CALGARY,
AB, March 5, 2025 /CNW/ - Vermilion Energy
Inc. ("Vermilion" or the "Company") (TSX: VET) (NYSE: VET) is
pleased to report operating and condensed financial results for the
year ended December 31, 2024.
The audited financial statements, management
discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year
ended December 31, 2024 will be available on the System
for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval Plus ("SEDAR+") at
www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml, and on
Vermilion's website at www.vermilionenergy.com.
Highlights
Year End 2024 Results
- Fund flows from operations ("FFO")(1) was
$1,206 million ($7.63/basic share)(2), representing a
6% increase over the prior year, or 9% on a per basic share basis,
reflecting the positive impact from our share repurchase program.
Free cash flow ("FCF")(4) of $583
million increased 9% on a per basic share basis relative to
2023.
- Net loss was $47 million
($0.30/basic share) compared to
$238 million net loss ($1.45/basic share) in the prior year. The current
year net loss was impacted by unrealized losses on derivative
instruments and unrealized foreign exchange losses due to a
weakening Canadian dollar.
- Net debt(5) decreased by over $110 million to $967
million, representing a net debt to four quarter trailing
FFO ratio(6) of 0.8 times. The Company fully repaid the
$79 million lease obligation
associated with the Montney Battery construction completed in 2024,
implying approximately $190 million
of effective debt reduction.
- Vermilion returned $216 million
($1.37/basic share) to shareholders
through dividends and share buybacks, representing 52% of excess
free cash flow ("EFCF")(4), including the repurchase and
cancellation of 9.3 million shares which reduced the outstanding
common shares by 5% to 154.3 million as at December 31, 2024.
- Production averaged 84,543 boe/d(7) (54% natural gas
and 46% crude oil and liquids), comprised of 53,542
boe/d(7) from the North American assets and 31,001
boe/d(7) from the International assets. Production
increased by 1% over the prior year, or 4% on a per share
basis.
- Year end proved developed producing ("PDP") reserves were 168
mmboe(16) and total proved plus probable ("2P") reserves
were 435 mmboe(16), reflecting a reserve life index of
5.4 years and 14.1 years, respectively.
- The after-tax net present value of PDP reserves, discounted at
10%, is $2.8 billion(16)
and the after-tax net present value of 2P reserves, discounted at
10%, is $5.2 billion(16),
or $27.62 per basic
share(16) after deducting year-end net debt.
Q4 2024 Results
- Generated $263 million
($1.70/basic share)(2) of
FFO(1) and $62 million of
FCF(4), compared to $372
million and $229 million,
respectively, in the prior year. .
- As a result of strong European gas prices, Vermilion's
corporate average realized natural gas price in Q4 2024 was
$8.47/mcf, compared to $1.48/mcf for the AECO 5A benchmark.
- Returned $36 million to
shareholders, including $18 million
in share repurchases and $18 million
in dividends.
- Net loss was $18 million compared
to an $803 million net loss in the
prior year.
- Exploration and development ("E&D") capital
expenditures(3) were $201
million and include capital associated with drilling the
Weissenmoor Sud deep gas exploration well in Germany, which was accelerated from Q1
2025.
- Production averaged 83,536 boe/d(7) (56% natural gas
and 44% crude oil and liquids), comprised of 52,293
boe/d(7) from the North American assets and 31,243
boe/d(7) from the International assets.
- In Germany, Vermilion
successfully tested the Wisselshorst deep gas exploration well (0.6
net) at a restricted rate of 21 mmcf/d(14) of natural
gas with a flowing wellhead pressure of 6,200 psi. Subsequent to
year-end, the Company tested a second zone in this well at a
restricted rate of 20 mmcf/d(14) of natural gas with a
flowing wellhead pressure of 6,200 psi. Based on these initial test
results and evaluation performed, this well is estimated to contain
68 Bcf of recoverable natural gas(19), representing
Vermilion's largest discovery in Europe over the past decade.
- Subsequent to year-end, Vermilion completed drilling operations
on the Weissenmoor Sud deep gas exploration well (1.0 net) and
discovered hydrocarbons, marking a third discovery in Germany. The well is currently being
tested.
Outlook
- Subsequent to year-end, closed the acquisition of Westbrick
Energy Ltd. ("Westbrick"), adding approximately 50,000
boe/d(16) of Deep Basin liquids-rich natural gas. The
integration of the Westbrick assets and employees is underway and
progressing as planned, including the continuation of the two-rig
Q1 2025 drilling program initiated by Westbrick prior to the deal
announcement.
- 2025 capital budget and production guidance have been revised
to incorporate the closing of the Westbrick acquisition for an end
of February 2025 close date versus
the previously forecasted mid-February
2025 close. Production is expected to range between 125,000
to 130,000 boe/d(17) (62% natural gas including 14%
European gas)(17) with E&D capital
expenditures(3) of $730 to
$760 million (68% North America, 32% International, with over
70% of total capital expenditures to be invested in its global gas
franchise)(17).
- In aggregate, 38% of expected net-of-royalty production is
hedged for 2025. In particular, western Canadian gas hedges in 2025
and 2026 have been undertaken at pricing that exceeds the pricing
assumed in acquiring Westbrick and locks in strong economics for
the ensuing capital program.
- Based on forward commodity prices, Vermilion forecasts 2025
FCF(4) of approximately $400
million. Approximately 60% of EFCF(4) will be
allocated to debt reduction with 40% of EFCF allocated to
shareholder returns, inclusive of the $0.13 per share quarterly base dividend. The
variable component of shareholder returns will continue to be
allocated towards share buybacks.
- Declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.13 per common share, payable on April 15, 2025 to shareholders of record on
March 31, 2025. This represents an 8%
increase over the Q4 2024 dividend, marking the fourth increase to
Vermilion's quarterly dividend since 2021.
