SilverBow Resources Announces Second Quarter 2023 Results

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Aug 02, 2023

SilverBow Resources, Inc. (NYSE: SBOW) (“SilverBow” or the “Company”) today announced operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2023. Highlights include:

  • Reported net production of 330 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day (“MMcfe/d”) (64% natural gas) for the second quarter of 2023, near the high end of guidance
  • Second quarter net oil production of 12.5 thousand barrels of oil per day ("MBbls/d"), above high end of guidance and an increase of 184% year-over-year
  • Reported net income of $25 million, which includes a net unrealized loss on the value of the Company's derivative contracts of $10 million, including WTI contingency payouts, and Adjusted EBITDA of $112 million for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure defined and reconciled in the tables below
  • Drilling and completion (“D&C”) spend below planned costs year to date, driven by increased operational efficiencies and ongoing cost savings
  • Lowering full year 2023 capital budget guidance range to $400-$425 million, an 11% decrease at the midpoint compared to prior guidance. Full year 2023 estimated production of 325-345 MMcfe/d remains unchanged, a 24% increase year-over-year and compound annual growth rate of more than 20% since full year 2020
  • Two-rig program dedicated to oil development on pace to deliver 2023 oil production growth of ~100% year-over-year. Optionality to complete up to eight previously drilled but uncompleted Webb County gas wells by year-end, contingent upon commodity prices and takeaway capacity
  • Entered into gas gathering agreements to increase takeaway from Webb County; agreements provide for increased production deliverability by year end
  • Added 2,200 net acres in Webb County, further consolidating SilverBow's premium Dorado dry gas position
  • As of July 31, 2023, gas production is 93% hedged for remainder of 2023 using midpoint of guidance

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS

Sean Woolverton, SilverBow’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “Strong performance from our oil assets drove second quarter net oil production above our guidance range. The impact of our oil focused development program is illustrated through our second quarter revenue mix, of which approximately 75% was attributable to oil and NGLs compared to less than 33% a year ago. In conjunction with our oil growth, we are seeing significant efficiency gains and cost savings in our capital program, as such, allowing us to lower our 2023 capital budget guidance by over 10% for the year."

Mr. Woolverton continued, “SilverBow's differentiated strategy is delivering growth while living within cash flow. We are guiding to free cash of $10-$30 million for full year 2023, and we expect our free cash to expand significantly in 2024 due to the increase in our oil production this year and our plan to ramp up gas production next year supported by higher anticipated natural gas prices. SilverBow currently has an identified 10 years of inventory with 650 locations across a balanced mix of oil and gas projects. Our strategy emphasizes operational flexibility and real-time capital allocation to our highest returns on investment. The ability to pivot between oil and gas development has been, and will continue to be, a competitive advantage for us.”

OPERATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

During the second quarter of 2023, SilverBow drilled 13 net wells, completed 15 net wells and brought online 15 net wells. The Company operated two drilling rigs during the quarter, primarily on its Central Oil and Eastern Extension areas, which reflect its ongoing focus on oil development in the near-term. SilverBow's team continues to increase operational efficiencies year to date in 2023, completing 17% more stages per day as compared to similar jobs for full year 2022 and averaging pumping efficiencies 18% higher over the same time periods. Costs continue to trend lower year to date in 2023, with D&C costs per lateral foot 11% lower as compared to 2022.

In its Central Oil area, the Company completed and brought online four pads comprised of nine total wells. Three of these pads have achieved peak production rates with the other pad still increasing in rate. The three pads that have achieved peak production have 30-day pad production averages of 1,500 Boe/d (83% oil) with average lateral lengths of 5,110 feet. In its Eastern Extension area, SilverBow brought online a two-well pad which produced a 30-day pad average of 2,500 Boe/d (73% oil) with an average lateral length of 7,660 feet. Strong initial performance from these pads are in-line with expectations and support consistent results across the Company's oil development program. Furthermore, SilverBow recently completed an initial Austin Chalk test in its Eastern Extension area and is encouraged by early results. As expected, net gas production in the Company's Webb County Gas area was limited to contracted firm capacity levels during the quarter. SilverBow continues to plan for limited interruptible takeaway capacity until late 2023 as new pipelines come into service.

