Q2 2026 Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Morning. Welcome, everyone, to the Tamarack Valley Energy Limited conference call and webcast on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, discussing the recent Q2 2026 results press release.
Speaker #1: I would like to introduce today's speakers: Mr. Brian Schmidt, founder and CEO; Mr. Steve Vitel, president; and Kevin Johnston, CFO. If you would like to ask a question, please press star then the number 1 on your telephone keypad to join the queue.
Speaker #1: And if you would like to withdraw your question, please press star too. Thank you. Mr. Schmidt, you may begin your conference.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Sylvie. Good morning and welcome, everyone, joining this morning to discuss our operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2026. My name is Brian Schmidt.
Speaker #1: Good morning. Welcome, everyone, to the Tamarack Valley Energy Limited conference call and webcast on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, discussing the recent Q2 2026 results press release.
Speaker #2: I'm the CEO and founder of Tamarack Valley Energy. And today I'm joined by Steve Vitel, president, and Kevin Johnston, CFO. We are proud to report our Q2 results, which delivered record cash flows accompanied by robust production and shareholder returns.
Speaker #1: I would like to introduce today's speakers: Mr. Brian Schmidt, Founder and CEO; Mr. Steve Vitel, President; and Kevin Johnston, CFO. If you would like to ask a question, please press star, then the number 1 on your telephone keypad to join the queue.
Speaker #2: Our results are underpinned by strong operational execution and bolstered by elevated commodity prices in the quarter. With global conflicts giving driving higher demand for responsibly resourced and reliable Canadian crude, we continue to build upon our operational momentum in the clear water.
Speaker #1: And if you would like to withdraw your question, please press star two. Thank you. Mr. Schmidt, you may begin your conference.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Sylvie. Good morning, and welcome everyone joining this morning to discuss our operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2026. My name is Brian Schmidt.
Speaker #2: We are delivering efficient production growth through the drill bit, and we continue to observe strong reservoir response from the ongoing water flood expansion across our core fields.
Speaker #2: I'm the CEO and founder of Tamarack Valley Energy, and today I'm joined by Steve Vitel, President, and Kevin Johnston, CFO. We are proud to report our Q2 results, which delivered record cash flows accompanied by robust production and shareholder returns.
Speaker #2: We are on track to grow our clear water production by over 15% year over year, and raise our exit water rate injection volumes by 75%, setting a stage for 27 and beyond.
Speaker #2: This quarter included the previously announced divestment of our Charlie Lake assets for over $800 million. This transaction reflects the culmination of a tremendous portfolio transformation over the last 5 years.
Speaker #2: Our results are underpinned by strong operational execution and bolstered by elevated commodity prices in the quarter. With global conflicts driving higher demand for responsibly resourced and reliable Canadian crude, we continue to build upon our operational momentum in Clearwater.
Speaker #2: Looking ahead, the transaction has positioned Tamarack extremely well for success. We are now a pure-play clear water operator with run-rate production of over 54,000 BOEs per day, net cash on the balance sheet of $130 million, and decades of low-cost, high-margin oil inventory.
Speaker #2: We are delivering efficient production growth through the drill bit, and we continue to observe strong reservoir response from the ongoing waterflood expansion across our core fields.
Speaker #2: We are on track to grow our clear water production by over 15% year over year, and raise our exit water rate injection volumes by 75%, setting the stage for '27 and beyond.
Speaker #2: Kevin Johnston, our CFO, will now discuss our Q2 financial highlights.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Brian. Clear water production growth and strong operating net backs drove record adjusted funds flow of $255 million for the second quarter, or 53 cents per share.
Speaker #2: This quarter included the previously announced divestment of our Charlie Lake assets for over $800 million. This transaction reflects the culmination of a tremendous portfolio transformation over the last five years.
Speaker #3: This was a 29% increase compared to the same period last year. Net of our capital program, Tamarack delivered $155 million of free funds flow in Q2.
Speaker #2: Looking ahead, the transaction has positioned Tamarack extremely well for success. We are now a pure-play Clearwater operator with run-rate production of over 54,000 BOE per day, net cash on the balance sheet of $130 million, and decades of low-cost, high-margin oil inventory.
Speaker #3: Year to date, the company has generated free funds flow of $280 million, or 58 cents per share. We continue to boost per-share returns with our accretive share buyback program.
Speaker #3: We repurchased 6.5 million shares in the second quarter and 11 million year to date. Since the commencement of the program in January 2024, we have now reduced the common share float by 15% at an average price of $5.39 per share.
Speaker #2: Kevin Johnston, our CFO, will now discuss our Q2 financial highlights.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Brian. Clearwater production growth and strong operating netbacks drove record adjusted funds flow of $255 million for the second quarter, or $0.53 per share.
