EX-99.1 2 gte-20131231pressrelease.htm EXHIBIT 99.1 GTE - 2013.12.31 PressRelease



 
Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Record Year-End Results for 2013  

Drilling and Operations Success Results in Record Reserves, Production and Funds Flows From Operations

CALGARY, Alberta, February 25, 2014, Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra Energy”) (NYSE MKT: GTE, TSX: GTE), a company focused on oil and gas exploration and production in South America, today announced its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013. All dollar amounts are in United States (“U.S.”) dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Financial and operating highlights for the year include:

•
In 2013, oil and natural gas production averaged a record 29,099 company interest barrels of oil equivalent per day (“BOEPD”), or a record net after royalty (“NAR”) and adjusted for inventory changes, 22,267 BOEPD (97% light and medium oil and liquids), an increase of 32% from 2012. Production for the month of January averaged approximately 22,640 BOEPD NAR adjusted for inventory changes, consistent with budget;
•
Total Proved (“1P”) reserves NAR increased 4% to 42.1 million barrels of oil equivalent (“MMBOE”) (95% light and medium oil and liquids consistent with 95% at year-end 2012); total Proved plus Probable (“2P”) reserves NAR increased 99% to 111.9 MMBOE (97% oil and liquids compared with 95% at year-end 2012); total Proved plus Probable plus Possible (“3P”) reserves NAR increased 113% to 183.9 MMBOE (94% oil and liquids compared with 87% at year-end 2012). The aforementioned reserve figures were calculated in accordance with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules. These record reserves were achieved after producing a record 8.1 MMBOE NAR during the year;
•
The largest increase in the 2P and 3P categories were associated with new reserves booked at the Bretaña field in Peru where Gran Tierra Energy recognized 2P NAR reserves of 57.6 million barrels of oil (“MMbbl”) and 3P NAR reserves of 104.7 MMbbl;
•
Based on Gran Tierra Energy's 2013 year-end SEC company interest reserves and its 2013 total working interest production, Gran Tierra Energy's 1P, 2P, and 3P reserves life indices grew to 5.2 years, 12.5 years, and 20.4 years respectively;
•
As per Canadian National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”) and the reserves definitions in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“COGEH”), reserves NAR to Gran Tierra Energy as at December 31, 2013 were 41.7 MMBOE proved, 70.1 MMBOE probable, and 71.9 MMBOE possible, and 183.7 MMBOE total 3P NAR reserves. This compares to NAR reserves as at December 31, 2012 of 40.4 MMBOE proved, 15.9 MMBOE probable and 30.7 MMBOE possible, and total 3P NAR reserves of 87.0 MMBOE.
•
Revenue and other income for the year was a record $723.6 million, a 24% increase over 2012;
•
Net income increased by 27% from the prior year to $126.3 million, representing $0.45 per share basic and $0.44 per share diluted, compared with net income of $99.7 million, or $0.35 per share basic and diluted in 2012;
•
Funds flow from operations increased to a record $352.9 million from $323.8 million in 2012;
•
Cash and cash equivalents were $428.8 million as at December 31, 2013, compared with $212.6 million as at December 31, 2012, a $216.2 million increase from December 31, 2012;
•
In Colombia, Gran Tierra Energy continued to focus on developing its producing conventional light oil fields, including the Costayaco and Moqueta fields. On the Chaza Block, Gran Tierra Energy drilled and completed the Moqueta-10 and -11 development wells and the Costayaco-18 development well as oil producers, commenced drilling the Moqueta-12 development well and the Zapotero-1 and Corunta-1 exploration wells. Gran Tierra Energy also continued facilities work at the Costayaco and Moqueta fields;




•
In Peru, Gran Tierra Energy extended the Bretaña-1X exploration well with a horizontal sidetrack, tested the sidetrack at 3,095 barrels of oil per day (“bopd”) gross, completed a preliminary Front End Engineering Design (“FEED”) study for the Bretaña field development and completed a 382 kilometer 2-D seismic program to provide a more detailed map of the Bretaña structure, along with maturing separate independent exploration leads on Block 95;
•
In Brazil, Gran Tierra Energy added three onshore blocks to its core operating area in the Recôncavo Basin in the 2013 Brazil Bid Round 11. On Block REC-T-155, Gran Tierra Energy drilled an exploration well, 1-GTE-8DP-BA, and drilled a horizontal sidetrack oil exploration well, 1-GTE-7HPC-BA, from the 1-GTE-7-BA wellbore. On Block REC-T-129, Gran Tierra Energy re-entered and isolated the final two fracture stages at the horizontal sidetrack oil exploration well, 1-GTE-6HP-BA; and
•
In Argentina, Gran Tierra Energy continued to focus on developing its producing fields, including Surubi and Puesto Morales. On the Puesto Morales Block, Gran Tierra Energy commenced drilling a second horizontal multi-stage fracture stimulated well into the Loma Montosa formation to further evaluate this new play. Also on the Puesto Morales Block, Gran Tierra Energy had a reserve write down as a result of deferred investment and inconclusive water flood results. The workovers Gran Tierra Energy recently implemented on its wells in the Noroeste Basin were successful and are yielding increased production rates. Currently, the Proa-3 development well pre-drilling program is under way, with spud anticipated at the end of the first quarter.

