the complexities in estimated future production, costs and timing of expenses and future capital. The financial risks the Company is exposed to include, but are not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions in Canada and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, changes in income tax laws or changes in tax laws, royalties and incentive programs relating to the oil and gas industry, fluctuations in natural gas and crude oil prices, interest rates, the U.S./Canadian dollar exchange rate and the U.S/Trinidad and Tobago dollar exchange rate. The Company is subject to regulatory legislation, the compliance with which may require significant expenditures and non-compliance with which may result in fines, penalties or production restrictions or the termination of licence, lease operating or farm-in rights related to the Company's oil and gas interests in Trinidad and Tobago.
Readers 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. Readers are also cautioned that the foregoing list of factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Company's operations and financial results are included elsewhere herein and in reports, documents and disclosures on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed on SEDAR.
Non-GAAP Measures
This press release contains terms commonly used in the oil and gas industry, such as funds flow from operations, funds flow from operations per share, total debt, operating netback and funds flow netback. These terms do not have a standardized meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies.
Funds flow from operations represents cash flow from operating activities before changes in non-cash working capital. Management believes that in addition to net earnings and cash flows from operating activities, funds flow from operations is a useful financial measurement which assists in demonstrating the Company's ability to fund capital expenditures necessary for future growth or to repay debt. The Company calculates funds flow from operations per share by dividing funds flow from operations by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
The Company uses funds flow netbacks as a key performance indicator of results. Funds flow netbacks do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measures by other companies. Funds flow netbacks are presented on a per barrel basis and are calculated by deducting royalties, operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, transaction costs, finance expenses excluding non-cash items and current income tax expenses from petroleum sales. Funds flow netbacks are a useful measure to compare the Company's operations with those of its peers.
The Company also uses operating netbacks as a key performance indicator of field results. Operating netbacks do not have a standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable with the calculation of similar measures by other companies. Operating netbacks are presented on a per barrel basis and are calculated by deducting royalties and operating expenses from petroleum sales. Operating netbacks are a useful measure to compare the Company's operations with those of its peers.
Total debt is calculated by summing the Company's current and long-term portions of interest bearing instruments (not including derivative instruments). The Company uses this information to assess its true debt position and manage capital risk. The Company's determination of total debt may not be comparable to that reported by other companies.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Contacts:
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Mr. Scott Budau
Chief Financial Officer
(403) 992-8407
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Mr. Paul R. Baay
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
(403) 992-8407
(403) 514-0383 (FAX)
www.touchstoneexploration.com