PRODUCTION VOLUMES, OPERATING COSTS AND REALIZED PRICES

SilverBow's total net production for the second quarter of 2023 averaged 330 MMcfe/d, towards the high end of the Company's guidance range. Production mix for the second quarter of 2023 consisted of 64% natural gas, 23% oil and 13% natural gas liquids (“NGLs”), compared to 78% natural gas, 11% oil and 11% NGLs for the second quarter of 2022. Total oil and gas sales for the second quarter of 2023 consisted of 27% natural gas, 63% oil and 10% NGLs, compared to 68% natural gas, 24% oil and 13% NGLs for the second quarter of 2022. Net oil production for the second quarter of 2023 averaged 12,491 Bbls/d, an increase of 184% compared to the second quarter of 2022.

For the second quarter, lease operating expenses (“LOE”) were $0.67 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (“Mcfe”), transportation and processing expenses (“T&P”) were $0.39 per Mcfe and production and ad valorem taxes were 6.9% of oil and gas sales. Total production expenses, which include LOE, T&P and production taxes, were $1.35 per Mcfe for the second quarter. Net general and administrative (“net G&A”) expenses for the second quarter were $5.3 million, or $0.18 per Mcfe. After deducting $1.5 million of non-cash compensation expense, cash general and administrative (“cash G&A”) (a non-GAAP measure) expenses were $3.9 million for the second quarter, or $0.13 per Mcfe.

Crude oil and natural gas realizations in the second quarter were 96% of WTI and 84% of Henry Hub, respectively, excluding hedging. The average realized natural gas price, excluding hedging, was $1.77 per thousand cubic feet of natural gas (“Mcf”) in the second quarter compared to $7.29 per Mcf in the second quarter of 2022. The average realized crude oil selling price, excluding hedging, was $70.51 per barrel in the second quarter compared to $109.94 per barrel in the second quarter of 2022. The average realized NGL selling price, excluding hedging, was $18.39 per barrel (25% of WTI benchmark) in the second quarter compared to $39.51 per barrel (36% of WTI benchmark) in the second quarter of 2022. Please refer to the tables included in this news release for production volumes and pricing information.

FINANCIAL RESULTS

SilverBow reported total oil and gas sales of $126.4 million for the second quarter of 2023. The Company reported net income of $24.9 million, which includes a net unrealized loss on the value of the Company's derivative contracts of $10 million, including WTI contingency payouts.

For the second quarter of 2023, the Company generated Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) of $111.7 million. For the twelve months ended June 30, 2023, SilverBow reported net income of $435.3 million and Adjusted EBITDA for Leverage Ratio (a non-GAAP measure) of $466.8 million, which, in accordance with the Leverage Ratio calculation in the Company's Credit Agreement (as defined below), includes contributions from acquired assets prior to their closing dates totaling $10.4 million.

Capital expenditures incurred during the second quarter of 2023 totaled $117.4 million on an accrual basis.

GUIDANCE UPDATE

SilverBow continues to operate two drilling rigs on its oil acreage, consistent with its original budget plans detailed in March. The Company is lowering its full year 2023 capex guidance range to $400-$425 million, a 11% reduction at the midpoint. This reduction reflects a combination of ongoing efficiency gains, cost savings and scheduling optimizations due to being ahead of schedule year to date. Thus, the net reduction in D&C spend will not impact full year production targets. Included in the 2023 capital budget is the completion of a four-well pad in the Webb County Gas area at year-end, which will be subject to commodity prices and timing of regional midstream expansion projects coming online.

For the third quarter of 2023, SilverBow is guiding to estimated production of 329-352 MMcfe/d, with expected oil volumes of 15,100-15,900 Bbls/d. For the full year 2023, the Company's guidance is unchanged with a production range of 325-345 MMcfe/d, and with expected oil volumes of 13,750-15,000 Bbls/d. Based on guidance, SilverBow's full year 2023 oil production is expected to increase roughly 100% year-over-year, with liquids to comprise 40%-50% of the total production mix by the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company's production guidance assumes that gas production from Webb County is limited to contracted firm pipeline capacity for the full year 2023.