($M except as indicated)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q3 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Financial
|
|
|
|
|
|
Petroleum and natural
gas sales
|
504,352
|
490,095
|
522,969
|
1,981,407
|
2,022,555
|
Cash flows from
operating activities
|
212,587
|
134,547
|
343,831
|
967,751
|
1,024,528
|
Fund flows from
operations (1)
|
262,698
|
275,024
|
372,117
|
1,205,783
|
1,142,611
|
Fund
flows from operations ($/basic share) (2)
|
1.70
|
1.76
|
2.27
|
7.63
|
6.98
|
Fund
flows from operations ($/diluted share) (2)
|
1.68
|
1.75
|
2.27
|
7.55
|
6.98
|
Net earnings
(loss)
|
(18,316)
|
51,697
|
(803,136)
|
(46,739)
|
(237,587)
|
Net
(loss) earnings ($/basic share)
|
(0.12)
|
0.33
|
(4.91)
|
(0.30)
|
(1.45)
|
Cash flows used in
investing activities
|
154,672
|
145,828
|
132,932
|
634,868
|
576,435
|
Capital expenditures
(3)
|
200,659
|
121,269
|
142,887
|
622,980
|
590,191
|
Acquisitions
(9)
|
5,257
|
1,642
|
25,724
|
22,101
|
273,018
|
Dispositions
|
—
|
—
|
14,855
|
—
|
197,007
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
23,282
|
15,332
|
28,937
|
55,334
|
56,966
|
Repurchase of
shares
|
17,637
|
40,106
|
28,736
|
140,707
|
94,838
|
Cash dividends
($/share)
|
0.12
|
0.12
|
0.10
|
0.48
|
0.40
|
Dividends
declared
|
18,521
|
18,642
|
16,227
|
75,327
|
65,248
|
% of
fund flows from operations (10)
|
7 %
|
7 %
|
4 %
|
6 %
|
6 %
|
Payout
(12)
|
242,462
|
155,243
|
188,051
|
753,641
|
712,405
|
% of
fund flows from operations (11)
|
92 %
|
56 %
|
51 %
|
63 %
|
62 %
|
Free cash flow
(4)
|
62,039
|
153,755
|
229,230
|
582,803
|
552,420
|
Long-term
debt
|
963,456
|
903,354
|
914,015
|
963,456
|
914,015
|
Net debt
(6)
|
966,882
|
833,331
|
1,078,567
|
966,882
|
1,078,567
|
Net debt to four
quarter trailing fund flows from operations
(7)
|
0.8
|
0.6
|
0.9
|
0.8
|
0.9
|
Operational
|
Production
(8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil and condensate (bbls/d)
|
30,327
|
29,837
|
32,866
|
31,427
|
31,727
|
NGLs
(bbls/d)
|
6,612
|
7,547
|
7,412
|
7,100
|
7,296
|
Natural gas (mmcf/d)
|
279.59
|
280.73
|
283.91
|
276.10
|
269.83
|
Total (boe/d)
|
83,536
|
84,173
|
87,597
|
84,543
|
83,994
|
Average realized
prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crude oil and condensate ($/bbl)
|
100.06
|
103.55
|
107.91
|
104.29
|
102.43
|
NGLs
($/bbl)
|
29.38
|
27.49
|
33.38
|
30.61
|
31.54
|
Natural gas ($/mcf)
|
8.47
|
6.57
|
8.48
|
6.72
|
8.17
|
Production mix (% of
production)
|
|
|
|
|
|
%
priced with reference to WTI
|
29 %
|
32 %
|
29 %
|
31 %
|
33 %
|
%
priced with reference to Dated Brent
|
15 %
|
13 %
|
17 %
|
15 %
|
13 %
|
%
priced with reference to AECO
|
33 %
|
33 %
|
31 %
|
32 %
|
33 %
|
%
priced with reference to TTF and NBP
|
23 %
|
22 %
|
23 %
|
22 %
|
21 %
|
Netbacks
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating netback ($/boe)(12)
|
43.92
|
41.89
|
57.48
|
47.18
|
49.22
|
Fund
flows from operations ($/boe) (13)
|
34.67
|
34.78
|
48.83
|
38.71
|
37.90
|
Average reference
prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
WTI
(US $/bbl)
|
70.27
|
75.10
|
78.32
|
75.72
|
77.63
|
Dated Brent (US $/bbl)
|
74.67
|
80.18
|
84.05
|
80.76
|
82.62
|
AECO
($/mcf)
|
1.48
|
0.69
|
2.30
|
1.46
|
2.64
|
TTF
($/mcf)
|
18.73
|
15.52
|
17.45
|
14.89
|
17.40
|
Share information ('000s)
|
Shares outstanding -
basic
|
154,344
|
155,348
|
162,271
|
154,344
|
162,271
|
Shares outstanding -
diluted (14)
|
157,837
|
158,912
|
166,456
|
157,837
|
166,456
|
Weighted average shares
outstanding - basic
|
154,954
|
156,624
|
163,335
|
158,068
|
163,719
|
Weighted average shares
outstanding - diluted (14)
|
156,184
|
157,502
|
163,335
|
158,068
|
163,719
|
(1)
|
Fund flows from
operations (FFO) is a total of segments and non-GAAP financial
measure most directly comparable to net loss and is calculated as
sales less royalties, transportation expense, operating expense,
G&A expense, corporate income tax expense (recovery), PRRT
expense, interest expense, equity based compensation settled in
cash, realized (gain) loss on derivatives, realized foreign
exchange (gain) loss, and realized other (income) expense. The
measure is used by management to assess the contribution of each
business unit to Vermilion's ability to generate income necessary
to pay dividends, repay debt, fund asset retirement obligations,
and make capital investments. FFO does not have a standardized
meaning under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures provided by other issuers. More
information and a reconciliation to net earnings (loss), the most
directly comparable primary financial statement measure, can be
found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures"
section of this document.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Fund flows from
operations per basic share and diluted share is calculated by
dividing fund flows from operations (total of segments and non-GAAP
financial measure) by the basic weighted average shares outstanding
as defined under IFRS Accounting Standards. Fund flows from
operations per diluted share is calculated by dividing fund flows
from operations by the sum of basic weighted average shares
outstanding and incremental shares issuable under the equity based
compensation plans as determined using the treasury stock method.
