Kosmos Energy(KOS) - 2022 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kosmos Energy reported record revenue and EBITDAX for 2022, driven by high oil prices and the acquisition of Oxy Ghana assets in late 2021 [12] - Free cash flow for the year was approximately $350 million, allowing the company to pay down over $400 million of debt, exiting the year below the net debt target of 1.5 times [58][71] - The company expects to generate around $100 million to $200 million of free cash flow in 2023, with cash flow back-end loaded due to the timing of capital expenditures and production increases [40][88] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production in 2022 was approximately 64,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, representing a 17% growth over 2021 [56] - The Jubilee field is expected to increase production from 75,000 barrels of oil per day in 2021 to 95,000 barrels of oil per day in 2023 due to the Jubilee Southeast project [60] - Operational expenditures (OpEx) in the second half of 2022 were 30% lower than the first half, with a further expected decline of around 15% in 2023 [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kosmos Energy's 2P reserve base has nearly tripled from around 200 million barrels of oil equivalent at the end of 2017 to approximately 550 million barrels at the end of 2022 [7] - The company has identified around 15 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable gas in Mauritania and Senegal, with significant potential in the Tortue, Varela, and Yakaar-Teranga projects [37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting its portfolio from oil to natural gas and LNG to meet global energy needs, particularly in Africa, where few E&P companies are investing [20][21] - Kosmos Energy aims to deliver around 50% growth in production between 2022 and 2024, with a focus on low-cost, lower-carbon assets [74] - The company is pursuing a disciplined capital allocation strategy, targeting capital expenditures of $700 million to $750 million in 2023 [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes the industry is underinvesting for future energy needs, positioning Kosmos to outperform due to its quality opportunities [21] - The company is optimistic about the potential of its gas and LNG projects, which are aligned with the energy transition [20] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a robust reserve base and capital discipline to ensure long-term value creation [54] Other Important Information - Kosmos Energy has received an AAA rating from MSCI, recognizing its commitment to ESG and sustainability [10] - The company is focused on local employment and sustainable development in its host countries, employing 100% local nationals [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the selection process for the gravity-based structure for Phase 2 of Tortue? - Management explained that the decision was based on cost efficiency, operational flexibility, and the ability to upscale storage, with no increased technical risk anticipated [48][92] Question: What are the prospects for the TEN asset following the impairment? - Management indicated that while there was a small reduction in reserves, TEN still holds future potential, with a combination of oil and gas opportunities being explored [108] Question: What are the key milestones for achieving first gas at Tortue Phase 1? - Key milestones include the arrival of the FPSO, completion of subsea installations, and mechanical completion of subsea equipment, with first gas expected in the fourth quarter [86][112]