Tracy W. Krohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are off to a strong start in 2022, with solid operational and financial results that demonstrate our ability to deliver on our strategy of free cash flow generation, maintain high-quality conventional production, and capitalize on accretive opportunities. Our first quarter production was at the top end of the guidance range, LOE costs were below the low end of the guidance range, and we grew Adjusted EBITDA by 37% quarter over quarter to $89.7 million. Additionally, we paid down $10.6 million in debt in the first quarter and our Net Debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA ratio has declined to 2.0 times from 3.4 times at the same time last year. Assuming recent forward strip prices, we are forecasting that our Net Debt to TTM Adjusted EBITDA could end the year below 1.0 times, assuming no additional acquisitions.”
“Yesterday, we announced a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Korea National Oil Corporation (“KNOC”) that formalizes the intention of the two entities to work together to pursue various opportunities in upstream oil and gas in North America. KNOC is a highly respected company in our industry and this MOU will allow us to look at opportunities that can be made even more successful by combining our strengths and working together.”
“We remain active in our search for complementary and accretive acquisitions, and were pleased with the results of our efforts when we closed the ANKOR acquisition in February. These shallow water producing properties have a solid base of proved reserves and strong free cash flow, both of which are key factors when we consider any acquisition opportunities and shape our strategic vision. We initiated recompletion activity on those assets in the first quarter and we’ll continue to find ways to maximize the value of this acquisition. Subsequent to quarter-end, we purchased the remaining working interests in those properties from an undisclosed private seller for approximately $17.5 million, which brings W&T’s total working interest in the assets to 100%. Assuming strip pricing as of April 18, 2022, we estimate year-end 2021 proved and probable reserves for W&T’s 100% working interest in the properties were approximately 6.7 MMBoe (70% oil) and 9.5 MMBoe (75% oil), respectively. Net production to W&T’s interests at quarter-end was approximately 4.5 MBoe/d.”
“We recently issued our annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”) report for 2022. The Company made positive strides across all three ESG elements, including another year of declining Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions. We are committed to building upon the solid foundation we have created here at W&T. ESG is a key part of our core values and culture, and we’re excited to continue making a positive impact on our employees and the communities in which we operate and live, as well as protecting and preserving the environment in all aspects of our business.”
“We believe we are well positioned with a solid balance sheet and a substantial inventory of drilling opportunities with potentially high rates of return. Our strong financial footing also allows us to evaluate and quickly execute on accretive acquisition opportunities that meet our criteria as we did in February. We’ll continue to evaluate opportunities to be more active in our drilling program; however, our near-term focus is on continuing to improve our leverage profile and maintain our financial flexibility. We’re constantly evaluating acquisition opportunities and we have the ability to move quickly if we see something that meets our criteria. We remain committed to growing shareholder value and are well positioned for future success.”
Production, Prices, and Revenue: Production for the first quarter of 2022 was 37.8 MBoe/d, which was above the midpoint of the guidance range provided for the quarter. This represented an increase of 2% compared to the fourth quarter of 2021 and down 5% from 39.7 MBoe/d for the corresponding period in 2021. First quarter 2022 production was comprised of 14.5 MBbl/d of oil (38%), 3.9 MBbl/d of natural gas liquids (10%) (“NGLs”), and 116.3 million cubic feet per day (“MMcf/d”) of natural gas (51%).
W&T’s average realized price per barrel of oil equivalent (“Boe”) before realized derivative settlements was $55.29 per Boe in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 16% from $47.70 per Boe in the fourth quarter in 2021 and an increase of 60% from $34.66 per Boe in the first quarter of 2021. Crude oil, NGL, and natural gas prices, before realized derivative settlements, for the first quarter of 2022 were $94.10 per barrel, $39.60 per barrel, and $4.91 per Mcf, respectively.
Revenues for the first quarter of 2022 were $191.0 million, which were 15% higher than fourth quarter 2021 revenue of $165.6 million and 52% higher than $125.6 million in the first quarter of 2021.