Management assesses fund flows from operations on a per share basis
as we believe this provides a measure of our operating performance
after taking into account the issuance and potential future
issuance of Vermilion common shares. More information and a
reconciliation to cash flows used in investing activities, the most
directly comparable primary financial statement measure, can be
found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures"
section of this document. Capital expenditures is also referred to
as E&D capital expenditures.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Capital expenditures is
a non-GAAP financial measure most directly comparable to cash flows
used in investing activities and is calculated as the sum of
drilling and development costs and exploration and evaluation
costs. Management considers capital expenditures to be a useful
measure of our investment in our existing asset base. Capital
expenditures does not have a standardized meaning under IFRS
Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar
measures provided by other issuers. More information and a
reconciliation to cash flows used in investing activities, the most
directly comparable primary financial statement measure, can be
found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures"
section of this document. Capital expenditures is also referred to
as E&D capital expenditures.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Free cash flow (FCF)
and excess free cash flow (EFCF) are non-GAAP financial measures
most directly comparable to cash flows from operating activities.
FCF is calculated as FFO less drilling and development costs and
exploration and evaluation costs and EFCF is calculated as FCF less
payments on lease obligations and asset retirement obligations
settled. FCF is used by management to determine the funding
available for investing and financing activities including payment
of dividends, repayment of long-term debt, reallocation into
existing business units and deployment into new ventures. EFCF is
used by management to determine the funding available to return to
shareholders after costs attributable to normal business
operations. FCF and EFCF do not have standardized meanings under
IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be comparable to
similar measures provided by other issuers. More information and a
reconciliation to cash flows from operating activities, the most
directly comparable primary financial statement measure, can be
found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures"
section of this document.
|
(5)
|
Free cash flow per
basic share is a non-GAAP financial measure and is not a
standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting Standards and
may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other
issuers. It is calculated using FCF and basic shares
outstanding.FCF is used by management to determine the funding
available for investing and financing activities including payment
of dividends, repayment of long-term debt, reallocation into
existing business units and deployment into new
ventures.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Net debt is a capital
management measure in accordance with IAS 1 "Presentation of
Financial Statements" that is most directly comparable to long-term
debt and is calculated as long-term debt (excluding unrealized
foreign exchange on swapped USD borrowings) plus adjusted working
deficit (capital), a non-GAAP financial measure described in the
"Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures" section of this
document. Management considers this a helpful representation of
Vermilion's net financing obligations after adjusting for the
timing of working capital fluctuations. More information and a
reconciliation to long-term debt, the most directly comparable
primary financial statement measure, can be found in the "Non-GAAP
and Other Specified Financial Measures" section of this
document.
|
|
|
(7)
|
Net debt to four
quarter trailing fund flows from operations is a non-GAAP ratio and
is not a standardized financial measure under IFRS Accounting
Standards and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
disclosed by other issuers. Net debt to four quarter FFO is
calculated as net debt divided by FFO from the preceding four
quarters. Management uses this measure to assess the Company's
ability to repay debt. More information can be found in the
"Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures" section of this
document.
|
|
|
(8)
|
Please refer to
Supplemental Table 4 "Production" of the accompanying Management's
Discussion and Analysis for disclosure by product type.
|
|
|
(9)
|
Acquisitions is a
non-GAAP financial measure and is not a standardized financial
measure under IFRS Accounting Standards and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures disclosed by other issuers.
Acquisitions is calculated as the sum of acquisitions, net of cash
acquired, acquisitions of securities and net acquired working
capital (deficit). Management believes that including these
components provides a useful measure of the economic investment
associated with our acquisition activity and is most directly
comparable to cash flows used in investing activities. More
information and a reconciliation to acquisitions, net of cash
acquired and acquisition of securities, the most directly
comparable primary financial statement measure, can be found in the
"Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures" section of this
document.
|
|
|
(10)
|
Dividends % of FFO is a
non-GAAP ratio that is not standardized under IFRS Accounting
Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed
by other issuers. Dividends % of FFO is calculated as dividends
declared divided by FFO. The ratio is used by management as a
metric to assess the cash distributed to shareholders. More
information can be found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified
Financial Measures" section of this document.
|
|
|
(11)
|
Payout and payout % of
FFO are a non-GAAP financial measure and a non-GAAP ratio,
respectively, that are not standardized under IFRS Accounting
Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed
by other issuers. Payout is most directly comparable to dividends
declared. Payout is calculated as dividends declared plus drilling
and development costs, exploration and evaluation costs, and asset
retirement obligations settled, and payout % of FFO is calculated
as payout divided by FFO. More information and a reconciliation to
dividends declared, the most directly comparable primary financial
statement measure, can be found in the "Non-GAAP and Other
Specified Financial Measures" section of this document.
|
|
|
(12)
|
Operating netback is a
non-GAAP financial measure that is not standardized under IFRS
Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to similar measures
disclosed by other issuers. Operating netback is most directly
comparable to net (loss) earnings and is calculated as sales less
royalties, operating expense, transportation expense, PRRT expense,
and realized hedging (gain) loss, and when presented on a per unit
basis is a non-GAAP ratio. Management assesses operating netback as
a measure of the profitability and efficiency of our field
operations. More information and a reconciliation to net (loss)
earnings, the most directly comparable primary financial statement
measure, can be found in the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified
Financial Measures" section of this document.
