Vitesse Energy, Inc. (NYSE: VTS) (“we,” “our,” “Vitesse,” or the
“Company”) today announced the Company’s third quarter 2023
financial and operating results and declared a quarterly cash
dividend.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per common share to
be paid on December 29, 2023
- As previously announced, acquired additional oil and gas
interests that will result in approximately $50.0 million of
acquisition and related development capital expenditures primarily
before year-end 2023
- Net loss of $1.5 million and Adjusted Net Income(1) of $11.1
million, with the difference primarily attributable to the non-cash
unrealized mark-to-market loss from the Company’s hedging
portfolio
- Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $34.7 million
- Cash flow from operations of $32.1 million and Free Cash
Flow(1) of $17.2 million
- Production of 11,009 barrels of oil equivalent (“Boe”) per day
(67% oil)
- Total cash development capital expenditures and acquisition
costs of $34.1 million
- Total debt of $56.0 million and Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
ratio(1) of 0.39
(1) Non-GAAP financial measure; see reconciliation schedules at
the end of this release
MANAGEMENT COMMENTS
Bob Gerrity, Vitesse’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
commented, “Vitesse continues to execute on our core business plan.
We support our dividend and selectively grow production through the
conversion of our undeveloped asset base and the acquisition of
highly economic near-term development opportunities, while
maintaining a conservative balance sheet. We continue to add hedges
at prices deemed attractive to protect the dividend and enhance
returns on our capital spending.”
STOCKHOLDER RETURNS
Vitesse’s Board of Directors declared its fourth quarter cash
dividend for Vitesse’s common stock of $0.50 per share for
stockholders of record as of December 15, 2023, which will be paid
on December 29, 2023.
On September 29, 2023, the Company paid its third quarter cash
dividend of $0.50 per share to common stockholders of record as of
September 15, 2023.
FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS
Third quarter net loss was $1.5 million and Adjusted Net Income
was $11.1 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $34.7 million. See “Non-GAAP
Financial Measures” below.
Oil and gas production for the third quarter of 2023 averaged
11,009 Boe per day. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023,
oil and gas production averaged 11,295 Boe per day. Oil represented
67% of production and 97% of total revenue in the third quarter of
2023. Total revenue, including the effects of our realized hedges,
for the third quarter of 2023 was $53.6 million.
Vitesse’s average realized oil and natural gas prices before
hedging were $78.45 per Bbl and $0.88 per Mcf, respectively, during
the third quarter of 2023. Vitesse hedges a portion of its oil
production to reduce the impact of price volatility on its
financial results, support its dividend, and increase returns on
its capital spending. In the third quarter, the Company had hedges
covering 52% of oil production and its realized oil price with
hedging was $76.35 per Bbl.
Lease operating expenses in the third quarter of 2023 were $10.0
million, or $9.86 per Boe, an increase of 9% on a per unit basis
compared to the second quarter of 2023. The higher lease operating
expense is primarily related to increased workover operations.
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the third
quarter of 2023 totaled $3.8 million, or $3.77 per Boe, a decrease
of 13% on a per unit basis compared to the second quarter of 2023.
The decrease in G&A expense was primarily due to the absence
this quarter of costs related to the spin-off from Jefferies
Financial Group Inc. on January 13, 2023 (the “Spin-Off”).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
As of September 30, 2023, Vitesse had $1.7 million in cash and
$56.0 million of borrowings outstanding on its revolving credit
facility. Vitesse had total liquidity of $115.7 million as of
September 30, 2023, consisting of cash and $114.0 million of
committed borrowing availability under its revolving credit
facility.
In November 2023, the Company expects to complete its
semi-annual redetermination of its revolving credit facility. The
borrowing base is anticipated to remain at $245 million with the
elected commitment increasing to $180 million from $170
million.
During the quarter, Vitesse spent $16.5 million on development
capital expenditures and $17.6 million on acquisitions of oil and
gas properties.
