At Wapiti, the Company has recently completed two liquids-rich natural gas wells (100 percent Delphi) in early cretaceous aged formations. Both wells were drilled in the first quarter of 2012. The two wells are expected to be brought on production within the next week through the Company's existing infrastructure and deep-cut processing facility.
Risk Management
The Company has increased its natural gas hedge position to approximately 42 percent of its natural gas production at $3.12 per mcf for the period of January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013. For all of 2013, Delphi has approximately 39 percent of its natural gas production hedged at $3.22 per mcf. Currently, the Company has the following natural gas hedges over the next several years.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- H1 2013 H2 2013 2014 Q1 2015----------------------------------------------------------------------------Volume (mcf/d) 15.0 13.4 8.5 2.8----------------------------------------------------------------------------Percent Hedged (%) (i) 42 37 24 8----------------------------------------------------------------------------Hedge Price (Cdn $/mcf) 3.12 3.33 3.27 3.73----------------------------------------------------------------------------(i) Based on production of 36,000 mcf/d
Market Guidance
The Company expects net capital spending for 2012 to be between $48.0 and $50.0 million with production for 2012 to average approximately 8,300 boe/d. Net debt at year end is expected to be between $90.0 and $92.0 million.
For 2013, Delphi is providing guidance for the first half of the year at this time due to the uncertainty of natural gas prices. Winter weather or lack thereof in central Canada and, in particular, the northeast region of the United States will have a direct impact on the outlook for natural gas prices in 2013.
For the first half of 2013, Delphi expects AECO natural gas prices to average approximately Cdn. $3.30 per mcf and Edmonton light oil prices to average Cdn $88.00 per barrel. Production is forecast to average between 7,900 to 8,300 boe/d (76 percent natural gas) during the first half of 2013.
The capital program will consist primarily of drilling two additional Bigstone East Montney horizontal wells, resulting in three as part of the winter capital program. Including completion operations of the well drilled in December 2012 and maintenance/miscellaneous capital, the first half capital spending plans total between $29.0 and $33.0 million. The capital program is expected to be funded by forecasted cash flow of approximately $16.0 to $18.0 million and the equity financing in the fourth quarter of 2012 resulting in a net debt estimate at the end of the first half of 2013 of approximately $104.0 to $108.0 million.
Delphi Energy is a Calgary-based company that explores, develops and produces oil and natural gas in Western Canada. The Company is managed by a proven technical team. Delphi trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DEE.
Forward-Looking Statements. This management discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", may", "will", "should", believe", "intends", "forecast", "plans", "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information.