|
|
|
(13)
|
Fund flows from
operations per boe is a non-GAAP ratio that is not standardized
under IFRS Accounting Standards and may not be comparable to
similar measures disclosed by other issuers. FFO per boe is
calculated as FFO divided by boe production. FFO per boe is used by
management to assess the profitability of Vermilion's business
units and Vermilion as a whole. More information can be found in
the "Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial Measures" section of
this document.
|
|
|
(14)
|
Diluted shares
outstanding represents the sum of shares outstanding at the period
end plus outstanding awards under the Long-term Incentive Plan,
based on current estimates of future performance factors and
forfeiture rates.
|
|
|
(15)
|
Wisselshorst Z1a well
(64% working interest) was tested in December 2024. Flow rates,
during the initial clean-up phase, of up to 21.2 mmcf/d with a
flowing wellhead pressure of 6,150 psi on an adjustable choke were
achieved. The completion fluid was recovered during the clean-up
flow period. During the main flow period the well tested at a rate
of 20.1mmcf/d over a five-hour flow period with a flowing wellhead
pressure 6,250 psi on a 24/64" fixed choke. A final shut-in
pressure of 7,020 psi and a bottom hole pressure of 8,679 psi were
recorded following the well test of this zone. The zone being
tested is the Rotliegend Havel formation, which was encountered at
5,054m measured depth ("MD") and a 124.4m gas column was logged
with 50.8m of net reservoir and average effective porosity of 9.3%.
A second zone in the well was tested in January 2025 where peak
rates of 20.3 mmcf/d at a flowing well head pressure of 6,189 psi
were recorded. During the main flow period rates of 18.8 mmcf/d
over a five-hour flow period with a flowing wellhead pressure of
6,334 psi were achieved on a 24/64" fixed choke. A final shut-in
pressure of 7,001 psi and a bottom hole pressure of 8,756 psi were
recorded following the well test of this zone. The second zone in
the well is the Rotliegend Dethlingen formation, which was
encountered at 5,000m MD and a 38.2m gas column was logged with
25.5m of net reservoir and average effective porosity of 9.9%. Test
results are not necessarily indicative of production performance or
ultimate recovery.
|
|
|
(16)
|
Estimated gross proved,
developed and producing, total proved, and total proved plus
probable reserves as evaluated by McDaniel & Associates
Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel") in a report dated March 4, 2025 with
an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the "McDaniel Reserves
Report"). See Vermilion's annual information form for the year
ended December 31, 2024 for additional information, including
reserve pricing assumptions. Per share metrics calculated using
basic shares outstanding at December 31, 2024.
|
|
|
(17)
|
Estimated 2025
Westbrick production based on Company estimates as of March 5,
2025.
|
|
|
(18)
|
Based on Company 2025
estimates and 2025 full year average reference prices as at March
3, 2025: Brent US$71.29/bbl; WTI US$67.56/bbl; LSB = WTI less
US$6.83/bbl; TTF $20.49/mmbtu; NBP $20.36/mmbtu; AECO $2.21/mcf;
CAD/USD 1.43; CAD/EUR 1.51 and CAD/AUD 0.90.
|
|
|
(19)
|
At March 5, 2025,
Wisselshorst Z1a well has been assigned 68.3 Bcf Property Gross
total proved plus probable conventional natural gas reserves, as
evaluated by McDaniel & Associated Consultants Ltd.
("McDaniel"), a qualified reserves evaluator, in the Rotliegend
Havel zone and recently tested Dethlingen zone. This represents a
significant increase in the reserves assigned by McDaniel effective
December 31, 2024, of 32.9 Bcf Property Gross total proved plus
probable conventional natural gas reserves, due to the strong test
results in existing Rotliegend Havel and Dethlingen zones.
Vermilion has recorded 21.1 Bcf of Gross proved plus probable
reserves as of December 31, 2024 based on its 64.165% working
interest. The evaluation was prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101") and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluations
Handbook ("COGEH"). "Property Gross" reserves are total reserves
before working interest has been applied. "Gross" means in relation
to Vermilion's interest in production or reserves, Vermilion's
working interest (operating or non-operating) share before
deduction of royalty obligations and without including any royalty
interests of Vermilion.
|
Message to Shareholders
Vermilion delivered strong operational and
financial results in 2024, achieving annual production above the
mid-point of guidance while executing a $623
million E&D capital expenditures program, including
several early-stage investments that will contribute to future
production growth. Production for the year averaged 84,543
boe/d(1), representing annual production per share
growth of 4%. The Company generated $1.2
billion, or $7.63 per basic
share of fund flows from operations ("FFO") in 2024, representing a
9% increase over 2023 on a per basic share basis. Free cash flow
("FCF") of $583 million increased 9%
on a per basic share basis relative to 2023. This FCF provided
funding for asset retirement obligations and lease obligations,
including the full repayment of the $79
million lease associated with the Montney Battery
construction completed in 2024, which will result in immediate
interest cost savings. Approximately $216
million, or 52% of excess FCF, was returned to shareholders
in 2024 including $75 million in
dividends and $141 million of share
repurchases, resulting in a 5% reduction in outstanding common
shares which further enhanced per share metrics. Late in the year,
Vermilion announced an 8% increase to the quarterly dividend for
2025, marking the fourth increase to the Company's quarterly
dividend since 2021. Net debt decreased by 10% in 2024 to
$967 million at the end of the year,
representing a net debt to four quarter trailing FFO ratio of 0.8
times.