Additional detail concerning the Company's third quarter and full year 2023 guidance can be found in the table included with today's news release and the Corporate Presentation in the Investor Relations section of SilverBow's website.

HEDGING UPDATE

Hedging continues to be an important element of SilverBow's strategy to protect cash flow. The Company's hedging program is structured to provide exposure to higher commodity prices while also protecting against periods of low prices.

As of July 31, 2023, SilverBow had 73% of total production hedged for the remainder of 2023, using the midpoint of guidance. SilverBow has 182 MMcf/d (93% of guidance) of natural gas production hedged at an average price of $3.90 per million British thermal units, 8,885 Bbls/d (53% of guidance) of oil hedged at an average price of $73.63 per barrel and 3,750 Bbls/d (39% of guidance) of NGLs hedged at an average price of $32.86 per barrel for the remainder of 2023. For 2024, the Company has 133 MMcf/d of natural gas production hedged and 8,396 Bbls/d of oil hedged. The hedged amounts are inclusive of both swaps and collars with the average price factoring in the floor price of the collars.

Please see SilverBow's Corporate Presentation and Form 10-Q filing for the second quarter of 2023, which the Company expects to file on Thursday, August 3, 2023, for a detailed summary of its derivative contracts.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND LIQUIDITY

As of June 30, 2023, SilverBow had $1.1 million of cash and $576.0 million of outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facility. The Company's liquidity position was $200.1 million consisting of $1.1 million of cash and $199.0 million of availability under the Credit Facility. SilverBow's net debt as of June 30, 2023 was $724.9 million, calculated as total long-term debt of $726.0 million less $1.1 million of cash.

As of July 28, 2023, SilverBow had 22.6 million total common shares outstanding.

CONFERENCE CALL AND UPDATED INVESTOR PRESENTATION

SilverBow will host a conference call for investors on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Investors and participants can listen to the call by dialing 1-888-415-4465 (U.S.) or 1-646-960-0140 (International) and requesting SilverBow Resource's Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call or by visiting the Company's website. A simultaneous webcast of the call may be accessed over the internet by visiting SilverBow's website at www.sbow.com, clicking on “Investor Relations” and “Events and Presentations” and then clicking on the “Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call” link. The webcast will be archived for replay on the Company's website for 14 days. Additionally, an updated Corporate Presentation will be uploaded to the Investor Relations section of SilverBow's website before the conference call.

ABOUT SILVERBOW RESOURCES, INC.

SilverBow Resources, Inc. (NYSE: SBOW) is a Houston-based energy company actively engaged in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk in South Texas. With over 30 years of history operating in South Texas, the Company possesses a significant understanding of regional reservoirs which it leverages to assemble high quality drilling inventory while continuously enhancing its operations to maximize returns on capital invested. For more information, please visit www.sbow.com. Information on our website is not part of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent management's expectations or beliefs concerning future events, and it is possible that the results described in this release will not be achieved. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including those regarding our strategy, future operations, guidance and outlook, financial position, well expectations and drilling plans, estimated production levels, expected oil and natural gas pricing, long-term inventory estimates, estimated oil and natural gas reserves or the present value thereof, reserve increases, service costs, impact of inflation, future free cash flow and expected leverage ratio, capital expenditures, budget, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, the words “will,” “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “budgeted,” “guidance,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan,” “project,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the following risks and uncertainties: further actions by the members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and other allied producing countries with respect to oil production levels and announcements of potential changes in such levels; completed acquisitions and integrations of these acquisitions; volatility in natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids prices; ability to obtain permits and government approvals; our borrowing capacity, future covenant compliance, cash flow and liquidity, including our ability to satisfy our short- or long-term liquidity needs; asset disposition efforts or the timing or outcome thereof; ongoing and prospective joint ventures, their structures and substance, and the likelihood of their finalization or the timing thereof; the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures, including future development costs; timing, cost and amount of future production of oil and natural gas; availability of drilling and production equipment or availability of oil field labor; availability, cost and terms of capital; timing and successful drilling and completion of wells; availability and cost for transportation and storage capacity of oil and natural gas; costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations; competition in the oil and natural gas industry; general economic and political conditions, including inflationary pressures, further increases in interest rates, a general economic slowdown or recession, instability in financial institutions, political tensions and war (including future developments in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict); the severity and duration of world health events, including health crises and pandemics, related economic repercussions, including disruptions in the oil and gas industry, supply chain disruptions, and operational challenges including remote work arrangements and protecting the health and well being of our employees; opportunities to monetize assets; our ability to execute on strategic initiatives; effectiveness of our risk management activities, including hedging strategy; counterparty and credit market risk; pending legal and environmental matters, including potential impacts on our business related to climate change and related regulations; actions by third parties, including customers, service providers and shareholders; current and future governmental regulation and taxation of the oil and natural gas industry; developments in world oil and natural gas markets and in oil and natural gas-producing countries; uncertainty regarding our future operating results; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the "Annual Report"), its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company’s capital budget, operating plan, service cost outlook and development plans are subject to change at any time. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this release are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. The risk factors and other factors noted herein and in the Company's SEC filings could cause its actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

