Harbour Energy Plans Significant Production Increase for 2025

Harbour Energy's Forecast for Production Growth in 2025

Harbour Energy (LON: HBR) is set to experience a notable rise in production by 2025, as the company anticipates the full-year benefits from assets acquired from Wintershall Dea during 2024. This strategic move positions Harbour Energy to enhance its operational capabilities significantly.

Production Expectations and Financial Outlook

The company's annual report for 2024 projects an ambitious production level between 450,000 and 475,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) for 2025. This marks a substantial increase from the 258,000 boepd achieved in 2024. The recent acquisition completed on September 3 has notably boosted production figures, contributing to a 40% year-over-year increase during the last four months of 2024.

During 2024, Harbour Energy's production composition was diverse, with liquids accounting for 40%, European gas making up 45%, and non-European gas at 15%. Looking ahead, the company expects reductions in unit operating costs from $16.5 per barrel of oil equivalent (boe) to around $14 per boe in 2025, largely due to the introduction of Wintershall Dea's more cost-effective assets.

Financial Performance and Revenue Growth

In 2024, Harbour Energy reported revenues of $6.1 billion, significantly up from $3.7 billion in the previous year. This impressive growth trajectory is primarily attributed to heightened production levels. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and exploration expenses (EBITDAX) saw a rise to $4.1 billion from $2.7 billion in 2023. Nevertheless, the company predicts that certain non-cash accounting charges arising from the UK tax environment may negatively affect its pre-tax and post-tax income.

Development Projects and Exploration Initiatives

Throughout the year, Harbour Energy made substantial progress across various development and exploration ventures. Noteworthy projects, such as the Fenix development in Argentina and Talbot in the UK, commenced production. Moreover, additional drilling activities were undertaken at several sites in Norway and the UK.

Exciting exploration achievements emerged from wells located in the North Sea and the Andaman Sea in Indonesia, where promising discoveries are anticipated to contribute to future production levels. The company is also advancing other growth-focused initiatives, including the Maria Phase 2 project in Norway and the Zama oil field development in Mexico.

Carbon Capture and Storage Efforts

In the area of carbon capture and storage (CCS), Harbour Energy has finalized its first decision for investment in the Greensand Future project in Denmark. However, the company has decided to exit from the Camelot licence in the UK.

Strategic Asset Decisions

After the year-end, Harbour Energy announced its plans to sell its Vietnam operations to EnQuest for $84 million, with expected completion in 2025. This sale is part of the company's strategic approach to optimize its asset portfolio.

Capital Expenditure and Cash Flow Projections

For 2025, Harbour Energy estimates capital expenditure to be between $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion, a significant increase from $1.8 billion allocated in 2024. This increase is reflective of the newly acquired Wintershall Dea assets, though it also accounts for reduced investments in the UK and lower exploration expenditures in Indonesia and Mexico.

With Brent crude priced at $80 per barrel and European gas at $13 per thousand cubic feet, the company anticipates generating around $1 billion in free cash flow for 2025. To further solidify its financial position, Harbour Energy has established additional hedges for oil and gas prices that extend through 2027. Plans also include distributing $455 million in dividends for 2025, which encompasses both a final dividend for 2024 and an interim payment for 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What production increase does Harbour Energy anticipate for 2025?

Harbour Energy forecasts an increase to 450,000-475,000 boepd in 2025, following the impact of Wintershall assets.

How did Harbour Energy's revenue change in 2024?

The company reported $6.1 billion in revenue for 2024, significantly up from $3.7 billion in 2023.

What are Harbour Energy's capital expenditure plans for 2025?

Harbour Energy plans to spend between $2.4 billion and $2.6 billion in capital expenditures in 2025.

Which projects are contributing to Harbour Energy's growth?

Projects like Fenix in Argentina and Talbot in the UK, along with exploration in the North Sea and Indonesia, are driving growth.

What dividends has Harbour Energy planned for 2025?

The company aims to distribute $455 million in dividends, including a final 2024 dividend and an interim 2025 payment.

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