“Once again, Gran Tierra Energy has had another outstanding year, growing oil reserves and production to record levels, even after producing a record volume of oil during the year. Our 1P reserves increased, our 2P reserves nearly doubled and our 3P reserves more than doubled, as a result of continued exploration success - the driver that has consistently grown our company year-over-year for nine years now,” said Dana Coffield, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra Energy. “Despite continued pipeline transportation challenges in 2013, we demonstrated our commitment to growing Colombia production levels through a long-term alternative transportation strategy. We achieved record funds flow from operations and remain debt free, allowing us to focus entirely on executing our fully funded 2014 work programs, particularly with our new capital commitments in Peru as a result of our visible growth there,” added Coffield.  “Our dramatic reserve addition success in Peru has created the opportunity for Gran Tierra Energy to establish a second major production platform, which is capable of delivering substantial growth in coming years, building on our already successful business in Colombia,” concluded Coffield.
































Production review
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2013
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2012
(Barrels of Oil Equivalent)
Colombia
Argentina
Brazil
Total
 
Colombia
Argentina
Brazil
Total
Gross production
2,237,773

316,442

46,112

2,600,327

 
1,783,195

373,372

85,506

2,242,073

Royalties
(566,257
)
(37,288
)
(6,577
)
(610,122
)
 
(473,229
)
(45,753
)
(10,736
)
(529,718
)
Inventory adjustment
(5,623
)
(1,012
)
(424
)
(7,059
)
 
(128,784
)
3,537

(5,146
)
(130,393
)
Production, NAR (1)
1,665,893

278,142

39,111

1,983,146

 
1,181,182

331,156

69,624

1,581,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production per day, NAR (BOEPD) (1)
18,108

3,023

425

21,556

 
12,839

3,600

757

17,196

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2013
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Barrels of Oil Equivalent)
Colombia
Argentina
Brazil
Total
 
Colombia
Argentina
Brazil
Total
Gross production
9,055,989

1,263,200

301,978

10,621,167

 
7,073,526

1,448,169

121,882

8,643,577

Royalties
(2,358,063
)
(153,310
)
(38,974
)
(2,550,347
)
 
(1,850,357
)
(174,458
)
(15,059
)
(2,039,874
)
Inventory adjustment
85,181

(4,762
)
(23,964
)
56,455

 
(411,742
)
(2,051
)
(5,624
)
(419,417
)
Production, NAR (1)
6,783,107

1,105,128

239,040

8,127,275

 
4,811,427

1,271,660

101,199

6,184,286

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production per day, NAR (BOEPD) (1)
18,584

3,028

655

22,267

 
13,146

3,474

277

16,897


(1) Production represents production volumes NAR adjusted for inventory changes.

Financial review

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Revenue and Other Income ($000s)
$
159,804

 
$
145,153

 
10

 
$
723,643

 
$
585,187

 
24
Net Income (Loss) ($000s)
$
(12,465
)
 
$
42,263

 
(129
)
 
$
126,288

 
$
99,659

 
27
Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Basic
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.15

 
(127
)
 
$
0.45

 
$
0.35

 
29
Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Diluted
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.15

 
(127
)
 
$
0.44

 
$
0.35

 
26

Net income (loss) reconciled to funds flow from operations(1) is as follows:




 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
Funds Flow From Operations - Non-GAAP Measure ($000s)
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(12,465
)
 
$
42,263

 
$
126,288

 
$
99,659

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to funds flow from operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Depletion, depreciation, accretion and impairment
86,837

 
44,055

 
267,146

 
182,037

Deferred tax (recovery) expense
(5,708
)
 
35,129

 
(29,499
)
 
26,274

Stock-based compensation
2,805

 
2,152

 
8,918

 
12,006

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss
(2,058
)
 
2,982

 
(18,911
)
 
17,054

Cash settlement of asset retirement obligation
(1,141
)
 
—

 
(2,068
)
 
(404
)
Other gain
—

 
(9,336
)
 
—

 
(9,336
)
Other loss
—

 
—

 
4,400

 
—

Equity tax
—

 
—

 
(3,345
)
 
(3,534
)
Funds flow from operations
$
68,270

 
$
117,245

 
$
352,929

 
$
323,756


(1) Funds flow from operations is a non-GAAP measure which does not have any standardized meaning prescribed under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management uses this financial measure to analyze operating performance and the income generated by Gran Tierra Energy’s principal business activities prior to the consideration of how non-cash items affect that income, and believes that this financial measure is also useful supplemental information for investors to analyze operating performance and Gran Tierra Energy’s financial results. Investors should be cautioned that this measure should not be construed as an alternative to net income or other measures of financial performance as determined in accordance with GAAP. Gran Tierra Energy’s method of calculating this measure may differ from other companies and, accordingly, it may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Funds flow from operations, as presented, is net income or loss adjusted for depletion, depreciation, accretion and impairment (“DD&A”), deferred tax recovery or expense, stock-based compensation, unrealized foreign exchange loss or gain, cash settlement of asset retirement obligation, other gain, other loss and equity tax.

