CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Jan 21, 2016) - Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (the "Company" or "Zargon") (TSX:ZAR)(TSX:ZAR.DB) announces fourth quarter 2015 production volumes, provides a Little Bow Alkaline Surfactant Polymer ("ASP") project update and announces 2015 year end reserves. Zargon intends to release its 2015 audited financial results on March 7, 2016, after market close.

2015 Fourth Quarter Production Volumes

Fourth quarter 2015 production averaged 3,635 barrels of oil and liquids per day, essentially unchanged from the preceding quarter rate of 3,633 barrels of oil and liquids per day. During the quarter, increased Little Bow ASP tertiary oil volumes offset declines from Zargon's conventional properties.

Reflecting the economic shut-ins of minor non-operated natural gas properties, fourth quarter 2015 natural gas production averaged 4.23 million cubic feet per day, a 20 percent decline from the preceding quarter's rate of 5.28 million cubic feet per day. Total production averaged 4,340 barrels of oil equivalent per day, a four percent decrease from the preceding quarter. During the quarter, oil and liquids production represented 84 percent of total production on a 6:1 equivalent basis.

Little Bow Alkaline Surfactant Polymer ("ASP") Project Update

In March 2014, Zargon commenced chemical injection of large volumes of dilute chemical solution into the partially depleted Little Bow Mannville I pool to recover incremental oil reserves. To date, 6.6 million barrels of ASP solution has been injected into the first phase of the project. This injection volume is equal to about 20 percent of the targeted reservoir pore volume, and represents 29 percent of the total chemical bank (ASP and polymer only) scheduled to be injected in the phase 1 operation.

Last year, Zargon completed a summer-fall 2015 optimization and remedial program which included the conversion of two additional ASP injectors, multiple producer workovers, the drilling of three producing wells, and the replacement/repair of selected ASP injection lines. This program was followed with the drilling of three additional ASP producers prior to year end. Production results from these programs have been encouraging and show improved ASP project oil rates and oil cuts.

Consistent with our November 2015 production forecast, Zargon anticipates that the ASP project's current oil cut and fluid production trends (provided graphically below) will take the total phase 1 production levels to more than 600 barrels of oil per day by the end of the 2016 second quarter (400 barrels per day of incremental ASP production plus 200 barrels per day of base waterflood production).

To view the graphic "Little Bow ASP: Phase 1 Production," please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Zargon121.jpg

In their 2015 year end appraisal, Zargon's independent reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd., has recognized 4.48 million barrels of ultimate incremental tertiary proved and probable (producing and undeveloped) oil and liquids reserves to be recovered by the Little Bow ASP (Phase 1 and 2) project. For further information regarding the Little Bow ASP project, please refer to our updated corporate presentation which is available at www.zargon.ca.

2015 Capital Program

Zargon's 2015 unaudited capital expenditures totaled approximately $25 million (excluding $0.6 million relating to final statement of adjustments for prior year dispositions) and was allocated 76 percent to the Little Bow ASP project with $12 million (unaudited) allocated to ASP chemical costs and $7 million (unaudited) to ASP exploitation costs.

The remaining $6 million (unaudited) of capital expenditures were allocated to minor waterflood and facility modifications that continue to enable Zargon to have an industry low base oil production decline of 13 percent per year. Zargon did not drill any conventional oil exploitation wells in 2015.

Zargon's non-ASP conventional properties tend to be pressure supported by waterflood injections or natural reservoir aquifers and consequently provide long-life low-decline oil volumes. Approximately half of these production volumes are produced from Mississippian (Midale, Frobisher, Alida equivalent, Tilston) horizons in the Williston Basin core area. In aggregate, the conventional properties bring more than 75 horizontal locations that can be methodically drilled when oil prices improve. For further information regarding Zargon's conventional drilling inventory, please refer to our updated corporate presentation which is available at www.zargon.ca.

2016 Outlook and Budget

Although we are encouraged by recent Little Bow technical performance, field oil prices have continued to deteriorate and 2016 stable corporate debt levels will not be achieved without further capital reductions. Fortunately, the Little Bow ASP project has advanced far enough that Alkaline and Surfactant ("AS") injections can be suspended for a few months without significantly damaging future tertiary oil recoveries. Consequently, we have elected to temporarily suspend AS injections until oil prices improve materially ($45 US/bbl WTI target), although Polymer injections will be maintained to continue to move the formed oil banks to the producing wells. In the short term due to reservoir transit time, the suspension of AS injections will not have an impact on the ASP project's production trends, but after six months we anticipate ASP production growth will subside, resulting in stable production volumes until AS injections are recommenced.

