SilverBow Resources Announces 2018 Capital Program and Guidance
Accelerates Activity in the Eagle Ford
HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–SilverBow Resources, Inc. (NYSE: SBOW) (“SilverBow” or “the Company”)
today provided its 2018 capital program of $245-$265 million. For 2018,
total Company production is projected to average 175-195 million cubic
feet of natural gas equivalent per day (“Mmcfe/d”), an increase of
approximately 25-40% from 2017 levels, adjusted for small noncore
divestitures in 2017 and the Olmos divestiture planned for the first
quarter 2018.
2018 Capital Program Overview
- Capital expenditures of $245-$265 million
- 70% of capital expenditures allocated towards drilling and completions
- Planned addition of second rig in second quarter
- Average net production of approximately 175-195 Mmcfe/d (1)
-
30-32 net wells drilled in 2018 compared to approximately 18 net wells
in 2017
Sean Woolverton, SilverBow’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Our
team did a tremendous job executing on multiple fronts in 2017,
including prosecuting a successful delineation drilling campaign, adding
over 35,000 high-graded acres to our leasehold position at an attractive
cost, and increasing our liquidity to approximately $250 million. On the
success of our 2017 activities, we have elected to add a second rig to
our drilling program early in the second quarter.”
Woolverton added, “Our focus for 2018 now shifts to development as we
plan to exploit our Eagle Ford asset base with a commitment to becoming
a low cost operator in the region. Our current business plan positions
us for significant value-added growth in 2018 and beyond. With our
strong balance sheet, growing production and increasing cash flow, we
have significant liquidity to fund our investments in production growth
and inventory. Importantly, our business plan is fully funded with a
decreasing leverage ratio and significant financial flexibility as we
look to achieve positive cash flow in late 2019.”
The 2018 capital budget of $245 to $265 million provides for 30 to 32
net operated wells drilled compared to approximately 18 net operated
wells in 2017. Approximately 70% of the 2018 capital budget is allocated
towards drilling and completion capital, driven primarily by activity in
Fasken (13 net wells drilled), AWP (7 net wells drilled), and Oro Grande
(5 net wells drilled). Due to the timing of the back-end loaded drilling
and completions program, the Company will bring 25 to 26 net wells to
sales in 2018 compared to approximately 22 net wells in 2017. The
Company plans to end 2018 with an inventory of 10 to 12 drilled but
uncompleted wells (“DUCs”) compared to 6 DUCs at the end of 2017.
This drilling program provides for average production of 175-195 Mmcfe/d
in 2018, as adjusted for small divestitures in 2017 and the planned
Olmos divestiture in the first quarter of 2018. These noncore properties
contributed approximately 10.5 Mmcfe/d of production in 2017 through
September 30.
SilverBow expects further improvements in drilling and completion
efficiencies in 2018 given the increased activity level combined with a
greater focus on pad drilling. The Company continues to focus on longer
laterals and optimized completions.
The company expanded its Eagle Ford footprint by over 50% in 2017,
through a combination of an aggressive leasing campaign and
strategically acquiring bolt-on producing acreage in our core AWP area.
Specifically, the Company spent approximately $50 million on acquiring
over 35,000 acres, primarily throughout the gas and rich gas windows of
the Eagle Ford. SilverBow anticipates spending 20-25% of the 2018
drilling and completions budget on this acquired acreage. SilverBow
plans to continue acquiring acreage in the core of its Eagle Ford
leasehold positions during 2018 and has budgeted approximately $20-$30
million for core leasehold additions and extensions. The Company does
not budget for acquisitions.
The 2018 budget is expected to be fully funded through cash flow from
operations and available borrowing capacity within the Company’s
revolving credit facility. As of September 30, 2017, SilverBow had
approximately $250 million of available liquidity, pro forma for the
December 2017 Second Lien Senior Notes.
The Company plans on providing detailed first quarter and full-year 2018
guidance on the fourth quarter 2017 earnings conference call. For more
information regarding the Company’s 2018 capital program and guidance,
please see the Corporate Presentation in the Investor Relations section
on the Company’s website at www.sbow.com.
(1) Adjusted for non-core divestitures in 2017 and the Olmos
divestiture planned for 1Q18. Together, these properties contributed
approximately 10.5 Mmcfe/d to total production during 2017 through
September 30.
About SilverBow Resources
SilverBow Resources (NYSE: SBOW) is a Houston-based energy company
actively engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil
and gas from the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas. With almost 30 years
of history operating in South Texas, the Company possesses a significant
understanding of regional reservoirs which we leverage to assemble high
quality drilling inventory while continuously enhancing our operations
to maximize returns on capital invested.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The opinions,
forecasts, projections, or other statements other than statements of
historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company
believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, no assurances can be given that such
expectations will prove to have been correct. Certain risks and
uncertainties inherent in the company’s business are set forth in the
filings of SilverBow Resources, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Contacts
SilverBow Resources, Inc.
Doug Atkinson, CFA, 281-874-2700,
800-777-2412
Senior Manager – Finance & Investor Relations