OPERATIONS UPDATE
The Company owned a working interest in 263 gross (7.7 net)
wells that were either drilling or in the completion phase, and
another 389 gross (10.0 net) locations that had been permitted for
development at the end of the quarter. In the third quarter,
Vitesse agreed to participate in 119 gross (4.0 net) future wells
through approved or acquired authorization for expenditures
(“AFEs”).
2023 ANNUAL GUIDANCE AND PRELIMINARY 2024 OUTLOOK
Vitesse reaffirms its previously revised 2023 annual guidance
and preliminary 2024 outlook, which are set forth below.
Revised 2023 Guidance
Preliminary 2024
Outlook
Annual Production (Boe per day)
11,500 - 11,700
12,500 - 13,500
Oil as a Percentage of Annual
Production
66% - 68%
67% - 71%
Total Capital Expenditures ($ in
millions)
$110 - $130
$90 - $110
THIRD QUARTER 2023 RESULTS
Vitesse Energy, LLC is the “predecessor” of Vitesse for
financial reporting purposes. As a result, unless otherwise
indicated, the 2022 financial and operating data presented in this
release are those of Vitesse Energy, LLC and do not include the
financial and operating data of Vitesse Oil, LLC, which was
acquired as part of the Spin-Off. The following table sets forth
selected financial and operating data for the periods
indicated.
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER
30,
INCREASE
(DECREASE)
($ in thousands, except production and
per unit data)
2023
2022
AMOUNT
PERCENT
Financial and Operating
Results:
Revenue
Oil
$
53,293
$
62,387
$
(9,094
)
(15
%)
Natural gas
1,761
14,711
(12,950
)
(88
%)
Total revenue
$
55,054
$
77,098
$
(22,044
)
(29
%)
Operating Expenses
Lease operating expense
$
9,985
$
8,323
$
1,662
20
%
Production taxes
5,152
6,636
(1,484
)
(22
%)
General and administrative
3,820
5,745
(1,925
)
(34
%)
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and
accretion
19,013
17,777
1,236
7
%
Equity-based compensation
1,146
(17,329
)
18,475
107
%
Interest Expense
$
1,166
$
1,250
$
(84
)
(7
%)
Commodity Derivative Gain (Loss),
Net
$
(17,083
)
$
31,037
$
(48,120
)
(155
%)
Income Tax Benefit
$
(796
)
$
—
$
(796
)
100
%
Production Data:
Oil (MBbls)
679
697
(18
)
(3
%)
Natural gas (MMcf)
2,001
1,981
20
1
%
Combined volumes (MBoe)
1,013
1,027
(14
)
(1
%)
Daily combined volumes (Boe/d)
11,009
11,166
(157
)
(1
%)
Average Realized Prices before
Hedging:
Oil (per Bbl)
$
78.45
$
89.51
$
(11.06
)
(12
%)
Natural gas (per Mcf)
0.88
7.42
(6.54
)
(88
%)
Combined (per Boe)
54.36
75.05
(20.69
)
(28
%)
Average Realized Prices with
Hedging:
Oil (per Bbl)
$
76.35
$
73.54
$
2.81
4
%
Natural gas (per Mcf)
0.88
7.42
(6.54
)
(88
%)
Combined (per Boe)
52.95
64.22
(11.27
)
(18
%)
Average Costs (per Boe):
Lease operating
$
9.86
$
8.10
$
1.76
22
%
Production taxes
5.09
6.46
(1.37
)
(21
%)
General and administrative
3.77
5.59
(1.82
)
(33
%)
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and
accretion
18.77
17.31
1.46
8
%
COMMODITY HEDGING
Vitesse hedges a portion of its expected annual oil production
volumes to increase the predictability and certainty of its cash
flow and to help maintain a strong financial position. Vitesse does
not currently have hedges in place on its expected natural gas
production volumes. The following table summarizes Vitesse’s open
oil commodity derivative swap contracts scheduled to settle after
September 30, 2023, including those entered into in October
2023.
