Gulf Keystone Petroleum Conference Call Summary Company Overview - Gulf Keystone Petroleum is a pure-play operator in Kurdistan with nearly 20 years of presence in the region, having first been awarded a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) in 2007 and commencing commercial production in 2013 [4][13] - The company produced an average of 41,600 barrels per day in the previous year, totaling over 15 million barrels [4] - As of December, Gulf Keystone reported 2P reserves of 443 million barrels, with a milestone of 150 million barrels produced by November [4][5] Financial Highlights - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $540 million (NOK 5.2 billion) and a cash position of $88 million, with no debt [5][6] - Gulf Keystone paid $50 million in dividends last year, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns despite lower local market prices [6] - The operating costs are reported at $4.3 per barrel, indicating low-cost production capabilities [5] Dual Listing on Euronext Growth Oslo - Gulf Keystone plans to dual list its shares on Euronext Growth Oslo to enhance liquidity and broaden its investor base [2][7] - The Oslo market has a strong history with the energy sector, and Gulf Keystone has significant analyst coverage from Norwegian banks [7] - A major shareholder has agreed to underwrite the retail offer and support share transfers to meet listing requirements [8] Production and Operational Strategy - The Shaikan Field is characterized as a long-life, low-cost asset with a reserve-to-production ratio of 30 years, indicating significant potential for increased production [10][17] - Current export agreements with the Kurdistan Regional Government and other international oil companies (IOCs) have resumed after a 2.5-year period of local sales [11][25] - The company anticipates a return to international pricing for its oil, with current cash sales at approximately $30 per barrel, expected to rise to at least $45 per barrel [26] Future Growth and Development Plans - Gulf Keystone aims to unlock additional reserves in the Triassic and Cretaceous formations, with plans to resume drilling and production growth in 2027 [30][31] - The company is currently tendering for a rig to facilitate drilling operations, with plans to drill between 16-20 wells over the coming years [31][41] - A new water handling train is expected to come online by late 2026, which will enhance production capacity by an additional 4,000-8,000 barrels per day [21][23] Shareholder Returns and Capital Allocation - Gulf Keystone has a strong track record of balancing investment with shareholder returns, having returned nearly the equivalent of its market cap since 2019 [33] - The company plans to continue semi-annual dividend payments and may consider share buybacks, depending on market conditions [33][35] - The management emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong balance sheet while investing in production growth [41][42] Market Dynamics and M&A Potential - The normalization of commercial arrangements in Kurdistan is expected to improve valuations for companies in the region, potentially leading to increased M&A activity [44][45] - Gulf Keystone recognizes the benefits of scale and diversification, which could influence future strategic decisions [46] Conclusion - Gulf Keystone Petroleum is positioned for growth with a strong asset base, a commitment to shareholder returns, and plans for increased production and operational efficiency. The dual listing on Euronext Growth Oslo is a strategic move to enhance liquidity and investor engagement [36][49]