The Company executed its largest ever exploration
drilling campaign in Europe in
2024, achieving 100% success on six exploration wells. Most notable
were the two (1.6 net) deep gas exploration wells drilled in
Germany, Osterheide and
Wisselshorst, which tested at restricted rates of 17
mmcf/d(2) and 21 mmcf/d(3), respectively.
Subsequent to year-end 2024, Vermilion tested an additional zone on
the Wisselshorst well at a restricted rate of 20
mmcf/d(3) with 6,200 psi of flowing wellhead pressure,
resulting in a combined test rate of over 40 mmcf/d. Based on the
initial test data and evaluation performed, this well is estimated
to contain 68 Bcf of recoverable natural gas(10),
representing Vermilion's largest discovery in Europe over the past decade. Based on
Vermilion's assessment, the Wisselshorst structure is large enough
to support an additional 4 to 6 follow-up drilling locations as
part of our future development plans In addition, the Company
completed drilling operations on the Weissenmoor Sud deep gas
exploration well in Germany in
early 2025 which encountered multiple hydrocarbon-bearing
zones.
In aggregate, the Osterheide and Wisselshorst
wells tested at a combined rate of 56 mmcf/d(2,3), or
equivalent to 50% of Vermilion's current European natural gas
production. In Croatia, Vermillion
drilled four successful exploration wells (2.4 net) on the SA-7
block and tested three of these wells in 2024. The discoveries in
Germany and Croatia have proven up multiple producing
zones and de-risked future exploration and development targets to
support future organic development within the Company's most
profitable operating region. The Company is moving forward with
production tie-in operations and evaluating de-bottlenecking
options to enhance future production capacity from these new
discoveries, which are expected to generate significant FCF in the
years ahead. Vermilion has operated in Europe for nearly 30 years and continues to
view the region as a key strategic asset within the portfolio and
one that offers significant organic and inorganic growth
opportunities. European natural gas prices averaged $18.73/mmbtu in Q4 2024 and have remained strong
in recent months with forward prices over $19/mmbtu for the remainder of 2025.
In Canada,
Vermilion executed a strategic expansion of its Montney asset with the completion and start-up
of the new BC Mica Battery in 2024. This allowed the Company to
nearly double its Montney
production capacity to approximately 14,000 boe/d while providing
the platform for future expansion to 28,000 boe/d. Vermilion has
drilled a total of 32 wells in the Montney since acquiring the asset in 2022 and
continues to see improvements in well costs and productivity, with
total well costs trending toward our targeted range of $9.0 to $9.5
million per well. As the Company executes the remaining
expansion phases over the next couple years, production from the
Montney is expected to increase to
approximately 28,000 boe/d which will translate to strong and
sustainable FCF supported by over 15 years of drilling
inventory.
Vermilion has made significant progress in its
asset high grading strategy over the past few years, including the
consolidation of working interest in the Corrib natural gas project
in Ireland, the acquisition of an
early stage Montney growth asset
in Canada and most recently the
acquisition of Westbrick Energy Ltd. ("Westbrick") in the Deep
Basin of Canada. The Westbrick
acquisition significantly advances Vermilion's North American
high-grading initiative, adding approximately 50,000
boe/d(4) of liquids rich natural gas production and
increasing the Company's operational scale and depth and quality of
inventory in the Deep Basin. With the closing of this acquisition,
approximately 80% of Vermilion's production now comes from its
global gas portfolio comprised of Canadian liquids-rich natural gas
fairway in the Deep Basin and Montney and premium-priced natural gas in
Europe. Vermilion's European gas
production provide direct exposure to premium European gas prices
and generate strong FCF today, while the growing liquids-rich gas
asset base in Canada generates
strong full-cycle margins while providing exposure to an improving
macro environment for North American gas prices.
In conjunction with the closing of the Westbrick
acquisition, and as part of the Company's broader asset
high-grading initiative, Vermilion recently launched a formal sales
process for its southeast Saskatchewan and United States assets. These are high quality
assets with strong retention values that will be incorporated into
the decision-making process on how to best maximize shareholder
value. The potential sale of these assets would help accelerate
Vermilion's deleveraging efforts as the Company remains committed
to reducing its net debt to FFO ratio to a target range of one
times or less. Vermilion also recently issued US$400 million of eight-year senior unsecured
notes which further enhances the Company's liquidity. Vermilion is
in a very strong financial position today with over $1 billion of financial liquidity and over 35% of
its 2025 production hedged(5), which will contribute to
Vermilion's deleveraging efforts.
Q4 2024 Operations Review
North
America
Production from Vermilion's North American
operations averaged 52,293 boe/d(1) in Q4 2024, a
decrease of 3% from the previous quarter due to planned third-party
turnaround activity in Alberta,
partial shut-in of some Canadian gas production in response to weak
AECO prices, and natural declines in the
United States, partially offset by increased production at
Mica. Production from the Mica Montney increased due to a full
quarter contribution from the five-well 9-21 pad which started up
in Q3 2024 and strong throughput on the 8-33 BC Montney battery.
In Q4 2024, Vermilion drilled six (6.0 net)
Montney liquids-rich shale gas
wells, including five (5.0 net) wells on the new 8-4 pad in BC and
one land retention well in Alberta. In the Deep Basin, we drilled five
(5.0 net), completed five (4.5 net), and brought on production five
(3.8 net) liquids-rich conventional natural gas wells. In
Saskatchewan, we drilled six (5.9
net), completed six (5.9 net), and brought on production seven (6.9
net) light and medium crude oil wells, while in the United States, we participated in the
drilling and completion of five (0.6 net) non-operated light and
medium crude oil wells.
Vermillion continues to demonstrate success with
its open hole multilateral drilling program in Saskatchewan, efficiently maintaining
production of over 10,000 boe/d in the quarter. The Company also
had an active drilling program in the Deep Basin, where we have
drilled over 300 wells over the past three decades and continue to
see success across numerous zones.
