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Kosmos Energy(KOS) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant reduction in capital expenditures (CapEx), with first quarter CapEx at $86 million, down from $200 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of over 50% [8][22] - Operating expenses (OpEx) per barrel of oil equivalent were in line with guidance but higher year-on-year due to lower production and higher maintenance costs in Q1 2025 [22] - The company expects second quarter production to be around 15% higher than the first quarter, driven by the ramp-up of the GTA project [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The GTA project achieved first gas and LNG production, with all four liquefaction trains operational and production ramping up towards a contracted sales volume equivalent to 2,450,000 tons of LNG per annum [10][12] - In Ghana, the company plans to drill two Jubilee wells in 2025 and an additional four in 2026, which are expected to enhance production with low-cost, high-margin barrels [6][16] - Production in the Gulf of America was steady, with a planned 30-day shutdown completed, and current production ramping back up to around 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted heightened volatility in the sector and global markets but remains focused on cash generation and cost control [5][28] - The company has hedged approximately 40% of its remaining 2025 oil production with a floor of approximately $65 per barrel and a ceiling of approximately $80 per barrel [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is prioritizing cash generation, rigorous cost control, and enhancing financial resilience amid market volatility [4][28] - Future upside potential at the GTA project includes increased production through existing facilities and potential upgrades to the FLNG vessel to increase LNG production capacity beyond 3,000,000 tons per annum [12][13] - The company is exploring alternative operating models to reduce costs and enhance overall project returns [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to generate free cash flow even in a lower commodity price environment, with a target breakeven of around $50 per barrel Brent [36] - The company is focused on maintaining financial resilience through cash generation and managing capital expenditures effectively [27][28] - Management highlighted a positive outlook for production growth in the second half of the year, driven by the ramp-up of the GTA project and upcoming drilling activities in Ghana and the Gulf of America [28] Other Important Information - The company has minimal near-term maturities and ample liquidity, with a rolling hedging program in place to protect cash flow [9][44] - The company is committed to reducing annual overhead by $25 million by year-end and has made significant progress towards that target [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the nameplate capacity test at GTA and the timeframe for understanding potential rates? - Management indicated that the nameplate capacity of the FLNG vessel is 2,700,000 tons per annum, and testing is ongoing to determine reliable delivery rates above that level [32] Question: How do you see your breakevens today and how might they evolve in future years? - Management expects a target breakeven of around $50 per barrel Brent in a low price environment, with a focus on high-return Jubilee infill wells [36] Question: How are you thinking about financial leverage in a lower commodity price environment? - Management emphasized the focus on reducing financial leverage and maintaining liquidity, with plans to generate free cash flow to pay down debt [42] Question: What are the steps regarding the obligation offtake physically and financially? - Management clarified that the National Oil Company is responsible for building the necessary infrastructure for gas offtake, and there are no capital liabilities for the company in this regard [83]