Fiscal 2013 Financial Highlights:

Revenue and other income increased by 24% to $723.6 million in 2013 compared with $585.2 million in 2012 due to increased production, partially offset by decreased average realized oil prices. In Colombia, alternative transportation arrangements to minimize the impact of pipeline disruptions, production from new wells and a decrease in oil inventory had a positive impact on production in 2013.

Average realized oil prices decreased by 7% to $90.61 per barrel (“bbl”) in 2013 from $97.31 per bbl in 2012. In Colombia, the average realized oil price in 2013 decreased by 11% to $92.21 per bbl. The average WTI oil price for 2013 was $97.97 per bbl compared with $94.20 per bbl in 2012. The average Brent oil price for 2013 was $108.64 per bbl compared with $111.67 per bbl in 2012.

Operating expenses in 2013 were $149.1 million, or $18.34 per barrel of oil equivalent (“BOE”), compared with $124.9 million, or $20.20 per BOE, in 2012. Operating costs per BOE decreased primarily due to lower transportation costs associated with Ecopetrol S.A. (“Ecopetrol”)-operated Trans-Andean oil pipeline (the “OTA pipeline”) disruptions. Transportation costs were lower due to the absence of pipeline charges and trucking costs relating to volumes sold at the Costayaco battery. The trucking costs associated with the volumes sold at the Costayaco battery were included as a reduction to the realized price rather than recorded as transportation expenses. The estimated net effect of OTA pipeline disruptions on Colombian transportation costs for the year ended December 31, 2013, was a reduction of $1.79 per BOE.

DD&A expenses in 2013 increased to $267.1 million from $182.0 million in 2012. DD&A expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013, included a $30.8 million ceiling test impairment loss in Gran Tierra Energy's Argentina cost center due to a decrease in reserves as a result of deferred investment and inconclusive waterflood results on the Puesto Morales Block and a $2.0 million ceiling test impairment loss in Gran Tierra Energy's Brazil cost center. DD&A expenses in 2012 included a $20.2 million ceiling




test impairment loss in Gran Tierra Energy's Brazil cost center related to seismic and drilling costs on Block BM-CAL-10. On a per BOE basis, the depletion rate increased by 12% to $32.87 from $29.44. The increased impairment losses and increased costs in the depletable base were only partially offset by increased proved reserves.

General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses in 2013 of $53.4 million decreased by 9% from $58.9 million in 2012. Increased employee related costs reflecting expanded operations were more than offset by higher G&A allocations to operating expenses and capital projects. G&A expenses per BOE in the year ended December 31, 2013, of $6.57 were 31% lower compared with $9.52 in 2012 due to increased production and higher G&A allocations to operating expenses and capital projects.

Other gain of $9.3 million in 2012 related to a value added tax recovery resulting from the completion of a reorganization of companies and their Colombian branches in the Colombian reporting segment during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Other loss of $4.4 million in 2013 related to a contingent loss accrued in connection with a legal dispute in which Gran Tierra Energy received an adverse legal judgment in the first quarter of 2013. Gran Tierra Energy has filed an appeal against the judgment.

In 2013, the foreign exchange gain was $12.2 million, of which $18.9 million was an unrealized non-cash foreign exchange gain. The unrealized foreign exchange gain in 2013 was a result of a net monetary liability position in Colombia combined with the weakening of the Colombian Peso. This was partially offset by realized foreign exchange losses resulting from a net monetary asset position in Argentina and the weakening of the Argentina Peso.

Income tax expense was $135.5 million for 2013, compared with $97.7 million in 2012. The increase was primarily due to higher taxable income in Colombia and Brazil. In Brazil, a net payment of $54.0 million from a third party in connection with the termination of a farm-in agreement resulted in a current tax expense of approximately $10.4 million during the third quarter of 2013.

Net income in 2013 was $126.3 million, a 27% increase from 2012. On a per share basis, net income increased to $0.45 per share basic and $0.44 per share diluted from $0.35 per share basic and diluted in 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2013, increased oil and natural gas sales and foreign exchange gains and lower G&A expenses were partially offset by increased operating, DD&A and income tax expenses, other loss and the absence of other gain.