Assuming that AS injections are suspended from mid-February until the end of the year, Zargon's 2016 capital budget will be reduced to $9 million and will comprise of $3 million of conventional expenditures, $1 million of ASP exploitation expenditures and $5 million for ASP chemical (mostly Polymer) costs. The 2016 drilling program does not anticipate the drilling of either conventional oil exploitation or Little Bow ASP wells.

Previously, Zargon has entered into an oil hedging program to provide a measure of stability and predictability to cash flows. For the first half of 2016, an average of 500 barrels per day is hedged at $79.30 Cdn/bbl WTI.

Production Guidance

In the November 11, 2015 third quarter results press release, Zargon provided 2015 fourth quarter oil production guidance of 3,650 barrels of oil and liquids per day (including incremental ASP volumes). Actual fourth quarter volumes essentially met guidance and were 3,635 barrels of oil and liquids per day and included 223 barrels of oil per day of incremental ASP oil production, up from 100 and 75 barrels of oil per day in the 2015 third and second quarters, respectively.

Reflecting the economic shut-ins of minor non-operated natural gas properties, Zargon's fourth quarter natural gas production averaged 4.23 million cubic feet per day, lower than fourth quarter guidance levels of 5.00 million cubic feet per day. Approximately 93 percent of Zargon's fourth quarter 2015 revenues were derived from oil and liquids sales.

Looking forward to 2016, increasing oil production volumes from the Little Bow ASP project are forecasted to mostly offset the effects of the 13 percent base decline from the conventional oil properties, and an average production rate of 3,550 barrels of oil per day is forecasted. This "no drilling" forecast assumes that in mid-February 2016, Little Bow AS chemical injections will be suspended for the remainder of the year. Significant oil production growth could be obtained in 2016 if a drilling budget was implemented. Natural gas volumes are forecasted to average 3.90 million cubic feet per day in 2016.

Strategic Alternatives Process Update

Last year, Zargon announced the formation of a Special Board Committee ("the Committee") to examine alternatives that would maximize shareholder value in a manner that would recognize the Company's fundamental inherent value related to Zargon's long-life, low-decline conventional oil assets and the significant long term oil potential related to the Little Bow ASP project. Scotia Waterous Inc. is the financial advisor for the Committee.

This ongoing strategic and financial review might include, but is not limited to a strategic financing, merger or other business combination, sale of the Company or a portion of the Company's business or assets or any combination thereof, as well as the continued execution of its business plan. The review will incorporate an analysis of market trends and tone. Zargon expects to provide updated disclosure regarding the strategic alternatives process prior to the end of the 2016 first quarter.

2015 YEAR END RESERVES:

  • Zargon's 2015 year end proved and probable total reserves decreased six percent to 20.90 million barrels of oil equivalent. These reserves were appraised by Zargon's independent reserves evaluator McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") and are effective as of December 31, 2015. On a 6:1 equivalency basis, oil and liquids comprised 89 percent of Zargon's total proved and probable reserves at year end 2015, up from an 88 percent weighting at the end of 2014.
  • Zargon's 2015 year end proved and probable oil and liquids reserves decreased six percent to total 18.58 million barrels. Zargon's 2015 year end total proved oil and liquids reserves decreased six percent from 12.40 million barrels to total 11.67 million barrels.
  • Zargon's 2015 year end proved and probable natural gas reserves decreased 11 percent to total 13.90 billion cubic feet and Zargon's year end total proved natural gas reserves decreased 14 percent to total 8.45 billion cubic feet.
  • Zargon's oil properties are characterized by pressure supported reservoirs (waterflood or natural aquifers) that provide long-life, low-decline oil production. Consequently, Zargon's proved developed producing oil and liquids reserve life index is 7.1 years and Zargon's proved and probable producing oil and liquids reserve life index is 9.2 years. Finally, Zargon's total proved and probable oil and liquids reserve life index is 14.0 years. The relatively large developed producing reserve life indices are indicative of low decline rate oil production which supports Zargon's business model.
  • Zargon's year end 2015 "produce-out" net asset value is calculated to be $4.84 per basic share. This reflects McDaniel's estimate of the Zargon properties' proved and probable future cash flow using a before tax 10 percent discount rate and forecast prices and costs plus an independent appraisal of Zargon's undeveloped land less an allowance for the year end bank debt, the full future face value of the $57.5 million convertible debenture and working capital deficiencies.