Speaker #3: Combining the buybacks with our dividends, Tamarack returned over $165 million to shareholders through the first half of the year. We declared our third-quarter dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on September 30.
Speaker #3: This was a 29% increase compared to the same period last year. Net of our capital program, Tamarack delivered $155 million of free funds flow in Q2.
Speaker #3: Year to date, the company has generated free funds flow of $280 million, or $0.58 per share. We continue to boost per-share returns with our accretive share buyback program.
Speaker #3: Following the Charlie Lake divestiture, our dividend was increased by 25% and now equates to an annual distribution of $0.20 per share. Strength continues to be a core focus for Tamarack.
Speaker #3: We repurchased 6.5 million shares in the second quarter and 11 million year-to-date. Since the commencement of the program in January 2024, we have now reduced the common share float by 15%, at an average price of $5.39 per share.
Speaker #3: We have recently redeemed our remaining 2027 senior and extended our credit facility with a 4-year term, maturing in 2030. A portion of the proceeds from the Charlie Lake sale were utilized to repay everything drawn on our credit facility.
Speaker #3: We have now eliminated our net debt position and have exited the second quarter with over $500 million of cash on hand and undrawn credit capacity of $875 million.
Speaker #3: Combining the buybacks with our dividends, Tamarack returned over $165 million to shareholders through the first half of the year. We declared our third quarter dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on September 30.
Speaker #3: Steve Vitel, our president, will provide an update on our clear water assets and outlook for the remainder of the year.
Speaker #3: Following the Charlie Lake divestiture, our dividend was increased by 25% and now equates to an annual distribution of $0.20 per share. Strength continues to be a core focus for Tamarack.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Kevin. Execution of our first half, capital investment program, was largely in line with our original 2026 budget plans and was predominantly focused on primary development activities.
Speaker #3: We have recently redeemed our remaining 2027 senior notes and extended our credit facility with a four-year term, maturing in 2030. A portion of the proceeds from the Charlie Lake sale were utilized to repay everything drawn on our credit facility.
Speaker #2: We drilled 42 horizontals in the clear water fairway, utilizing a 4-rig program. First half activities also included groundwork for a water flood expansion plan in the back half of 2026.
Speaker #3: We have now eliminated our net debt position and have exited the second quarter with over $500 million of cash on hand and undrawn credit capacity of $875 million.
Speaker #2: As Brian noted, we exited the quarter producing over $54,000 BOE per day from the clear water and are well on track with our full-year production guidance.
Speaker #2: Current water flood injection volumes are approximately 45,000 barrels a day, and we now estimate that 8,500 barrels per day of our oil production is from water flood uplift, which represents 16% of our Q2 clear water production.
Speaker #3: Steve Vitel, our President, will provide an update on our Clearwater assets and outlook for the remainder of the year.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Kevin. Execution of our first-half capital investment program was largely in line with our original 2026 budget plans and was predominantly focused on primary development activities.
Speaker #2: By early August, we will be ramping up to approximately 50,000 barrels a day of injection, and are on track to achieve our 2026 exit guidance of 70,000 barrels per day.
Speaker #2: We drilled 42 horizontals in the Clearwater fairway, utilizing a four-rig program. First-half activities also included groundwork for our waterflood expansion plans, in the back half of 2026.
Speaker #2: As you are aware, this year's injection is next year's production. Tamarack is observing prolific water flood response from injection patterns commissioned in the prior year.
Speaker #2: As Brian noted, we exited the quarter producing over 54,000 BOE per day from the Clearwater, and our wells are on track with our full-year production guidance.
Speaker #2: At Martin Hills, the production underwater flood is back to 88% of the historical primary peak from more than 5 years ago, and continues to trend higher.
Speaker #2: Current waterflood injection volumes are approximately 45,000 barrels per day, and we now estimate that 8,500 barrels per day of our oil production is from waterflood uplift, which represents 16% of our Q2 Clearwater production.
Speaker #2: These water flood barrels were added at a finding and development cost of less than $1 per barrel. In West Martin, water flood response is establishing new production highs beyond historical primary production peaks, in both the B and C clear water sands.
Speaker #2: By early August, we will be ramping up to approximately 50,000 barrels per day of injection, and are on track to achieve our 2026 exit guidance of 70,000 barrels per day.
Speaker #2: Strong, consistent results from these two areas have provided significant momentum in the reduction of our corporate decline and future sustaining reinvestment needs. Following the Charlie Lake divestiture and in response to the higher near-term commodity prices, we elected to accelerate more growth of our high-margin clear water barrels in the back half of the year.
Speaker #2: As you are aware, this year's production—Tamarack is observing a prolific waterflood response from injection patterns commissioned in the prior year. At Marten Hills, the production under waterflood is back to 88% of the historical primary peak from more than five years ago, and continues to trend higher.