SETTLEMENT
PERIOD
OIL (Bbls)
WEIGHTED AVERAGE PRICE
$
Swaps-Crude Oil
2023:
Q4
399,998
$
79.11
2024:
Q1
402,498
$
79.03
Q2
382,500
$
79.13
Q3
327,500
$
78.50
Q4
262,500
$
79.12
2025:
Q1
90,000
$
75.30
Q2
90,000
$
75.30
The following table presents Vitesse’s settlements on commodity
derivative instruments and unsettled gains and losses on open
commodity derivative instruments for the periods presented:
QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER
30,
(in thousands)
2023
2022
Realized (loss) on commodity
derivatives
$
(1,424
)
$
(11,128
)
Unrealized (loss) gain on commodity
derivatives
(15,659
)
42,165
Total commodity derivative gain (loss)
$
(17,083
)
$
31,037
Q3 2023 EARNINGS RELEASE CONFERENCE CALL
In conjunction with Vitesse’s release of its financial and
operating results, investors, analysts and other interested parties
are invited to listen to a conference call with management on
Thursday, November 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
An updated corporate slide presentation that may be referenced
on the conference call will be posted prior to the conference call
on Vitesse’s website, www.vitesse-vts.com, in the “Investor
Relations” section of the site, under “News & Events,” sub-tab
“Presentations.”
Those wishing to listen to the conference call may do so via the
Company’s website or by phone as follows:
Website:
https://event.choruscall.com/mediaframe/webcast.html?webcastid=lzstGtPj
Dial-In Number: 877-407-0778
(US/Canada) and 201-689-8565 (International)
Conference ID: 13742191 - Vitesse
Energy Third Quarter 2023 Earnings Call
Replay Dial-In Number: 877-660-6853
(US/Canada) 201-612-7415 (International)
Replay Access Code: 13742191 -
Replay will be available through November 9, 2023
UPCOMING INVESTOR EVENTS
Vitesse management will be participating in the following
upcoming investor events:
- Stephens Investment Conference - Nashville - November 14,
2023.
- Southwest IDEAS Conference - Dallas - November 16, 2023.
- Capital One Securities Energy Conference - Houston - December
4-5, 2023.
Any investor presentations to be used for such events will be
posted prior to the events on Vitesse’s website,
www.vitesse-vts.com, in the “Investor Relations” section of the
site, under “News & Events,” sub-tab “Presentations.”
ABOUT VITESSE ENERGY, INC.
Vitesse Energy, Inc. is focused on returning capital to
stockholders through owning financial interests as a non-operator
in oil and gas wells drilled by leading US operators.
More information about Vitesse can be found at
www.vitesse-vts.com.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding
future events and future results that are subject to the safe
harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of
historical facts included in this release regarding Vitesse’s
financial position, operating and financial performance, business
strategy, dividend plans and practices, guidance, plans and
objectives of management for future operations, and industry
conditions are forward-looking statements. When used in this
release, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by
terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,”
“believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “target,” “could,”
“plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other
words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future
events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about
actual or potential future production and sales, market size,
collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute
such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and
uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond
Vitesse’s control) that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements,
including the following: changes in oil and natural gas prices; the
pace of drilling and completions activity on Vitesse’s properties;
Vitesse’s ability to acquire additional development opportunities;
potential acquisition transactions; integration and benefits of
property acquisitions, or the effects of such acquisitions on
Vitesse’s cash position and levels of indebtedness; changes in
Vitesse’s reserves estimates or the value thereof; disruptions to
Vitesse’s business due to acquisitions and other significant
transactions; infrastructure constraints and related factors
affecting Vitesse’s properties; cost inflation or supply chain
disruption; ongoing legal disputes over and potential shutdown of
the Dakota Access Pipeline; the COVID-19 pandemic and its related
economic repercussions and effect on the oil and natural gas
industry; the impact of general economic or industry conditions,
nationally and/or in the communities in which Vitesse conducts
business, including central bank policy actions, bank failures and
associated liquidity risks; changes in the interest rate
environment, legislation or regulatory requirements; conditions of
the securities markets; Vitesse’s ability to raise or access
capital; cyber-related risks; changes in accounting principles,
policies or guidelines; and financial or political instability,
health-related epidemics, acts of war (including the armed conflict
in Israel and Ukraine) or terrorism, and other economic,
competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors
affecting Vitesse’s operations, products and prices. Additional
information concerning potential factors that could affect future
results is included in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors”
and other sections of Vitesse’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and
subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as updated from time to
time in amendments and subsequent reports filed with the SEC, which
describe factors that could cause Vitesse’s actual results to
differ from those set forth in the forward looking statements.