DETAILED RESERVE INFORMATION:

Reserves included herein are stated on a gross company working interest basis unless otherwise noted. All reserves information has been prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 Standards of Disclosure ("NI 51-101"). In addition to the detailed information disclosed in this press release, more detailed information will be included in Zargon's 2015 Annual Information Form to be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and posted on our website (www.zargon.ca) in March 2016.

Based on the independent reserves evaluation conducted by McDaniel effective December 31, 2015, and prepared in accordance with NI 51-101, Zargon had proved and probable reserves of 20.90 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Company Reserves(1)

At December 31, 2015
Oil and Liquids
(mmbbl)
Natural Gas
(bcf)
Equivalents (2)
(mmboe)
Proved producing 9.41 6.14 10.44
Proved non-producing 0.19 2.00 0.52
Proved undeveloped 2.07 0.31 2.12
Total proved11.678.4513.08
Probable additional producing 2.81 2.18 3.16
Probable non-producing and undeveloped 4.10 3.27 4.66
Total probable additional6.915.457.82
Total proved and probable producing12.228.3213.60
Total proved and probable18.5813.9020.90
Proved producing reserve life index, years (3) 7.1 4.0 6.6
Proved reserve life index, years (3) 8.8 5.5 8.3
Proved and probable producing reserve life index, years (3) 9.2 5.4 8.6
Proved and probable reserve life index, years (3) 14.0 9.0 13.2
  1. Company working interest reserves are gross reserves before deduction of royalties, boe (6:1).
  2. Boes may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 mcf:1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.
  3. Reserve life is calculated using annualized fourth quarter 2015 production.

A reconciliation summary of the 2015 year end reserve assignments with the reserves reported in the 2014 year end report based on McDaniel's forecast prices and costs is presented below:

Reserve Reconciliation (All Categories)
Oil and Liquids (mmbbl) Natural Gas (bcf) Equivalents (mmboe)

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.
December 31, 2014 12.40 7.27 19.67 9.85 5.84 15.69 14.05 8.24 22.29
Discoveries and extensions 0.19 0.09 0.28 0.02 - 0.02 0.19 0.10 0.29
Revisions 0.44 (0.45 ) (0.01 ) 0.41 (0.39 ) 0.02 0.51 (0.52 ) (0.01 )
Acquisitions and dispositions - - - - - - - - -
Production (1.36 ) - (1.36 ) (1.83 ) - (1.83 ) (1.67 ) - (1.67 )
December 31, 2015 11.67 6.91 18.58 8.45 5.45 13.90 13.08 7.82 20.90

On a total proved basis, Zargon added 0.63 million barrels of oil and liquids from revisions and field activities. For total proved natural gas reserves, Zargon added 0.43 billion cubic feet from revisions and field activities. On a combined basis, Zargon's 2015 total proved net reserve additions increased by 0.70 million barrels of oil equivalent as a result revisions and field activity. The McDaniel year over year change in the future proved development capital was a $1.6 million reduction ($43.8 million at December 31, 2015, compared with $45.4 million at December 31, 2014).

On a total proved and probable basis, Zargon added 0.27 million barrels of oil and liquids from revisions and field activities. Total proved and probable natural gas reserves increased from the prior year by 0.04 billion cubic feet. On a combined basis, Zargon's 2015 total proved and probable net reserve additions resulted in an increase of 0.28 million barrels of oil equivalent. The McDaniel year over year changes in the future proved and probable development capital was an $8.5 million increase ($112.1 million at December 31, 2015, compared with $103.6 million at December 31, 2014).

Reserve Reconciliation (Developed Producing)
Oil and Liquids (mmbbl) Natural Gas (bcf) Equivalents (mmboe)

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.