Balance Sheet Highlights:

Cash and cash equivalents were $428.8 million at December 31, 2013, compared with $212.6 million at December 31, 2012. The change in cash and cash equivalents during 2013 was primarily the result of funds flow from operations of $352.9 million and a $167.9 million change in net assets and liabilities from operating activities, and proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $3.8 million partially offset by capital expenditures, net of proceeds from oil and gas properties, of $307.7 million and a $0.8 million increase in restricted cash.

Working capital (including cash and cash equivalents) was $245.8 million at December 31, 2013, a $23.4 million increase from December 31, 2012.

Reserve and Production Highlights:

Reserves NAR calculated in accordance with SEC rules as at December 31, 2013 were 42.1 MMBOE proved, 69.8 MMBOE probable, and 72.0 MMBOE possible, for total 3P NAR reserves of 183.9 MMBOE. This compares to NAR reserves as at December 31, 2012 of 40.6 MMBOE proved, 15.6 MMBOE probable and 30.1 MMBOE possible, and total 3P NAR reserves of 86.3 MMBOE.

As per NI 51-101 and the reserves definitions in COGEH, reserves NAR to Gran Tierra Energy as at December 31, 2013 were 41.7 MMBOE proved, 70.1 MMBOE probable, and 71.9 MMBOE possible, and 183.7 MMBOE total 3P NAR reserves. This compares to NAR reserves as at December 31, 2012 of 40.4 MMBOE proved, 15.9 MMBOE probable and 30.7 MMBOE possible, and total 3P NAR reserves of 87.0 MMBOE.

Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of 3P reserves.

Annual production for 2013 averaged 22,112 BOEPD NAR before inventory changes or 22,267 BOEPD NAR after inventory changes, an increase of 32% versus 16,897 BOEPD NAR in 2012, and consisting of 18,584 BOEPD NAR in Colombia, 3,028 BOEPD NAR in Argentina and 655 bopd NAR in Brazil. The increase in production was primarily a result of strong reservoir




performance from the Costayaco field, production additions from the Moqueta field, the reduced impact of pipeline disruptions in Colombia, and a decrease in oil inventory in the Ecopetrol-operated OTA pipeline and associated Ecopetrol owned facilities in the Putumayo Basin. Production in the fourth quarter of 2013 averaged 21,633 BOEPD NAR before inventory adjustments. Production for the month of January 2014, before inventory adjustments, averaged approximately 22,465 BOEPD NAR, while production after inventory changes averaged 22,640 BOEPD NAR for the month, consistent with Gran Tierra Energy's January budget.

Pipeline disruptions in Colombia, particularly on the Ecopetrol-operated OTA pipeline, continued in 2013. Alternative transportation measures have largely mitigated these disruptions.

Fourth Quarter 2013 Operational Highlights 

Colombia

Chaza Block, Putumayo Basin (100% working interest and operator)

Gran Tierra Energy completed initial testing of the Moqueta-12 delineation well on the southern flank of the Moqueta field by collecting reservoir data and fluid samples with a hydraulic jet pump from the T Sandstone and Caballos formations.  The T Sandstone formation was perforated and tested from 5,556 feet to 5,695 feet measured depth (“MD”) at an average rate of 780 bopd gross of 27° API oil with a 0.3% water cut.  The underlying Caballos formation was perforated and tested from 5,831 feet to 6,146 feet MD at an average rate of 476 bopd gross of 26.3° API oil with a 0.3% water cut. The Moqueta-12 bottom hole location is approximately 1,300 feet east of Moqueta-11 and the lowest interpreted oil pay is approximately 150 feet lower than the previously lowest known oil encountered at Moqueta-11.

The Zapotero-1 exploration well on the east flank of the Moqueta field continues drilling ahead after encountering drilling problems resulting in the initiation of sidetrack operations.  

The Corunta-1 exploration well on the west flank of the Moqueta field encountered drilling problems prior to reaching the reservoir target on this long-reach deviated well, and the decision was made to abandon the well. The target location is expected to be drilled again this year with a revised drilling plan.

Guayuyaco Block, Putumayo Basin (70% working interest and operator)

Initial test results have been obtained from the Miraflor Oeste-1 well.   Oil and gas shows encountered during drilling and log interpretations from data acquired after drilling indicated the presence of oil-bearing reservoir sandstones in the Villeta formation with an approximate potential net oil pay thickness of 20 feet MD.  It was perforated and tested from 6,736 feet to 6,794 feet MD at an average rate of 348 bopd gross of 29.8° API oil with a 1.2% water cut.  The test data is currently under evaluation to determine the long-term production potential.

Llanos 22 Block, Llanos Basin (45% working interest, Compania Espanola de Petroleos Colombia, S.A.U. 55% working interest and operator)

The Mayalito-1 oil exploration well on the Llanos-22 Block, located in the Andean foothills trend of the Llanos Basin, has reached total depth at 18,540 feet MD or 18,051 feet total vertical depth (“TVD”). Oil and gas shows encountered during drilling and log interpretations indicate the presence of an oil-bearing sandstone reservoir in the Mirador formation. The Mirador formation was encountered at 18,139 feet MD or 17,650 feet TVD with a potential net oil column thickness of 29 feet.

