Gulfport Energy(GPOR) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital of approximately $207 million during the first quarter, exceeding capital expenditures despite a capital program that is roughly 75% weighted to the first half of 2025 [12][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately$ 218 million, with adjusted free cash flow of $36.6 million, supported by strong realized pricing and GAAP differentials better than expectations [12][13] - The average realized price for the first quarter was$ 4.11 per Mcfe, which is $0.45 or 12% above the NYMEX Henry Hub index price, highlighting the benefits of the company's diverse marketing portfolio [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average daily production totaled 929 million cubic feet equivalent per day, aligning with company expectations and on track to meet full year production guidance of 1.04 to 1.065 billion cubic feet equivalent per day [6] - The company completed drilling on 13 gross wells in Ohio during the first quarter, with seven targeting Ohio Utica, four targeting Ohio Marcellus, and two in the SCOOP targeting the Woodford [7] - The company achieved a 28% improvement in footage drilled per day compared to full year 2024, with average spud to rig release days decreasing by over 30% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is optimistic about opportunities to increase its leasehold footprint, particularly in dry gas and wet gas areas, while remaining cautious about market volatility [7][28] - The natural gas price differential before hedges was an$ 0.08 per Mcf premium to the average daily NYMEX settled price during the quarter, ahead of analyst consensus expectations [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to shift capital allocation towards natural gas drilling in the second half of 2025, reaffirming full year guidance driven by a forecasted 20% growth in natural gas volumes by the fourth quarter of 2025 [5][11] - The company is focused on maintaining an attractive balance sheet, generating significant free cash flow, and executing a robust shareholder return program [5][11] - The company is committed to developing assets responsibly and allocating capital to the highest value opportunities, with a focus on operational efficiencies [6][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to capitalize on a strengthening commodity environment as it enters 2026, improving free cash flow generation and prioritizing capital returns to shareholders [11][16] - The macro environment for natural gas is viewed positively, with expectations for a constructive setup for gas-weighted areas in the portfolio [37][60] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 341,000 shares of common stock for approximately $60 million during the first quarter, with a total of approximately 5.9 million shares repurchased since the inception of the program [16][17] - The company has approximately$ 356 million available under its $1 billion share repurchase program and plans to return substantially all adjusted free cash flow to shareholders through common stock repurchases [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about front-loaded capital program and production decline - Management acknowledged the planned lower volumes in the first quarter and emphasized the shift towards dry gas to stabilize production levels and accelerate cash flows moving forward [21][22] Question: Opportunities in dry gas and wet gas markets - Management indicated a focus on high cash flow opportunities in dry gas and wet gas areas, while remaining cautious about market volatility and ensuring any acquisitions are attractive [26][28] Question: Outperformance of the cage pad compared to the lake pad - Management attributed the outperformance to improved frac design, effective cluster spacing, and better understanding of reservoir dynamics [32][34] Question: Future growth expectations for 2026 - Management noted that while specific guidance for 2026 is not provided, the macro environment for gas is favorable, and the company is shifting towards a more gas-weighted program [37][38] Question: Drilling efficiencies and CapEx guidance - Management confirmed that current efficiencies are modeled into the 2025 CapEx guidance, with potential for further improvements [42][51] Question: Interest in the Borealis pipeline expansion - Management stated that they assess projects like the Borealis pipeline on a netback basis and are open to opportunities that improve netbacks [44][46] Question: Pivot to dry gas Utica acreage - Management explained that the decision to pivot was based on maximizing returns and favorable macro conditions for gas, while still recognizing the economic viability of Marcellus condensate wells [58][60] Question: Changes in hedging strategy with increased liquids exposure - Management indicated that the hedging strategy remains consistent, focusing on protecting downside while maintaining flexibility in decision-making [61][62]