Proved

Probable
Proved
& Prob.
December 31, 2014 10.05 3.33 13.38 8.71 2.80 11.51 11.50 3.79 15.29
Discoveries and extensions - - - - - - - - -
Revisions 0.72 (0.52 ) 0.20 (0.74 ) (0.62 ) (1.36 ) 0.61 (0.63 ) (0.02 )
Acquisitions and dispositions - - - - - - - - -
Production (1.36 ) - (1.36 ) (1.83 ) - (1.83 ) (1.67 ) - (1.67 )
December 31, 2015 9.41 2.81 12.22 6.14 2.18 8.32 10.44 3.16 13.60

Zargon's reserves are characterized by a high developed producing component and a corresponding high confidence level. Proved developed producing reserves represent 80 percent of total proved reserves and 50 percent of the total proved and probable reserves. The remaining Little Bow ASP project reserves of 4.29 million barrels of oil equivalent represents 59 percent of Zargon's total proved and probable undeveloped and non-producing reserves of 7.30 million barrels of oil equivalent.

NET ASSET VALUE:

Zargon's oil, liquids and natural gas reserves were evaluated using McDaniel's price forecasts effective January 1, 2016, prior to provisions for income taxes, interest, debt service charges, transaction costs and general and administrative expenses. The estimated values of future net revenue disclosed do not represent the fair market value of the reserves.

Before Tax Present Value of Future Net Revenue
(Forecast Prices and Costs)
Discount Factor
($ millions) 0% 5% 10% 15%
Proved producing 230.0 181.1 146.5 122.4
Proved non-producing 7.3 5.4 4.1 3.3
Proved undeveloped 32.0 24.1 17.5 12.2
Total proved269.3210.6168.1137.9
Probable additional producing 106.2 61.0 39.3 27.7
Probable additional non-producing and undeveloped 125.7 80.4 51.9 33.6
Total probable additional231.9141.491.261.3
Total proved and probable producing336.2242.1185.8150.1
Total proved and probable501.2352.0259.3199.2

The following net asset value table shows what is customarily referred to as a "produce-out" net asset value calculation under which the current value of Zargon's reserves would be produced at McDaniel's forecast future prices and costs. The value is a snapshot in time as at December 31, 2015, and is based on various assumptions including commodity prices and foreign exchange rates that vary over time. In this analysis, the present value of the proved and probable reserves is calculated at a before tax 10 percent discount rate. In the net asset value calculation, Zargon's 75 thousand net acres of land is valued at $9.3 million based on the independent firm of Seaton-Jordan & Associates Ltd. valuation as at December 31, 2015.


Net Asset Value
As at December 31 ($ millions)2015
Proved and probable reserves (PVBT 10%) (1)
259
Undeveloped land9
Working capital (excluding unrealized derivative assets/liabilities) - unaudited(3)
Bank debt - unaudited(60)
Convertible debenture - unaudited(58)
Net asset value147
Net asset value per share ($/basic share) (2)4.84
  1. McDaniel's estimate of future before tax cash flow discounted at PV 10 percent.
  2. Calculated using basic total shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 of 30.366 million shares.

The following table provides net asset value estimates at December 31, 2015 for all four reserve categories.

Reserves CategoryMcDaniel
PVBT 10%
($ million)
(1)
Net Asset
Value
($ million)
(2)
Net Asset
Value
($/basic share)
(3)
Proved, developed, producing reserves 147 35 1.15
Total proved reserves 168 56 1.84
Proved and probable, developed producing reserves 186 74 2.44
Proved and probable reserves 259 147 4.84
  1. McDaniel's estimate of future before tax cash flow discounted at PV 10 percent.
  2. McDaniel's estimated value, adjusted for the following unaudited items at December 31, 2015:
    • Undeveloped land value as assessed by Seaton-Jordan of $9.3 million; and
    • Net debt of $121 million, which includes full value of the convertible debenture of $57.5 million.
  3. Calculating using basic total shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 of 30.366 million shares.

McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. Price Forecast (effective January 1, 2016)

WTI
Crude
Oil
$US/bbl
Edmonton
Light
Crude Oil $C/bbl
Alberta
Bow
River Hardisty
Crude Oil
$C/bbl
Western
Canadian
Select
Crude Oil
$C/bbl
Alberta
Heavy
Crude Oil
$C/bbl
Sask
Cromer
Medium
Crude Oil
$C/bbl
U.S.
Henry Hub
Gas Price
$US/MMBtu
Alberta
AECO Spot
Price
$C/MMBtu
US/CAN
Exchange
Rate
$US/$CAN
2016 45.00 56.60 47.00 46.40 40.50 52.60 2.50 2.70 0.730
2017 53.60 66.40 55.10 54.40 47.50 61.80 2.95 3.20 0.750
2018 62.40 72.80 60.40 59.70 52.10 67.70 3.40 3.55 0.800
2019 69.00 80.90 67.10 66.30 57.80 75.20 3.70 3.85 0.800
2020 73.10 83.20 69.10 68.20 59.50 77.40 3.90 3.95 0.825
2021 77.30 88.20 73.20 72.30 63.10 82.00 4.15 4.20 0.825
2022 81.60 93.30 77.40 76.50 66.70 86.80 4.35 4.45 0.825
2023 86.20 98.70 81.90 80.90 70.60 91.80 4.60 4.70 0.825
2024 87.90 100.70 83.60 82.60 72.00 93.70 4.70 4.80 0.825
2025 89.60 102.60 85.20 84.10 73.40 95.40 4.80 4.90 0.825
2026 91.40 104.70 86.90 85.90 74.90 97.40 4.90 5.00 0.825
2027 93.30 106.90 88.70 87.70 76.40 99.40 5.00 5.10 0.825
2028 95.10 108.90 90.40 89.30 77.90 101.30 5.10 5.20 0.825
2029 97.00 111.10 92.20 91.10 79.40 103.30 5.20 5.30 0.825
2030 99.00 113.40 94.10 93.00 81.10 105.50 5.30 5.40 0.825
Thereafter +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr +2%/yr 0.825

Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to our plans and operations as at January 21, 2016. Forward-looking statements typically use words such as "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "should", "plan", "intend", "believe" and similar expressions (including the negatives thereof). In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements relating, but not limited to: our business strategy, plans and management focus; the timing of release of our 2015 financial results and 2015 Annual Information Form, plans with respect to our Little Bow ASP project, other costs associated with the ASP project and the anticipated results from this project, sources of funding for our conventional and ASP project capital expenditure program, plans with respect to our 2016 capital program, including ASP, our forecasted 2016 production guidance and our plans for our strategic alternatives process. In addition, all statements relating to reserves, including ASP reserves, in this press release are deemed to be forward-looking as they involve an implied assessment, based on certain assumptions and estimates, that the reserves described, can be properly produced in the future.

By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, such as those relating to results of operations and financial condition, general economic conditions, industry conditions, changes in regulatory and taxation regimes, volatility of commodity prices, escalation of operating and capital costs, currency fluctuations, the availability of services, imprecision of reserve estimates, geological, technical, drilling and processing problems, environmental risks, weather, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and competition from other industry participants for, among other things, capital, services, acquisitions of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel. Risks are described in more detail in our Annual Information Form, which will be available on sedar and our website. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow investors to have a greater understanding of our business.

You are cautioned that the assumptions, including, among other things, future oil and natural gas prices; future capital expenditure levels (including ASP); future production levels; future exchange rates; the cost of developing and expanding our assets; our ability to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities; our ability to market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the impact of increasing competition; our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms; and our ability to add production and reserves through our development and acquisition activities 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. Our actual results, performance, or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur or, if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them. The forward-looking information contained in this document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Our policy for updating forward-looking statements is that Zargon disclaims, except as required by law, any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Other Advisories - Boe's may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6:1, utilizing a conversion ratio on a 6:1 basis may be misleading as an indication of value. The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Zargon's securities trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and there are currently approximately 30.366 million common shares outstanding.

Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. is a Calgary based oil and natural gas company working in the Western Canadian and Williston sedimentary basins and is focused on oil exploitation projects (waterfloods and recently tertiary ASP) that profitably increase oil production and recovery factors from existing oil reservoirs.

In order to learn more about Zargon, we encourage you to visit Zargon's website at www.zargon.ca where you will find a current shareholder presentation, financial reports and historical news releases.