Initial testing of the well has been completed by collecting reservoir data and fluid samples on natural flow from the Mirador formation.  The Mirador formation consisted of 250 feet gross reservoir or 230 feet of net reservoir thickness. It was perforated and tested from 18,152 feet to 18,160 feet MD at an average rate of 834 bopd gross of 24° API oil with a 0.68% water cut.  This oil column is continuous with the oil column encountered in Ramiriqui field. The Mayalito-1 bottom hole location is approximately 3,100 feet southwest of Ramiriqui-1 and the lowest interpreted oil pay is approximately 60 feet lower than the previously known oil encountered at Ramiriqui-1. Planning is underway to put this new well on long-term test.

Peru
 
Block 95 (100% working interest and operator)

During the fourth quarter of 2013, Gran Tierra Energy acquired a new 2-D seismic program and on January 21, 2014, Gran Tierra




Energy issued a press release outlining the following year-end 2013 reserves for the Bretaña field in Peru.

Peru
2013 Year-End
2013 Year-End
2012 Year-End
Heavy Oil and Liquids
(SEC Compliant)
Gran Tierra Energy Company Interest Reserves
Gran Tierra Energy NAR Reserves
Gran Tierra Energy NAR Reserves
Reserves Category
Mbbl
Mbbl
Mbbl
Total Proved
—

—

—

Total Probable
61,522

57,635

—

Total Proved plus Probable
61,522

57,635

—

Total Possible
52,339

47,042

—

Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible
113,861

104,677

—

Peru
2013 Year-End
2013 Year-End
2012 Year-End
Heavy Oil and Liquids
(NI 51-101 Compliant)
Gran Tierra Energy Working Interest Reserves
Gran Tierra Energy NAR Reserves
Gran Tierra Energy NAR Reserves
Reserves Category
Mbbl
Mbbl
Mbbl
Total Proved
—

—

—

Total Probable
61.522

57,391

—

Total Proved plus Probable
61.522

57.391

—

Total Possible
52.339

46,632

—

Total Proved plus Probable plus Possible
113.861

104.023

—

*Mbbl (thousand barrels of oil)

Gran Tierra Energy is scheduled to spud a water disposal well in the first quarter of 2014 and begin drilling the Bretaña Sur appraisal well on the southern portion of the field in the fourth quarter, 2014. Long-term test (“LTT”) production from the Bretaña-1ST well is anticipated to start in September of 2014 at a rate of approximately 2,500 bopd gross. The LTT is expected to provide valuable information on the reservoir to optimize field development, in addition to providing early cash flow.

Gran Tierra Energy’s 2014 capital spending program for the Bretaña field is $107 million, consistent with the previously reported $148 million 2014 capital spending program for Peru, and includes LTT facilities, drilling a water disposal well, platform construction and drilling of an appraisal well, a FEED for field development and additional related costs.

The preliminary Bretaña full field development plan, based on an independent third party preliminary FEED study and internal estimates, contemplates $1.197 billion in future capital spending. This capital spending is associated with developing the 2P reserves over the next 11 years with peak annual capital spending of approximately $275 million expected to come in 2020. First LTT production is expected to start September of 2014 with the next production phase expected to begin in 2017 at approximately 6,000 bopd gross. Plateau production is expected to be initiated in approximately 2021 and continue for approximately 2 to 4 years at between 20,000 to 40,000 bopd gross depending on ultimate definition of recoverable reserves size and reservoir performance characteristics. The pre-tax NPV10 of the 2P reserves (SEC compliant) is approximately $624 million, while the pre-tax NPV10 of the 3P reserves (SEC compliant) is approximately $1.495 billion. The pre-tax NPV10 of the 2P reserves (NI51-101 compliant) is approximately $376 million, while the pre-tax NPV10 of the 3P reserves (NI51-101 compliant) is approximately $1.130 billion. Development optimization opportunities with the potential to increase value will continually be evaluated. 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.

A new 2-D seismic program over the Bretaña field was acquired in late 2013. This seismic program identified a southern structural extension of the Bretaña field which has a previously drilled well, Envidia-1, located on its flank. The Envidia-1 well had oil shows above the oil-water contact of the Bretaña field, but was not tested. The structural closure above the Bretaña field oil-water contact in the south lobe containing the Envidia-1 well encompasses approximately 6,700 acres. The resource potential of this




structural extension is not included in the Bretaña field reserve assessment and offers additional upside potential for the Bretaña field development in the future.

Brazil

In Brazil, Gran Tierra Energy added three onshore blocks (REC-T-86, REC-T-117 and REC-T-118) to its core operating area in the Recôncavo Basin in the 2013 Brazil Bid Round 11.