International
Production from Vermilion's International
operations averaged 31,243 boe/d(1) in Q4 2024, an
increase of 3% from the previous quarter primarily due to a full
quarter of production in Australia
following planned maintenance in Q3 2024.
In Germany,
Vermilion successfully tested the Wisselshorst deep gas exploration
well (0.6 net) in December 2024. The
well flow tested at a restricted rate of 21 mmcf/d(3) of
natural gas with a flowing wellhead pressure of 6,200 psi.
Subsequent to year-end, the Company tested a second zone in this
well which flow tested at a restricted rate of 20
mmcf/d(3) of natural gas with a flowing wellhead
pressure of 6,200 psi. Both tests were restricted due to
limitations of the testing equipment. Vermilion expects to bring
this well on production in the first half of 2026 and is currently
evaluating follow-up drilling locations and de-bottlenecking
options to optimize production and future development plans.
Vermilion's operated working interest in this well increased from
30% to 64% during the fourth quarter of 2024, increasing the
Company's exposure to this potentially large gas resource.
Subsequent to year-end, Vermilion completed
drilling operations on the Weissenmoor Sud deep gas exploration
well (1.0 net) and discovered hydrocarbons, marking a third
discovery in Germany. The well is
currently being tested. Tie-in operations on the Osterheide well
(1.0 net) are proceeding as planned with first production
anticipated in the first half of 2025. The success of the Company's
deep gas exploration program in Germany is expected to add meaningful,
long-life production and FCF in the years ahead as well as
providing technical confidence on future drilling locations.
In Croatia,
production averaged 1,869 boe/d, up slightly from the previous
quarter following start-up of the gas plant on the SA-10 block in
June 2024. Planning and permitting
activities continued during the fourth quarter for the third well
to be drilled in the SA-10 block later this year to offset
anticipated declines from the initial two wells. Testing operations
on the fourth discovery well (0.6 net) in the SA-7 block were
initiated in the fourth quarter and are continuing. This well
encountered hydrocarbons across multiple prospective zones and will
require additional testing to determine the optimal producing zone
and completion method for development. Vermilion continues to work
with its partner in evaluating the results of the 2024 exploration
program and is planning for the second drilling campaign which may
include four to five additional wells in 2026.
2024 Reserves Update
Total proved plus probable ("2P") reserves
increased by 1% from the prior year to 435.1 mmboe(6),
primarily due to extensions and improved recovery on the Mica
Montney asset. Vermilion added 26.2 mmboe of proved developed
producing ("PDP") reserves and 36.2 mmboe of 2P reserves at an
average finding, development and acquisition
("FD&A")(8) cost, including future development
costs, of $22.81 per boe and
$15.77 per boe, respectively,
resulting in a recycle ratio(9) of 1.6x on a PDP basis
and 2.3x on a 2P basis. The 2024 FD&A figures include upfront
capital costs associated with several early-stage growth projects,
such as Montney infrastructure and
Germany/Croatia exploration, from which minimal
reserves have been recognized to date.
The PDP and 2P reserve life index at December 31, 2024 is 5.4 years and 14.1 years,
respectively, both of which are consistent with our long-term
average. The after-tax net present value of PDP reserves,
discounted at 10%, is $2.8
billion(6) and the after-tax net present value of
2P reserves, discounted at 10%, is $5.2
billion(6), or $27.62 per basic share(6) after
deducting year-end net debt.
The following table provides a summary of company
interest reserves by reserve category and region on an oil
equivalent basis. Please refer to Vermilion's 2024 Annual
Information Form for the year ended December
31, 2024 ("2024 Annual Information Form") for detailed
information by country and product type.
BOE (mboe)
|
Proved Developed Producing
|
Proved Developed Non-Producing
|
Proved Undeveloped
|
Proved
|
Probable
|
Proved Plus Probable
|
North
America
|
114,376
|
4,785
|
91,509
|
210,670
|
119,942
|
330,612
|
International
|
53,600
|
6,037
|
8,815
|
68,453
|
36,043
|
104,496
|
Vermilion
|
167,976
|
10,822
|
100,324
|
279,123
|
155,986
|
435,109
|
The following table provides a reconciliation of
changes in company interest reserves by reserve category and
region. Please refer to Vermilion's 2024 Annual Information Form
for detailed information by country and product type and for an
explanation concerning the reserve change categories. The following
tables may not total due to rounding.
PDP (mboe)
|
North America
|
International
|
Vermilion
|
December 31,
2023
|
112,204
|
60,502
|
172,706
|
Discoveries
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Extensions &
Improved Recovery
|
3,994
|
100
|
4,095
|
Technical
Revisions
|
18,563
|
4,162
|
22,726
|
Acquisitions
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
Dispositions
|
(36)
|
—
|
(36)
|
Economic
Factors
|
(754)
|
182
|
(572)
|
Production
|
(19,596)
|
(11,347)
|
(30,943)
|
December 31, 2024
|
114,376
|
53,600
|
167,976
|
1P (mboe)
|
North America
|
International
|
Vermilion
|
December 31,
2023
|
195,685
|
72,700
|
268,385
|
Discoveries
|
—
|
2,782
|
2,782
|
Extensions &
Improved Recovery
|
31,271
|
2,568
|
33,839
|
Technical
Revisions
|
4,064
|
334
|
4,398
|
Acquisitions
|
1,782
|
1,161
|
2,943
|
Dispositions
|
(1,473)
|
—
|
(1,473)
|
Economic
Factors
|
(1,063)
|
254
|
(809)
|
Production
|
(19,596)
|
(11,347)
|
(30,943)
|
December 31, 2024
|
210,670
|
68,453
|
279,123
|
2P (mboe)
|
North America
|
International
|
Vermilion
|
December 31,
2023
|
316,040
|
113,798
|
429,838
|
Discoveries
|
—
|
4,861
|
4,861
|
Extensions &
Improved Recovery
|
35,273
|
1,327
|
36,600
|
Technical
Revisions
|
1,366
|
(6,100)
|
(4,734)
|
Acquisitions
|
2,302
|
1,825
|
4,128
|
Dispositions
|
(3,317)
|
—
|
(3,317)
|
Economic
Factors
|
(1,455)
|
133
|
(1,323)
|
Production
|
(19,596)
|
(11,347)
|
(30,943)
|
December 31, 2024
|
330,612
|
104,496
|
435,109
|
Additional information about the McDaniel
Reserves Report can be found in our Annual Information Form on our
website at www.vermilionenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at
www.sedarplus.ca.