Speaker #2: Compared with our original budget, we are now spending an additional $75 million in the clear water which is balanced between primary and secondary water flood activities.
Speaker #2: These waterflood barrels were added at a finding and development cost of less than $1 per barrel. In West Martin, waterflood response is establishing new production highs beyond historical primary production peaks, in both the B and C Clear Water sands.
Speaker #2: Approximately half of this capital expansion reflects the reallocation of the Charlie Lake capital that was previously scheduled in the back half of the year.
Speaker #2: All told, we are now targeting a full-year capital program of up to $450 million. We continue to be excited about our prospective lands at Pelican and Seal, and have expanded our delineation program to include 3 wells in the Pelican area targeting both clear water and Wabaskah formation prospects.
Speaker #2: Strong, consistent results from these two areas have provided significant momentum in reducing our corporate decline and future sustaining reinvestment needs. Following the Charlie Lake divestiture, and in response to higher near-term commodity prices, we elected to accelerate more growth of our high-margin Clearwater barrels in the back half of the year.
Speaker #2: Further to this, we continue to advance our enhanced oil recovery scheme simulation in both areas and, in addition to that, are currently executing 2 water flood pilots in the South Clear Water Fairway.
Speaker #2: Compared with our original budget, we are now spending an additional $75 million in the Clearwater, which is balanced between primary and secondary waterflood activities.
Speaker #2: Success in these areas would reflect a meaningful opportunity for us to bring forward incremental value into our 5-year plan. Water flood continues to be the recovery technology of choice across the main clear water fairway.
Speaker #2: Approximately half of this capital expansion reflects the reallocation of the Charlie Lake capital that was previously scheduled in the back half of the year.
Speaker #2: All told, we are now targeting a full-year capital program of up to $450 million. We continue to be excited about our prospective lands at Pelican and Seal, and have expanded our delineation program to include three wells in the Pelican area, targeting both Clearwater and Wabiskaw Formation prospects.
Speaker #2: Supported by strong production response and very attractive economics. Targeted evaluation of alternative recovery technologies including thermal is being focused on areas with differing fluid and reservoir parameters where other recovery mechanisms may be effective.
Speaker #2: Further to this, we continue to advance our enhanced oil recovery scheme simulation in both areas, and, in addition to that, are currently executing two waterflood pilots in the South Clearwater Fairway.
Speaker #2: We are applying a nimble capital allocation strategy to our business. We had originally set a 2026 budget utilizing an assumed US $60 WTI price.
Speaker #2: With higher commodity prices and cash flows, we are dedicating more capital for growth. We remain opportunistic with significant optionality in balance sheet strength to maximize the total return to shareholders.
Speaker #2: Success in these areas would reflect a meaningful opportunity for us to bring forward incremental value into our five-year plan. Waterflood continues to be the recovery technology of choice across the main Clearwater fairway.
Speaker #2: Net of our expanded capital investment program, we expect the majority of our free funds flow generated in 2026 to be returned to shareholders in the form of share buybacks, further compounding our per-share value creation.
Speaker #2: Supported by strong production response and very attractive economics. Targeted evaluation of alternative recovery technologies, including thermal, is being focused on areas with differing fluid and reservoir parameters, where other recovery mechanisms may be effective.
Speaker #2: Brian Schmidt will now deliver the closing comments on the call.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Steve. In addition, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Shimek to Chief Operating Officer. Scott joined Tamarack 5 years ago as Vice President of Production Operations, and he begins brings significant experience to the energy industry having his integrated, diverse technical knowledge into various leadership roles.
Speaker #2: We are applying a nimble capital allocation strategy to our business. We had originally set a 2026 budget utilizing an assumed US$60 WTI price.
Speaker #2: With higher commodity prices and cash flows, we are dedicating more capital for growth. We remain opportunistic, with significant optionality in balance sheet strength to maximize the total return to shareholders.
Speaker #3: We also wish to thank the federal and provincial government for recent developments with respect to ongoing support for major projects in Canada. Including the egress solutions out of the Western Canyon sedimentary basin, which will benefit all Canadians and protect our sovereignty.
Speaker #2: Net of our expanded capital investment program, we expect the majority of our free funds flow generated in 2026 to be returned to shareholders in the form of share buybacks.
Speaker #2: Further compounding our per-share value creation. Brian Schmidt will now deliver the closing comments on the call.
Speaker #3: This creates a positive visits environment that reduces egress risk and enhances the business environment. Beyond our capital allocation strategies that Steve spoke about, I want shareholders to know that we remain centered on the day-to-day business and acceleration of the vast inventory of opportunities in front of us.
Speaker #3: Thank you, Steve. In addition, we're pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Schimmick to Chief Operating Officer. Scott joined Tamarack five years ago as Vice President of Production Operations, and he brings significant experience from the energy industry, having integrated diverse technical knowledge into various leadership roles.