Subsequent to year-end, Gran Tierra Energy re-entered and successfully isolated the final two fracture stages at the 1-GTE-6HP-BA well on Block REC-T-129. As previously reported, micro-seismic data acquired during the fracture stimulation of the well indicated that these final 2 fracture stages likely had inadvertently fracked into a lower water bearing zone. Subsequent to the isolation, swabbing the well produced approximately 11.16 bbls gross of 38° API oil over a 16.5 hour time period from the Candeias/Gomo Shale. Gran Tierra Energy was encouraged with the light oil produced and will continue to analyze well data collected from both new and existing wells to assess how to best optimize fracture design to achieve commercial rates.
 
1-GTE-7HPC-BA, a sidetrack from the 1-GTE-7HP-BA wellbore on Block REC-T-155, remains suspended and is being evaluated for fracture stimulation; timing will be based on ongoing technical work.

The 1-GTE-8DP-BA exploration well is a deviated well targeting the Gomo shale oil interval on Block REC-T-155. The well was recently fracture stimulated with results pending.

Argentina

In Argentina, Gran Tierra Energy continued to focus on developing its producing fields, including the Surubi, Puesto Morales and Rinconada Norte fields. On the Puesto Morales Block, Gran Tierra Energy commenced drilling a horizontal multi-stage fracture stimulated well into the Loma Montosa formation to further evaluate this new play. Unfortunately, illegal road blockades caused drilling operations to be suspended to a later date. The workovers Gran Tierra Energy recently implemented on its wells in the Noroeste Basin were successful and are yielding increased production rates.

Gran Tierra Energy performed facilities upgrades and purchased materials in preparation for drilling on the Surubi Block. Currently, the Proa-3 development well pre-drilling program is under way, with spudding anticipated at the end of the first quarter this year.

2014 Work Program and Capital Expenditure Program

Gran Tierra Energy previously announced a $467 million planned capital program for its exploration and production operations in Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Argentina for 2014. The capital spending program allocates $227 million for drilling, $104 million for facilities, pipelines and other, and $136 million for geological and geophysical expenditures. Of the $227 million allocated to drilling, approximately 41% is for exploration and the balance is for appraisal and development drilling. The budget currently contemplates the drilling of 14 gross wells in Colombia, 2 gross wells in Argentina, and 2 gross wells in Peru. The approved 2014 capital spending program also includes funds for 2,033 kilometers of 2-D and 228 square kilometers of 3-D seismic acquisition programs in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, primarily in preparation for additional exploration and production drilling operations in 2014 and beyond. The 2014 work program and budget is expected to be funded primarily from cash and cash flows from operations at current oil prices. Gran Tierra Energy is expecting 2014 production to average between 30,000 and 31,000 BOEPD gross working interest or between 23,500 and 24,500 BOEPD NAR with Costayaco contributing approximately 12,000 BOEPD NAR and Moqueta contributing approximately 4,700 BOEPD NAR assuming a 4% contingency for potential delivery disruptions and $95 average price for Brent. Approximately 96% of this production consists of oil, with the balance consisting of natural gas. Production expectations are based on the development of existing discoveries and could prove to be conservative with exploration success in Colombia.

Conference Call Information:

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. will host its fourth quarter 2013 results conference call on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. Mountain Time (“MT”).
 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Dana Coffield, Chief Operating Officer, Shane O'Leary, and Chief Financial Officer, James Rozon, will discuss Gran Tierra Energy's financial and operating results for the quarter and then take questions from securities analysts and institutional shareholders.
 
Interested parties may access the conference call by dialing 1-866-543-6403 (domestic) or 1-617-213-8896 (international), pass




code 10885201. The call will also be available via webcast at www.grantierra.com, www.streetevents.com, or www.fulldisclosure.com. The webcast will be available on Gran Tierra Energy's website until the next earnings call.
 
For interested parties unable to participate, an audio replay of the call will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m. MT until 11:59 p.m. on March 12, 2014.  To access the replay dial 1-888-286-8010 (domestic) or 1-617-801-6888 (international) pass code 34631935.
 
Please connect at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be required to join the webcast.

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. is an international oil and gas exploration and production company, headquartered in Calgary, Canada, incorporated in the United States, trading on the NYSE MKT (GTE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (GTE), and operating in South America. Gran Tierra Energy holds interests in producing and prospective properties in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Gran Tierra Energy has a strategy that focuses on establishing a portfolio of producing properties, plus production enhancement and exploration opportunities to provide a base for future growth. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra Energy is available at www.grantierra.com. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

Gran Tierra Energy’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings are available on a website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.
 
Forward Looking Statements and Legal Advisories:

Readers are cautioned that the well-flow test results disclosed in this press release are not necessarily indicative of long term performance or of ultimate recovery.