Outlook and Guidance Update
Subsequent to year-end, Vermilion announced the
closing of the Westbrick acquisition, adding approximately 50,000
boe/d(4) of Deep Basin liquids-rich natural gas. The
integration of the Westbrick assets and employees is underway and
progressing as planned with numerous synergies already identified.
Vermilion plans to continue with the two-rig Q1 2025 drilling
program initiated by Westbrick and expects to maintain this program
on the acquired assets post break-up. During the first quarter of
2025, Vermilion launched a formal sales process for its
Southeast Saskatchewan and
Wyoming assets. The Saskatchewan assets include approximately
10,000 boe/d (85% liquids) of production with moderate declines and
multi-lateral development upside. The Wyoming assets include approximately 5,000
boe/d (80% liquids) of production with multi-zone development
potential, including the Niobrara
and the Parkman.
The 2025 capital budget and production guidance
have been revised to incorporate the closing of the Westbrick
acquisition. Annual production is now expected to range between
125,000 to 130,000 boe/d(5) (62% natural gas including
14% European gas)(5) with E&D capital expenditures
of $730 to $760 million (68% North
America and 32% International, with over 70% of total
capital to be invested in Vermilion's global gas
franchise)(5). The revised capital program includes an
additional 13 (12.3 net) wells to be drilled on the Westbrick
assets, bringing the total Deep Basin well count to 28 (24.9 net)
wells for 2025.
Based on forward commodity prices, Vermilion
forecasts 2025 FCF of approximately $400
million. Approximately 60% of excess FCF ("EFCF") will be
allocated to debt reduction with 40% of EFCF allocated to
shareholder returns, inclusive of the $0.13 per share quarterly base dividend. The
variable component of shareholder returns will continue to be
allocated towards share buybacks. Since initiating the share
buyback program in July 2022,
Vermilion has repurchased and retired 17.8 million shares.
Vermilion's updated 2025 capital expenditure and
production guidance following the closing of the Westbrick
acquisition is:
Category
|
2025 Prior(7)
|
2025 Current(7)
|
Production
(boe/d)
|
84,000 -
88,000
|
125,000 -
130,000
|
E&D capital
expenditures ($MM)
|
$600 - 625
|
$730 - 760
|
Royalty rate (% of
sales)
|
8 - 10%
|
9 - 11%
|
Operating
($/boe)
|
$17.00 -
18.00
|
$13.50 -
14.50
|
Transportation
($/boe)
|
$3.50 -
4.00
|
$3.00 -
3.50
|
General and
administration ($/boe)
|
$2.75 -
3.25
|
$2.25 -
2.75
|
Cash taxes (% of
pre-tax FFO)
|
7 - 9%
|
6 - 10%
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled ($MM)
|
$60
|
$60
|
Payments on lease
obligations ($MM)(2)
|
$20
|
$20
|
Based on the closing date of the Westbrick
acquisition, Q1 2025 production is expected to be approximately
100,000 boe/d(5).
The United
States recently announced tariffs on all goods imported from
Canada, including a 10% tariff on
Canadian energy imports, effective March 4,
2025. Over half of Vermilion's revenue is derived from
assets located outside of Canada
which provides a partial hedge against these tariffs. Vermilion
will continue to monitor the situation as it relates to its
Canadian production and operations, but at this time it does not
expect the tariffs to have a material financial impact on the
Company.
Commodity Hedging
Vermilion hedges to manage commodity price
exposures and increase the stability of our cash flows. In
aggregate, we have 38% of our expected net-of-royalty production
hedged for 2025. With respect to individual commodity products, we
have hedged 54% of our European natural gas production, 34% of our
crude oil production, and 35% of our North American natural gas
volumes, respectively. Please refer to the Hedging section of our
website under Invest With Us for further details using the
following link:
https://www.vermilionenergy.com/invest-with-us/hedging.
