Berry (bry)(BRY)2025-03-13 19:04Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company generated 82 million, a 22% increase from Q3 [35] - Total debt at year-end was 13.10 per BOE, while energy LOE was $11.21 per BOE on an unhedged basis [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on unlocking development potential from its thermal diatomite reservoir and expanding its horizontal well development program in the Uinta Basin [8][19] - Plans for 2025 include drilling approximately 50 gross wells and sustaining production levels [11] - The company aims to deploy 40% of its capital to Utah in 2025, up from 25% in 2024 [38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to create sustainable value and highlighted a compelling pipeline of opportunities [19][40] - The company is not dependent on the Kern County EIR for its near-term plans, as most of its PUD locations can be accessed through available permitting processes [26][82] - Management noted that the recent results from the Uinta Basin could be transformational for the company [54][86] Other Important Information - The company completed a methane emissions reduction project, achieving an 80% reduction compared to a 2022 baseline [28] - A new CFO, Jeff Majid, joined the company, bringing over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Uinta wells and expectations for the first operated pad - Management discussed the differences in production rates between the first and second farm-in wells, noting the geology is uniform and pressure gradients are similar [48][50] Question: Acquisition environment in California - Management is actively pursuing bolt-on opportunities in California, particularly in Kern County, and is in talks with several small operators [57] Question: Update on joint venture discussions for Utah - Management is in discussions for a potential JV to mitigate capital requirements but is comfortable drilling independently for now [66][68] Question: Impact of recent abandonment legislation in California - The legislation will have minimal impact on Berry but will significantly affect larger operators [70][72] Question: Timeline for permitting processes - Management indicated that the timeline for conditional use permits is similar to the Kern County EIR, likely extending into 2026 [84] Question: Long-term potential for Utah assets - Management highlighted the significant potential in Utah, with the ability to grow production significantly over the next decade [87][88]