Vitesse has based these forward-looking statements on its
current expectations and assumptions about future events. While
management considers these expectations and assumptions to be
reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business,
economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies
and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many
of which are beyond Vitesse’s control. Vitesse does not undertake
any duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except
as may be required by the federal securities laws.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
VITESSE ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated
Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
FOR THE THREE MONTHS
ENDED
FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
SEPTEMBER 30,
(In thousands, except share and unit
data)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Revenue
Oil
$
53,293
$
62,387
$
152,512
$
179,508
Natural gas
1,761
14,711
12,090
41,366
Total revenue
55,054
77,098
164,602
220,874
Operating Expenses
Lease operating expense
9,985
8,323
28,384
22,483
Production taxes
5,152
6,636
15,325
18,612
General and administrative
3,820
5,745
19,143
12,252
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and
accretion
19,013
17,777
56,233
46,953
Equity-based compensation
1,146
(17,329
)
30,545
4,911
Total operating expenses
39,116
21,152
149,630
105,211
Operating Income
15,938
55,946
14,972
115,663
Other (Expense) Income
Commodity derivative gain (loss), net
(17,083
)
31,037
(4,885
)
(17,338
)
Interest expense
(1,166
)
(1,250
)
(3,461
)
(3,003
)
Other income
49
6
99
12
Total other (expense) income
(18,200
)
29,793
(8,247
)
(20,329
)
Income (Loss) Before Income
Taxes
$
(2,262
)
$
85,739
$
6,725
$
95,334
(Provision for) Benefit from Income
Taxes
796
—
(46,386
)
—
Net Income (Loss)
$
(1,466
)
$
85,739
$
(39,661
)
$
95,334
Net income attributable to Predecessor
common unit holders
—
85,739
1,832
95,334
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Vitesse Energy, Inc.
$
(1,466
)
$
—
$
(41,493
)
$
—
Weighted average common shares /
Predecessor common unit outstanding – basic
29,659,763
438,625,000
29,660,924
438,625,000
Weighted average common shares /
Predecessor common unit outstanding – diluted
29,659,763
438,625,000
29,660,924
438,625,000
Net income (loss) per common share /
Predecessor common unit – basic
$
(0.05
)
$
0.19
$
(1.40
)
$
0.21
Net income (loss) per common share /
Predecessor common unit – diluted
$
(0.05
)
$
0.19
$
(1.40
)
$
0.21
Net loss per Predecessor non-founder MIUs
classified as temporary equity–basic and diluted
$
—
$
—
VITESSE ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance
Sheets (Unaudited)
SEPTEMBER 30,
DECEMBER 31,
(in thousands, except shares and
units)
2023
2022
Assets
Current Assets
Cash
$
1,747
$
10,007
Revenue receivable
38,198
41,393
Commodity derivatives
—
2,112
Prepaid expenses and other current
assets
1,550
841
Total current assets
41,495
54,353
Oil and Gas Properties-Using the
successful efforts method of accounting
Proved oil and gas properties
1,135,849
985,751
Less accumulated DD&A and
impairment
(438,714
)
(382,974
)
Total oil and gas properties
697,135
602,777
Other Property and Equipment—Net
166
114
Other Assets
Commodity derivatives
325
1,155
Other noncurrent assets
1,845
2,085
Total other assets
2,170
3,240
Total assets
$
740,966
$
660,484
Liabilities, Redeemable Units and
Equity
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable
$
24,466
$
7,207
Accrued liabilities
52,656
25,849
Commodity derivatives
6,296
3,439
Other current liabilities
—
184
Total current liabilities
83,418
36,679
Long-term Liabilities
Revolving credit facility
56,000
48,000
Deferred tax liability
48,456
—
Asset retirement obligations
7,633
6,823
Other noncurrent liabilities
4,252
—
Total liabilities
$
199,759
$
91,502
Commitments and Contingencies
Predecessor Redeemable Management
Incentive Units
—
4,559
Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
5,000,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued at September 30,
2023
