W&T Offshore(US:WTI)2025-03-04 18:27Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2024, the company generated $154 million in adjusted EBITDA and $45 million in free cash flow [11] - Total proved reserves at SEC pricing increased by 3% year-over-year to 127 million barrels of oil equivalent, with oil reserves increasing by 39% [16] - The PV-10 value of SEC proved reserves at year-end 2024 increased by almost $150 million or 14% to $1.2 billion despite lower SEC pricing [19][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company delivered production of 33,300 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2024, despite impacts from hurricanes and downtime related to the Cox acquisition [12] - The acquisition of six shallow water Gulf of Mexico fields added approximately 3,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day to production in 2024 [10] - The company expects a full-year 2025 production midpoint of about 34,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, which is about 6% higher than Q4 2024 production [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - SEC natural gas pricing decreased by 19% in 2023, while SEC oil pricing declined by about 3% [17] - The company has hedged natural gas prices to lock in a favorable price range, anticipating potential increases in gas prices [15][46] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on generating free cash flow, optimizing high-quality conventional assets, and capitalizing on accretive opportunities to build shareholder value [6] - The management emphasizes a strategy of acquisitions over drilling new wells, aiming to reduce risks associated with organic growth [46] - The company is positioned for growth in 2025, with plans to continue making acquisitions and managing debt effectively [59][60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of oil prices around $70 and potential increases in natural gas prices [46] - The company has a solid cash position and good liquidity, enabling it to evaluate growth opportunities both organically and inorganically [30] - Management highlighted the importance of operational excellence and maximizing cash flow potential from the asset base [31] Other Important Information - The company has paid five quarterly cash dividends since initiating the dividend policy in late 2023 [12] - The company has strengthened its balance sheet by closing new second lien notes and entering into a new revolving credit facility [13][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Production guidance and growth sources - The midpoint of full-year production guidance does not include new drilling, focusing instead on restarting shut-in well fields and recompletions [36][37] Question: Update on drilling partnership - The company is moving forward with a drilling program, with the first well planned at the Holy Grail prospect [42][43] Question: Preference for acquisitions over drilling - The management prefers acquisitions that add immediate cash flow rather than drilling, which carries more risk [45][46] Question: Progress on refurbishment of Cox assets - Significant progress has been made on lease operating expenses, with ongoing work expected to be completed in 2025 [50][52] Question: Status of West Delta and Main Pass fields - Maintenance and work required for West Delta and Main Pass fields are mostly completed, with plans to bring them back online [55]