Woodside Energy (US:WDS)2025-08-19 01:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net profit after tax of over $1.3 billion, with an EBITDA margin of 70%, which remains peer-leading despite lower realized prices and inflationary pressures [6][27] - The interim dividend was set at $0.53 per share, representing a half-year annualized yield of 6.9%, consistent with the company's policy to pay a minimum of 50% of underlying NPAT [5][34] - Unit production costs were reduced by 7%, with the average cost now at $7.7 per barrel of oil equivalent, and guidance for the full year adjusted to $8 to $8.5 per barrel [6][9][48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sangomar's production contributed significantly, achieving an outstanding half-year production of 548,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with total production reaching 99.2 million barrels of oil equivalent [5][11] - Marketing and trading activities generated a strong contribution of $144 million, accounting for approximately 8% of total EBIT [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The global LNG demand is expected to rise by approximately 60% by 2040, with Woodside positioned to meet this demand through projects like Scarborough and Louisiana LNG [14] - Gas hub exposure on produced LNG was 24.2%, realizing a premium of approximately 3% per MMBtu compared to oil-linked sales, indicating the value of price diversity in volatile markets [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to position itself as a global LNG powerhouse, focusing on sustainable operations and maximizing value from its core assets [4][19] - The acquisition of operatorship of Bass Strait assets from ExxonMobil is expected to strengthen Australian operations and unlock potential development opportunities [12][62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management emphasized the importance of securing reliable and affordable energy supply while reducing emissions, highlighting the role of LNG in achieving these goals [13][14] - The company remains committed to safety and sustainability, with no high-consequence injuries reported during the period [5][39] Other Important Information - The company has made significant contributions to the Australian economy, paying AUD 1.3 billion in taxes, royalties, and levies during the half [40] - The Louisiana LNG project is seen as a game changer, with construction progressing and strong interest from potential partners for equity sell-downs [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on Sangomar's performance and Phase two development - Management confirmed positive initial results from the S400 sand units and indicated that further data will inform decisions around Phase two development [45][46] Question: Unit production costs guidance - The guidance was adjusted to $8 to $8.5 per barrel, with Sangomar's strong performance contributing to the reduction [48][49] Question: Louisiana LNG sell-down expectations - Management stated that the project is advantaged, with competitive construction costs, and emphasized the importance of selecting the right partners [51][52] Question: Beaumont Demonia production schedule - The delay in production is due to construction delays managed by OCI, with no cost impact to Woodside [56][57] Question: Bass Strait development opportunities - Management expressed excitement about the operatorship transition and the potential for developing contingent resources [62] Question: Update on MOU with Aramco - Discussions with Aramco are ongoing, focusing on investment opportunities in LNG and low carbon ammonia [71][72] Question: Dividend payout ratio and balance sheet management - Management is confident in maintaining a strong balance sheet and generating strong cash flows to support the high payout ratio [75][78] Question: LNG carrier leasing plans - The company prefers leasing LNG carriers rather than owning them, with ongoing discussions about balance sheet exposure [94] Question: Decommissioning cost challenges - Management confirmed that lessons learned from decommissioning closed sites are being integrated into future planning to avoid similar challenges [96][97]