This news release contains certain forward-looking information, forward-looking statements and forward-looking financial outlook (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) under the meaning of applicable securities laws, including Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The use of the words “establish”, “scheduled”, “begin”, “continue”, “expect”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “will”, “potential”, “may” derivations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, forward-looking statements include statements regarding: drilling, testing and production expectations, including without limitation, the timing of operations, the oil-bearing potential of certain reservoirs and expectations with respect to the results of drilling, testing and exploration activities; optimizing field development; early cash flow; reserves life indices; Gran Tierra Energy's planned capital program and the amount, timing and allocation of capital, including under the caption “2014 Work Program and Capital Expenditure Program”; expected funding of the capital program out of cash flow and cash on hand and cash flows from operations at current commodity price levels; production expectations; Gran Tierra Energy's planned operations, including as described under the captions “Colombia”, “Peru”, “Brazil” and “Argentina” in the section “Fourth Quarter 2013 Operational Highlights”; together with all other statements regarding expected or planned development, testing, drilling, production, expenditures or exploration, or that otherwise reflect expected future results or events.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra Energy including, without limitation, assumptions relating to log evaluations, the accuracy of reserve estimates, that Gran Tierra Energy will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with past operations, the accuracy of testing and production results and seismic data, pricing and cost estimates, rig availability, the effects of drilling down-dip, the effects of waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations and the general continuance of current or, where applicable, assumed operational, regulatory and industry conditions, and the ability of Gran Tierra Energy to execute its current business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Gran Tierra Energy believes the material factors, expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable at this time but no assurance can be given that these factors, expectations and assumptions will prove to be correct.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements, including, among others: Gran Tierra Energy's operations are located in South America, and unexpected problems can arise due to guerilla activity, technical difficulties and operational difficulties which may impact its testing and drilling operations, and the production, transportation or sale of its products; geographic, political, regulatory and weather conditions can impact testing and drilling operations and the production, transportation or sale of its products; the OTA pipeline may continue to experience disruptions and if further disruptions occur, service at the OTA pipeline may not resume on the timelines or to the capacity




expected by or favorable to Gran Tierra Energy; attempts to mitigate the effect of disruptions of the OTA pipeline may not have the impact currently anticipated by Gran Tierra Energy; waterflood and multi-stage fracture stimulation operations may not have the impact, including with respect to reserve recovery improvements, currently anticipated by Gran Tierra Energy; permits and approvals from regulatory and governmental authorities may not be received in the manner or on the timelines expected or at all; and the risk that current global economic and credit market conditions may impact oil prices and oil consumption more than Gran Tierra Energy currently predicts, which could cause Gran Tierra Energy to modify its exploration, drilling and/or construction activities. Although the current capital spending program of Gran Tierra Energy is based upon the current expectations of the management of Gran Tierra Energy, there may be circumstances in which, for unforeseen reasons, a reallocation of funds may be necessary as may be determined at the discretion of Gran Tierra Energy and there can be no assurance as at the date of this press release as to how those funds may be reallocated. Should any one of a number of issues arise, Gran Tierra Energy may find it necessary to alter its current business strategy and/or capital spending program.

Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. Further information on potential factors that could affect Gran Tierra Energy are included in risks detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra Energy's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 25, 2014. These filings are available on a website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.  The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Gran Tierra Energy disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

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 oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a BOE conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:
Jason Crumley
Director, Investor Relations
403-265-3221
info@granterra.com
www.grantierra.com





Basis of Presentation of Financial Results:
 
Gran Tierra Energy’s financial results are reported in United States dollars and prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. 

Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Retained Earnings (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas sales
$
158,515

 
$
144,703

 
$
720,450

 
$
583,109

Interest income
1,289

 
450

 
3,193

 
2,078

 
159,804

 
145,153

 
723,643

 
585,187

EXPENSES
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
  Operating
40,554

 
36,788

 
149,059

 
124,903

Depletion, depreciation, accretion and impairment
86,837

 
44,055

 
267,146

 
182,037

General and administrative
15,560

 
12,488

 
53,400

 
58,882

Other gain
—

 
(9,336
)
 
—

 
(9,336
)
Other loss
—

 
—

 
4,400

 
—

Equity tax
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Financial instruments gain
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain on acquisition
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Foreign exchange loss (gain)
3,131

 
3,471

 
(12,198
)
 
31,338

 
146,082

 
87,466

 
461,807

 
387,824

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
13,722

 
57,687

 
261,836

 
197,363

Income tax expense
(26,187
)
 
(15,424
)
 
(135,548
)
 
(97,704
)
NET INCOME (LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(12,465
)
 
42,263

 
126,288

 
99,659

RETAINED EARNINGS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
423,426

 
242,410

 
284,673

 
185,014

RETAINED EARNINGS, END OF YEAR
$
410,961

 
$
284,673

 
$
410,961

 
$
284,673

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — BASIC
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.15

 
$
0.45

 
$
0.35

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE — DILUTED
$
(0.04
)
 