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 95,000,000
shares authorized; 32,812,025 shares issued at September 30,
2023
328
—
Additional paid-in capital
582,372
—
Accumulated deficit
(41,493
)
—
Predecessor members' equity-common
units-450,000,000 units outstanding
—
564,423
Total equity
541,207
564,423
Total liabilities, redeemable units and
equity
$
740,966
$
660,484
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
Vitesse defines Adjusted Net Income as net income before (i)
non-cash gains and losses on unsettled derivative instruments, and
(ii) non-cash unit-based compensation; reduced by the estimated
impact of income tax expense.
Net Debt is calculated by deducting cash on hand from the amount
outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of the balance
sheet or measurement date.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before expenses for
interest, income taxes, depletion, depreciation, amortization and
accretion, and excludes non-cash equity-based compensation and
non-cash gains and losses on unsettled derivative instruments.
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is defined as Net Debt divided
by annualized third quarter 2023 EBITDA.
Vitesse defines Free Cash Flow as cash flow from operations,
adding back changes in operating assets and liabilities, less
development of oil and gas properties.
Management believes the use of these non-GAAP financial measures
provides useful information to investors to gain an overall
understanding of financial performance. Specifically, management
believes the non-GAAP financial measures included herein provide
useful information to both management and investors by excluding
certain items that management believes are not indicative of
Vitesse’s core operating results. In addition, these non-GAAP
financial measures are used by management for budgeting and
forecasting as well as subsequently measuring Vitesse’s
performance, and management believes it is providing investors with
financial measures that most closely align to its internal
measurement processes. A reconciliation of each of the non-GAAP
financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure is
included below.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET
INCOME
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
(in thousands)
2023
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
$
(2,262
)
Add:
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative
instruments
15,659
Equity-based compensation
1,146
Adjusted Income Before Adjusted Income Tax
Expense
14,543
Adjusted Income Tax Expense(1)
(3,403
)
Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP)
$
11,140
(1)
The Company determined the income tax
impact on the “Adjusted Income Before Adjusted Income Tax Expense”
using the relevant statutory tax rate of 23.4%.
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED
EBITDA AND NET DEBT TO ADJUSTED EBITDA RATIO
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
(in thousands except for ratio)
2023
Revolving credit facility
$
56,000
Cash
1,747
Net Debt
$
54,253
Net Income (Loss)
$
(1,466
)
Add:
Interest expense
1,166
Benefit from income taxes
(796
)
Depletion, depreciation, amortization, and
accretion
19,013
Equity-based compensation
1,146
Unrealized loss (gain) on commodity
derivatives
15,659
Adjusted EBITDA
$
34,722
Annualized Adjusted EBITDA
138,888
Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA
ratio
0.39
RECONCILIATION OF FREE CASH
FLOW
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
(in thousands)
2023
Net cash provided by operating
activities
$
32,060
Add back: changes in operating assets and
liabilities
1,658
Cash flow from operations before changes
in operating assets and liabilities
33,718
Less: development of oil and gas
properties
(16,477
)
Free Cash Flow
$
17,241
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231101638061/en/
INVESTOR AND MEDIA CONTACT Ben Messier, CFA Director –
Investor Relations and Business Development (720) 532-8232
benmessier@vitesse-vts.com
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