Speaker #3: We are committed to precise operational execution, technical rigor, and innovation. We continue to chase higher margins through our improved capital efficiencies, lower cost, and higher price realizations.
Speaker #3: We also wish to thank the federal and provincial governments for recent developments with respect to ongoing support for major projects in Canada, including the egress solutions out of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, which will benefit all Canadians and protect our sovereignty.
Speaker #3: Putting all these together, we believe we can continue to achieve our mission of maximizing long-term sustainable value for our shareholders. Thank you. I'll now turn it back to Sylvie for questions.
Speaker #3: This creates a positive visit environment that reduces egress risk and enhances the business environment. Beyond our capital allocation strategies that Steve spoke about, I want shareholders to know that we remain focused on the day-to-day business and the acceleration of the vast inventory of opportunities in front of us.
Speaker #4: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, as stated, if you would like to ask a question, please press star followed by 1 on your telephone keypad.
Speaker #4: And if you would like to withdraw from the question queue, please press star followed by 2. Thank you. And your first question will be from Patrick O'Rourke at ATB Capital Markets.
Speaker #3: We are committed to precise operational execution, technical rigor, and innovation. We continue to pursue higher margins through improved capital efficiencies, lower costs, and higher price realizations.
Speaker #4: Please go ahead, Patrick.
Speaker #2: Good morning, guys, and thanks for taking my question. Maybe first, just congrats to Scott on the promotion to the COO role. I guess, just on the water flood here, I think Q1 you noted 24% of production underwater flood exit targets around 38.
Speaker #3: Putting all of these together, we believe we can continue to achieve our mission of maximizing long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders. Thank you. I'll now turn it back to Sylvie for questions.
Speaker #2: Where do you ultimately what percentage of that overall clear water production do you ultimately see being under water flood as you roll out the strategy here?
Speaker #4: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, as stated, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, followed by 1, on your telephone keypad.
Speaker #4: And if you would like to withdraw from the question queue, please press star followed by 2. Thank you. And your first question will be from Patrick Orwork at ATB Capital Markets.
Speaker #5: Hey, Patrick. Yeah, it's Steve here. On the 5-year plan that we came out with and updated on the back of that Charlie Lake sale, we see that being north of 50% approaching closer to 60% through the 5 years.
Speaker #4: Please go ahead, Patrick.
Speaker #2: Good morning, guys, and thanks for taking my question. First, just congrats to Scott on the promotion to the COO role. I guess just on the waterflood here, I think in Q1 you noted 24% of production under waterflood, and exit targets are around 38%.
Speaker #5: But what I would say is we'll continue to refine that as we go here and we'll look to in conjunction with our 2027 budget update that.
Speaker #5: I think just with the positive results we're seeing and the incremental capital, there is a chance that that could be higher. And ultimately, when we look at it, we put a new little update in the presentation where we talk about our sustaining reinvestment needs moving to sub-20% of our cash flow at a $75 commodity price.
Speaker #2: Where do you ultimately, what percentage of that overall clearwater production do you ultimately see being under waterflood as you roll out the strategy here?
Speaker #5: Hey, Patrick. Yeah, it's Steve here. On the 5-year plan that we came out with and updated on the back of that Charlie Lake sale, we see that being north of 50%, approaching closer to 60% through the five years.
Speaker #5: So when we think about it, I do think there is the opportunity to accelerate more of that production being under flood. And as such, that should result in more margin and more free funds flow really coming through the business in that plan.
Speaker #5: But what I would say is we'll continue to refine that as we go here, and we'll look to do that in conjunction with our 2027 budget update.
Speaker #2: Okay. And I was going to ask on success case at Pelican and Seal, but I think I'll leave that for someone else to maybe shift here, just given the comment you just made.
Speaker #5: I think, just with the positive results we're seeing and the incremental capital, there is a chance that that could be higher. And ultimately, when we look at it, we put a new little update in the presentation where we talk about our sustaining reinvestment needs moving to sub-20% of our cash flow at a $75 commodity price.
Speaker #2: You've obviously got a lot of free cash flow, low sustaining capital. I'm curious where you see the optimal capital structure for this business. And I think about an excess of $100 million in positive net debt on the balance sheet.
Speaker #5: So, when we think about it, I do think there is the opportunity to accelerate more of that production being under flood. As such, that should result in more margin and more free funds flow really coming through the business in that plan.
Speaker #2: How do you think about releasing that to investors?
Speaker #5: Yeah. And that's a good question. I'll start and then if anybody wants to add. But having cash on the balance sheet has never been optimal in our view in terms of your cap stack.
Speaker #2: Okay. And I was going to ask about the success case at Pelican and Seal, but I think I'll leave that for someone else to maybe shift here, just given the comment you just made.