(Financial Highlights to Follow)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

SilverBow Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary (in thousands, except share amounts)

June 30, 2023

December 31, 2022

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,102

$

792

Accounts receivable, net

64,587

89,714

Fair value of commodity derivatives

72,590

52,549

Other current assets

3,935

2,671

Total Current Assets

142,214

145,726

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment, full cost method, including $26,344 and $16,272, respectively, of unproved property costs not being amortized at the end of each period

2,756,694

2,529,223

Less – Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization & impairment

(1,097,935

)

(1,004,044

)

Property and Equipment, Net

1,658,759

1,525,179

Right of use assets

9,435

12,077

Fair value of long-term commodity derivatives

21,903

24,172

Other long-term assets

8,159

9,208

Total Assets

$

1,840,470

$

1,716,362

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

$

60,143

$

60,200

Fair value of commodity derivatives

9,711

40,796

Accrued capital costs

44,047

56,465

Accrued interest

2,755

2,665

Current lease liability

5,966

8,553

Undistributed oil and gas revenues

18,463

27,160

Total Current Liabilities

141,085

195,839

Long-term debt, net

722,904

688,531

Non-current lease liability

3,571

3,775

Deferred tax liabilities

50,073

16,141

Asset retirement obligations

9,619

9,171

Fair value of long-term commodity derivatives

2,032

7,738

Other long-term liabilities

541

3,588

Commitments and Contingencies

Stockholders' Equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized, 23,102,787 and 22,663,135 shares issued, respectively, and 22,617,842 and 22,309,740 shares outstanding, respectively

231

227

Additional paid-in capital

578,817

576,118

Treasury stock, held at cost, 484,945 and 353,395 shares, respectively

(10,600

)

(7,534

)

Retained earnings

342,197

222,768

Total Stockholders’ Equity

910,645

791,579

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$

1,840,470

$

1,716,362

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

SilverBow Resources, Inc. and Subsidiary (in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Three Months
Ended June 30, 2023

Three Months
Ended June 30, 2022

Revenues:

Oil and gas sales

$

126,400

$

182,605

Operating Expenses:

General and administrative, net

5,318

5,710

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization

49,853

26,441

Accretion of asset retirement obligations

240

101

Lease operating expenses

19,180

10,270

Workovers

811

2

Transportation and gas processing

11,771

6,769

Severance and other taxes

8,771

9,838

Total Operating Expenses

95,944

59,131

Operating Income

30,456

123,474

Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Gain (loss) on commodity derivatives, net

19,993

(22,406

)

Interest expense, net

(18,190

)

(7,902

)

Other income (expense), net

29

(10

)

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

32,288

93,156

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

7,351

4,366

Net Income (Loss)