$
0.15

 
$
0.44

 
$
0.35

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - BASIC
283,166,442

 
281,794,879

 
282,808,497

 
280,741,255

WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING - DILUTED
287,142,893

 
284,895,511

 
286,127,897

 
284,172,254







Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars, Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

 
As at December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
428,800

 
$
212,624

Restricted cash
1,478

 
1,404

Accounts receivable
49,703

 
119,844

Inventory
13,725

 
33,468

Taxes receivable
9,980

 
39,922

Prepaids
6,450

 
4,074

Deferred tax assets
2,256

 
2,517

Total Current Assets
512,392

 
413,853

 
 
 
 
Oil and Gas Properties (using the full cost method of accounting)
 

 
 

Proved
794,069

 
813,247

Unproved
456,001

 
383,414

Total Oil and Gas Properties
1,250,070

 
1,196,661

Other capital assets
10,102

 
8,765

Total Property, Plant and Equipment
1,260,172

 
1,205,426

 
 
 
 
Other Long-Term Assets
 

 
 

Restricted cash
2,300

 
1,619

Deferred tax assets
1,407

 
1,401

Taxes receivable
18,535

 
1,374

Other long-term assets
7,163

 
6,621

Goodwill
102,581

 
102,581

Total Other Long-Term Assets
131,986

 
113,596

 
 
 
 
Total Assets
$
1,904,550

 
$
1,732,875

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

 
 

Current Liabilities
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
72,400

 
$
102,263

Accrued liabilities
89,567

 
66,418

Taxes payable
102,887

 
22,339

Deferred tax liabilities
1,193

 
337

Asset retirement obligation
518

 
28

Total Current Liabilities
266,565

 
191,385

 
 
 
 
Long-Term Liabilities
 

 
 

Deferred tax liabilities
177,082

 
225,195

Equity tax payable
—

 
3,562

Asset retirement obligation
21,455

 
18,264

Other long-term liabilities
9,540

 
3,038

Total Long-Term Liabilities
208,077

 
250,059

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Common Stock (272,327,810 and 268,482,445 shares of Common Stock and 10,882,440 and 13,421,488 exchangeable shares, par value $0.001 per share, issued and outstanding as at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
10,187

 
7,986

Additional paid in capital
1,008,760

 
998,772

Warrants
—

 
—

Retained earnings
410,961

 
284,673

Total Shareholders’ Equity
1,429,908

 
1,291,431

 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
$
1,904,550

 
$
1,732,875







Gran Tierra Energy Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 
Three Months Ended December 31,
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(12,465
)
 
$
42,263

$
126,288

 
$
99,659

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depletion, depreciation, accretion and impairment
86,837

 
44,055

267,146

 
182,037

Deferred taxes
(5,708
)
 
35,129

(29,499
)
 
26,274

Stock-based compensation
2,805

 
2,152

8,918

 
12,006

Unrealized gain on financial instruments
—

 
—

—

 
—

Unrealized foreign exchange (gain) loss
(2,058
)
 
2,982

(18,911
)
 
17,054

Cash settlement of asset retirement obligation
(1,141
)
 
—

(2,068
)
 
(404
)
Other gain
—

 
(9,336
)
—

 
(9,336
)
Other loss
—

 
—

4,400

 
—

Equity tax
—

 
—

(3,345
)
 
(3,534
)
Net change in assets and liabilities from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable and other long-term assets
93,318

 
39,987

67,034

 
(56,669
)
Inventory
1,581

 
(8,426
)
13,947

 
(18,195
)
Prepaids
(1,084
)
 
(1,564
)
(2,375
)
 
(477
)
Accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities
2,423

 
17,573

(5,170
)
 
(8,387
)
Taxes receivable and payable
7,266

 
(24,428
)
94,496

 
(83,709
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
171,774

 
140,387

520,861

 
156,319

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
 

 
 

Decrease (increase) in restricted cash
3,346

 
33,563

(755
)
 
11,859

Additions to property, plant and equipment
(99,680
)
 
(53,965
)
(367,322
)
 
(276,084
)
Proceeds from disposition of oil and gas property
—

 
—

59,621

 
—

Cash acquired on acquisition
—

 
(35,495
)
—

 
(35,495
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(96,334
)
 
(55,897
)
(308,456
)
 
(299,720
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from issuance of shares of Common Stock
296

 
543

3,771

 
4,340

Net cash provided by financing activities
296

 
543

3,771

 
4,340

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
75,736

 
85,033

216,176

 
(139,061
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
353,064

 
127,591

212,624

 
351,685

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
428,800

 
$
212,624

$
428,800

 
$
212,624

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
$
408,568

 
$
207,392

$
408,568

 
$
207,392

Term deposits
20,232

 
5,232

20,232

 
5,232

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
$
428,800

 
$
212,624

$
428,800

 
$
212,624