Speaker #5: The cost of debt, especially after tax, is cheap, and we have significant returns, obviously, in our portfolio that we can bring forward. That being said, we're going to be a little bit patient here to just better understand the market.
Speaker #2: You've obviously got a lot of free cash flow and low sustaining capital. I'm curious where you see the optimal capital structure for this business. I think about an excess of $100 million in positive net debt on the balance sheet.
Speaker #5: Again, I talked about the water flood opportunities in front of us. You brought up Pelican and Seal. We do want to bring that forward.
Speaker #5: And the teams are working rigorously here on technical simulations in terms of what that looks like with respect to potential water flood. Perhaps polymer in certain circumstances and then in some cases even some of these thermal opportunities.
Speaker #2: How do you think about releasing that to investors?
Speaker #5: Yeah, and that's a good question. I'll start, and then if anybody wants to add, please feel free. Having cash on the balance sheet has never been optimal, in our view, in terms of your cap stack.
Speaker #5: So we'll sit back here, but ultimately, we do want to put that cash to work. And we likely will put the cash to work, but we'll do it in a very disciplined manner.
Speaker #5: The cost of debt, especially after tax, is cheap. And we have significant returns, obviously, in our portfolio that we can bring forward. So, being patient here to just better understand the market.
Speaker #5: And again, it's all about how do we bring forward more of this value that's sitting both in the plan currently with the water flood, but also not in the plan currently that could be upside to that plan in Pelican and Seal and even places like the South Clearwater where we're piloting that water flood as we speak.
Speaker #5: Again, I talked about the waterflood opportunities in front of us. You brought up Pelican and Seal. We do want to bring that forward.
Speaker #5: And the teams are working rigorously here on technical simulations in terms of what that looks like with respect to potential water flood, perhaps polymer in certain circumstances, and then in some cases even some of these thermal opportunities.
Speaker #5: Any other?
Speaker #2: Okay. Understood.
Speaker #5: Yeah.
Speaker #2: Thank you very much.
Speaker #5: So we'll sit back here. Put that cash to work. We likely will put the cash to work, but we'll do it in a very disciplined manner.
Speaker #4: Thank you. Next question will be from Jamie Somerville at Roth Canada. Please go ahead, Jamie.
Speaker #6: Good morning, guys. I'll be happy to ask the question on Pelican and Seal. What's the timing? We're likely to see initial results in an operations update on that in Q4, or is that something that we'll just be more likely to see a conclusive results from with the year-end reserves update?
Speaker #5: And again, it's all about how do we bring forward more of this value that's sitting both in the plan currently with the waterflood, but also not in the plan currently that could be upside to that plan in Pelican and Seal, and even places like the South Clearwater where we're piloting that waterflood as we speak.
Speaker #5: Yeah. Jamie, that's a fair question. We're going to spud the first of those three wells in Pelican in late September, early October. So I would say by the time we're have good results to be able to share with you guys, we are probably talking more like our reserves in Q4.
Speaker #5: Any other?
Speaker #2: Okay, understood. Yeah, thank you very much.
Speaker #4: Thank you. Next question will be from Jamie Somerville at Roth Canada. Please go ahead, Jamie.
Speaker #6: Good morning, guys. I'll be happy to ask the question on Pelican and Seal. What's the timing? Are we likely to see initial results in an operations update on that in Q4, or is that something where we'll just be more likely to see conclusive results from the year-end reserves update?
Speaker #5: But we could put an ops update out sooner than that. We will be targeting like I mentioned on the call there, two Wabiska targets, and then a clear water target.
Speaker #5: There's three different area competitors that are drilling those formations, and the rates as we continue to see public data come out continue to be really quite positive.
Speaker #5: Yeah, Jamie, that's a fair question. We're going to spud the first of those three wells in Pelican in late September or early October. So, I would say by the time we have good results to be able to share with you guys, we are probably talking more like our reserves in Q4.
Speaker #5: So we'll get after that. I think the biggest thing for us is the teams are working like I mentioned on the technical simulations in terms of whether we move to water flood or polymer flood specifically at Pelican here.
Speaker #5: So we'll want to set up the well designs and our program to accommodate the ability to take on that enhanced recovery as part of this development program.
Speaker #5: But we could put an ops update out sooner than that. We will be targeting, like I mentioned on the call there, two Wabiskaw targets and then a Clearwater target.
Speaker #5: So we'll have some good updates here as we move forward through the end of the year and into reserve season. Seal will be it's a winter program.
Speaker #5: There are three different area competitors that are drilling those formations, and the rates, as we continue to see public data come out, continue to be really quite positive.
Speaker #5: They're so that'll be a little bit later in that probably we probably could potentially have an update with reserves, but it more likely would fold into the Q1 timing.
Speaker #5: So we'll get after that. I think the biggest thing for us is the teams are working, like I mentioned, on the technical simulations in terms of whether we move to waterflood or polymer flood specifically at Pelican here.
Speaker #5: And there it's really what we're doing is, again, simulating some different water flood design in the three clear water packages there. And we'll finalize that here in the coming months along with some core flood study and then move that into that exploitation and testing phase likely early in the new year.
Speaker #5: So, we'll want to set up the well designs and our program to accommodate the ability to take on that enhanced recovery as part of this development program.
Speaker #5: So we'll have some good updates here as we move forward through the end of the year and into reserve season. Seal will be a winter program.
Speaker #2: Perfect. Thank you. Maybe just one more. What's the hedging approach going forward with the cash on the balance sheet? Is there a minimum level that you'll stay hedged at?
Speaker #5: So that'll be a little bit later, and we probably could potentially have an update with reserves, but it more likely would fold into the Q1 timing.
Speaker #3: Yeah, it's Kevin. So going forward, we still have been layering on some hedges a year out with really wide callers. So I think our last ones we put on were actually 50 by 100.
Speaker #5: And there, what we're really doing is, again, simulating some different waterflood designs in the three Clearwater packages there. And we'll finalize that here in the coming months.
Speaker #3: So we'll still maintain a modest hedge book, but now that we're in a net cap position, it'll be a much lower percentage. So where we were at 45 to 50 in the past, it'll likely be somewhere closer to 20%.
Speaker #5: Along with some core flood study, and then move that into the exploitation and testing phase, likely early in the new year.
Speaker #3: Already hedged looking at one year out. With those wide callers or even just buying the bottom end for protection.
Speaker #6: Perfect. Thank you. Maybe just one more. What's the hedging approach going forward with the cash on the balance sheet? Is there a minimum level that you'll stay hedged at?
Speaker #2: Perfect. Thank you very much.
Speaker #4: Thank you. Next question will be from Jeremy McRae at BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead, Jeremy.
Speaker #5: Yeah, it's Kevin.
Speaker #3: Yeah. So going forward, we still have been layering on some hedges, a year out with really wide collars. So I think our last ones we put on were actually 50 by 100.
Speaker #6: Hey, guys. I got a couple of questions for you here. I'll start with the first one, just related to water flooding again. What's the latest technology approaches to water flood that you see for the coming year here?
Speaker #3: So we'll still maintain a modest hedge book, but now that we're in a net cap position, it'll be a much lower percentage. So, where we were at 45 to 50% in the past, it'll likely be somewhere closer to 20% already hedged looking one year out.
Speaker #6: I know last year it was about injecting faster. But what do you see for this year? Is there new types of patterns or just anything that you see on the horizon that could be a different way you've done things in the past year?
Speaker #3: With those wide collars, or even just buying the bottom end for protection.
Speaker #5: Yeah. It's Brian. I'll take this question. So in terms of technology, you're absolutely right. We focused on making sure we could maximize the injection rates that we have on the wells.
Speaker #6: Perfect. Thank you very much.
Speaker #4: Thank you. Next question will be from Jeremy McCray at BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead, Jeremy.
Speaker #6: Hey, guys. I have a couple of questions for you here. I'll start with the first one, just related to water flooding again. What are the latest technology approaches to water flood that you see for the coming year?
Speaker #5: The interesting thing is here, with horizontal wells and the speed of the water moving to the producer, it takes up to 20 years to get one turn of water through that whole reservoir.
Speaker #6: I know last year it was about injecting faster, but what do you see for this year? Are there new types of patterns, or just anything that you see on the horizon that could be a different way you’ve done things in the past year?
Speaker #5: And that's very that's a very long time. That is in the high-profit margin of the of the cycle where you're putting water in and you're getting a relatively low water cut.
Speaker #5: And so we still remain focused on how we could get the injection rate up. And it may result in some configurations or some application for more pressure, those sorts of things.
Speaker #5: Yeah, it's Brian. I'll take this question. So, in terms of technology, you're absolutely right. We focused on making sure we could maximize the injection rates that we have on the wells.
Speaker #5: So stay tuned on that piece. In terms of the technical development going forward, Steve brought up the extension of testing in the seal area.
Speaker #5: The interesting thing is, here with horizontal wells and the speed of the water moving to the producer, it takes up to 20 years to get one turn of water through that whole reservoir.
Speaker #5: Canal and South Clearwater so I see that we're going to be able to extend the extend some of these floods and include more OOIP in our inventory as we go forward.
Speaker #5: And that's a very long time. That is in the high profit margin of the cycle, where you're putting water in and you're getting a relatively low water cut.
Speaker #5: And then the other thing we're going to be doing is most of our wells have been single-leg injectors. And we believe we can cut costs by by using multi-leg injectors.
Speaker #5: And so we still remain focused on how we could get the injection rate up. It may result in some different configurations or some application of more pressure—those sorts of things.
Speaker #5: So, stay tuned on that piece. In terms of the technical development going forward, Steve brought up the extension of testing in the seal area.
Speaker #5: There's a bit of a trick there because you don't want any bypass in the heel from the injector to the producer. So we've been drilling down into the tighter shale then coming back up into the clear water and putting in separate legs there.
Speaker #5: Canal and South Clearwater, so I see that we're going to be able to extend some of these floods and include more OOIP in our inventory as we go forward.
Speaker #5: And then lastly, in the South Clearwater area, we drilled a fan wells that are going that are designed to be water flooded. So every second well in the fan will be converted over to injection.
Speaker #5: And then the other thing we're going to be doing is, most of our wells have been single-leg injectors, and we believe we can cut costs by using multi-leg injectors.
Speaker #5: And when we conversions probably early '27 will be starting to put water in every second fan on that. So that hopefully I think we're quite encouraged by how that's simulation results turned out on there.
Speaker #5: There's a bit of a trick there because you don't want any bypass in the heel from the injector to the producer. So, we've been drilling down into the tighter shale, then coming back up into the Clearwater and putting in separate legs there.
Speaker #5: So we're pretty excited to see what happens there. I think Jeremy, the one thing that I would tell you is that we have two reservoir engineering modelers on staff.
Speaker #5: And then lastly, in the South Clearwater area, we drilled a fan of wells that are designed to be waterflooded. So every second well in the fan will be converted over to injection.
Speaker #5: And an X Shell advisor that I work with years and years ago. That have been instrumental in design of some of these floods. And I just saw some real exciting stuff this week both on seal and Pelican that where the guys have put together a real nice development plan using that reservoir simulator.
Speaker #5: And when we do conversions, probably early '27, we'll be starting to put water in every second fan on that. So that—hopefully, by how that simulation results turned out on there.
Speaker #5: So I'm excited to see what this turns up.
Speaker #6: No, that's a good detailed response. Thanks for that find. Maybe just completely a bit of a shift here. Just in terms of what Steve had mentioned, having cash on the balance sheet is not optimal.
Speaker #5: So, we're pretty excited to see what happens there. I think, Jeremy, the one thing that I would tell you is that we have two reservoir engineering modelers on staff.
Speaker #6: Do you see more maybe more tug and acquisitions that you do with that cash or accelerating capex innovative acquisitions? What's generally the criteria you use here to look at acquisitions?
Speaker #5: An ex-Shell advisor that I worked with years and years ago has been instrumental in the design of some of these floods. And I just saw some real exciting stuff this week both on Seal and Pelican, where the guys have put together a really nice development plan using that reservoir simulator.
Speaker #5: Yeah. You know what, Jeremy, I think the key here is when you look at what we've done with the land holdings in the Clearwater just over the last year, we've quietly increased that by 30%.
Speaker #5: So I'm excited to see what this turns up.
Speaker #5: And that is through Crown Land sales and through some small talk and acquisitions. We did Woodcott last year. We did the lineup Pelican private coal acquisition, which was really just a bunch of land.
Speaker #6: Oh, that's a good, detailed response. Thanks for finding that. Maybe just to shift the conversation a bit here—just in terms of what Steve had mentioned, having cash on the balance sheet is not optimal.
Speaker #5: So we continue to be opportunistic, but very disciplined with that strategy. And I think when you think about the cash on the balance sheet, some of that could go to things like that.
Speaker #6: Do you see maybe more tuck-in acquisitions that you do with that cash, or accelerating capex? Innovative acquisitions? What's generally the criteria you use here to look at acquisitions?
Speaker #5: But ultimately, what we need to do is we run internally an eight-year earnings model. You guys see five years of that output that we put in the deck.
Speaker #5: Yeah. You know what, Jeremy, I think the key here is when you look at what we've done with the land holdings in the Clearwater, just over the last year, we've quietly increased that by 30%.
Speaker #5: And we need to be creative to that ultimate earnings model. And that's set at 55 USWTI. So we never flex price on that. So we make sure that we're bringing in inventory that high grades what we have in the plan or that sits outside the plan that we can take and make that more creative.
Speaker #5: And that is through Crown land sales and through some small tuck-in acquisitions. We did Woodcott last year. We did the lineup Pelican private coal acquisition, which was really just a bunch of land.
Speaker #5: So, we continue to be opportunistic, but very disciplined with that strategy. And I think, when you think about the cash on the balance sheet, some of that could go to things like that.
Speaker #5: So we're very like I say, very disciplined on it. And it has to work in that model. So we see, yeah, we do see some opportunity there, I would say.
Speaker #5: But ultimately, what we need to do is, we run internally an eight-year earnings model. You guys see five years of that output that we put in the deck.
Speaker #5: But ultimately, Brian touched on seal and Pelican. We have so much to do in our own portfolio. In terms of the water flood upside, if you look at it, there's some good charts.
Speaker #5: And we need to be creative to that ultimate earnings model. And that's set at $55 US WTI, so we never flex price on that.
Speaker #5: In the core, we would hold the most what we see is acreage amenable to water flood. And we have the least amount currently under flood.
Speaker #5: So we make sure that we're bringing in inventory that high-grades what we have in the plan, or that sits outside the plan, that we can take and make that more accretive.
Speaker #5: So we've got to get after that. That's part of the capital expansion that we did and some of the use of proceeds that came in in terms of that cash.
Speaker #5: And then bringing forward other opportunities like Pelican and seal that currently are not in the plan that could be highly accretive to the plan.
Speaker #5: So we're very, like I say, very disciplined on it. And it has to work in that model. So we see—yeah, we do see some opportunity there, I would say. But ultimately, Brian touched on Seal and Pelican.
Speaker #5: So I could see us using an accelerating some of the cash for that. But the nice thing about this business is when you're sustaining reinvestment rate is only 20% of your cash flow, you have a lot of optionality and margin for growth, for bringing and testing some of these concepts forward, and then continuing with our buyback to compound that per share value.
Speaker #5: We have so much to do in our own portfolio. In terms of the waterflood upside, if you look at it, there are some good charts.
Speaker #5: In the core, we would hold the most—what we see is acreage amenable to waterflood. And we have the least amount currently under flood.
Speaker #5: So we see a really a bunch of different potential uses there. But again, discipline is the key message I'd leave you with in terms of how we go about using that.
Speaker #5: So we've got to get after that. That's part of the capital expansion that we did, and some of the use of proceeds that came in, in terms of that cash.
Speaker #5: And then bringing forward other opportunities like Pelican and Seal that currently are not in the plan, that could be highly accretive to the plan.
Speaker #6: Perfect.
Speaker #5: Yeah, and I would add just so we're crystal clear there. The rationale for moving off Charlie Lake was to get at the vast inventory we have, both in terms of primary drilling and water flood.
Speaker #5: So I could see us using and accelerating some of the cash for that. But the nice thing about this business is, when your sustaining reinvestment rate is only 20% of your cash flow, you have a lot of optionality and margin for growth, for bringing and testing some of these concepts forward, and then continuing with our buyback to compound that per share value.
Speaker #5: So that's really where everyone is folks over here. Is trying to get at that organic growth and accelerate that. And you're seeing that come through the capital additions that we added this year.
Speaker #5: So, we see really a bunch of different potential uses there. But again, discipline is the key message I'd leave you with in terms of how we go about using that.
Speaker #5: And then the other thing, guys, is I just think from the buyback point of view, Steve brought that up. We see a lot of good value in the stock because we don't we're seeing the water flood probably in advance of we're just seeing some really good things happen there.
Speaker #5: Yeah, and I would add, just so we're crystal clear there, the rationale for moving off Charlie Lake was to get at the vast inventory we have, both in terms of primary drilling and waterflood.
Speaker #5: And we think that the credit will come through on the reserve reports year on year. But we can see these things relatively early. So there's good value in the share.
Speaker #5: So that's really where everyone is, folks, over here—trying to get at that organic growth and accelerate it. And you're seeing that come through the capital additions that we added this year.
Speaker #5: Probably the best acquisition we could do is our own stock right now.
Speaker #6: Perfect. That's a good answer. Thanks, you guys.
Speaker #1: Thank you. And at this time, we have no other questions registered. I will turn the call back over to Mr. Schmidt.
Speaker #5: And then the other thing, guys, is I just think from the buyback point of view—Steve brought that up—we see a lot of good value in the stock because, you know, we're seeing the water flood probably in advance of... we're just seeing some really good things happen there.
Speaker #5: Thank you, everybody. I appreciate if you have further questions, please reach through our website. And we'd be happy to answer them or give us a call.
Speaker #5: Thanks for your time this morning.
Speaker #5: And we think that the credit will come through on the reserve reports year on year, but we can see these things relatively early. So there’s good value in the share.
Speaker #1: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, this does indeed conclude your conference call for today. Once again, thank you for attending. And at this time, we do ask that you please disconnect your line.
Speaker #5: Probably the best acquisition we could do is our own stock right now.
Speaker #6: Perfect. That's a good answer. Thanks, you guys.
Speaker #1: Two. And at this time, we have no other questions registered. I will turn the call back over to Mr. Schmidt.
Speaker #5: Thank you, everybody. If you have further questions, please reach out through our website and we'd be happy to answer them, or give us a call.
Speaker #5: Thanks for your time this morning.
Speaker #1: Thank you, sir. Ladies and gentlemen, this does indeed conclude your conference call for today. Once again, thank you for attending. At this time, we ask that you please disconnect your line.