(Signed "Dion Hatcher")
Dion Hatcher
President & Chief Executive Officer
March 5, 2025
(1)
|
Please refer to
Supplemental Table 4 "Production" of the accompanying Management's
Discussion and Analysis for disclosure by product type.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Osterheide Z2-2 well
(100% working interest) tested at a rate of 17.3 mmcf/d during an
eight-hour flow period with flowing wellhead pressure of 4,625 psi
during initial well cleanup on an adjustable choke. The completion
fluid was recovered during the clean-up flow period. A final
shut-in wellhead pressure of 5,757 psi and bottom hole pressure of
7,235 psi were recorded following the well test. The tested zone is
the Rotliegend Wustrow formation which was encountered at 5,757m
measured depth ("MD") and a 42.0m gas column was logged with 13.8m
of net reservoir and average effective porosity of 8.3%. Test
results are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or
ultimate recovery.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Wisselshorst Z1a well
(64% working interest) was tested in December 2024. Flow rates,
during the initial clean-up phase, of up to 21.2 mmcf/d with a
flowing wellhead pressure of 6,150 psi on an adjustable choke were
achieved. The completion fluid was recovered during the clean-up
flow period. During the main flow period the well tested at a rate
of 20.1mmcf/d over a five-hour flow period with a flowing wellhead
pressure 6,250 psi on a 24/64" fixed choke. A final shut-in
pressure of 7,020 psi and a bottom hole pressure of 8,679 psi were
recorded following the well test of this zone. The zone being
tested is the Rotliegend Havel formation, which was encountered at
5,054m MD and a 124.4m gas column was logged with 50.8m of net
reservoir and average effective porosity of 9.3%. A second zone in
the well was tested in January 2025 where peak rates of 20.3 mmcf/d
at a flowing well head pressure of 6,189 psi were recorded. During
the main flow period rates of 18.8 mmcf/d over a five-hour flow
period with a flowing wellhead pressure of 6,334 psi were achieved
on a 24/64" fixed choke. A final shut-in pressure of 7,001 psi and
a bottom hole pressure of 8,756 psi were recorded following the
well test of this zone. The second zone in the well is the
Rotliegend Dethlingen formation, which was encountered at 5,000m MD
and a 38.2m gas column was logged with 25.5m of net reservoir and
average effective porosity of 9.9%. Test results are not
necessarily indicative of production performance or ultimate
recovery.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Estimated full year
2025 Westbrick production based on Company estimates as of March 5,
2025.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Based on Company 2025
estimates and 2025 full year average reference prices as at March
3, 2025: Brent US$71.29/bbl; WTI US$67.56/bbl; LSB = WTI less
US$6.83/bbl; TTF $20.49/mmbtu; NBP $20.36/mmbtu; AECO $2.21/mcf;
CAD/USD 1.43; CAD/EUR 1.51 and CAD/AUD 0.90.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Estimated gross proved,
developed and producing, total proved, and total proved plus
probable reserves as evaluated by McDaniel in the McDaniel Reserves
Report. See the Annual Information Form for additional information,
including reserve pricing assumptions. Per share metrics calculated
using basic shares outstanding at December 31, 2024, refer to
Highlights table for additional information.
|
|
|
(7)
|
Current 2025 guidance
reflects foreign exchange assumptions of CAD/USD 1.43, CAD/EUR
1.51, and CAD/AUD 0.90. Prior 2025 guidance reflects foreign
exchange assumptions of CAD/USD 1.40, CAD/EUR 1.48, and CAD/AUD
0.91.
|
|
|
(8)
|
F&D (finding and
development) and FD&A (finding, development and acquisition)
costs are calculated by dividing the applicable capital
expenditures for the period, including the change in undiscounted
FDC (future development capital), by the change in the reserves,
incorporating revisions and production, for the same period. More
information can be found in the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures and
Other Specified Financial Measures" section of this
document.
|
|
|
(9)
|
Operating Recycle Ratio
is a non-GAAP ratio that is calculated by dividing the Operating
Netback by the cost of adding reserves (F&D and FD&A cost).
For the purposes of calculating 2024 Operating Recycle Ratio, this
netback number was $36.48. More information can be found in the
"Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Specified Financial
Measures" section of this document.
|
|
|
(10)
|
At March 5, 2025,
Wisselshorst Z1a well has been assigned 68.3 Bcf Property Gross
total proved plus probable conventional natural gas reserves, as
evaluated by McDaniel & Associated Consultants Ltd.
("McDaniel"), a qualified reserves evaluator, in the Rotliegend
Havel zone and recently tested Dethlingen zone. This represents a
significant increase in the reserves assigned by McDaniel effective
December 31, 2024, of 32.9 Bcf Property Gross total proved plus
probable conventional natural gas reserves, due to the strong test
results in existing Rotliegend Havel and Dethlingen zones.
Vermilion has recorded 21.1 Bcf of Gross proved plus probable
reserves as of December 31, 2024 based on its 64.165% working
interest. The evaluation was prepared in accordance with National
Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas
Activities ("NI 51-101") and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluations
Handbook ("COGEH"). "Property Gross" reserves are total reserves
before working interest has been applied. "Gross" means in relation
to Vermilion's interest in production or reserves, Vermilion's
working interest (operating or non-operating) share before
deduction of royalty obligations and without including any royalty
interests of Vermilion.
|
Non-GAAP and Other Specified Financial
Measures
This report and other materials released by
Vermilion includes financial measures that are not standardized,
specified, defined, or determined under IFRS Accounting Standards
and are therefore considered non-GAAP or other specified financial
measures and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by
other issuers. These financial measures include:
Total of Segments Measures
Fund flows from operations (FFO): Most
directly comparable to net loss, FFO is a non-GAAP financial
measure and total of segments measure comprised of sales less
royalties, transportation, operating, G&A, corporate income
tax, PRRT, interest expense, equity based compensation settled in
cash, realized gain (loss) on derivatives, realized foreign
exchange gain (loss), and realized other income (expense). The
measure is used by management to assess the contribution of each
business unit to Vermilion's ability to generate income necessary
to pay dividends, repay debt, fund asset retirement obligations and
make capital investments. Reconciliation to the most directly
comparable primary financial statement measures can be found
below.
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
|
$M
|
$/boe
|
$M
|
$/boe
|
$M
|
$/boe
|
$M
|
$/boe
|
Sales
|
504,352
|
66.54
|
522,969
|
68.64
|
1,981,407
|
63.58
|
2,022,555
|
67.10
|
Royalties
|
(40,049)
|
(5.28)
|
(45,148)
|
(5.93)
|
(177,950)
|
(5.71)
|
(191,694)
|
(6.36)
|
Transportation
|
(23,961)
|
(3.16)
|
(22,441)
|
(2.95)
|
(98,933)
|
(3.17)
|
(88,856)
|
(2.95)
|
Operating
|
(139,566)
|
(18.41)
|
(116,937)
|
(15.35)
|
(567,913)
|
(18.22)
|
(513,381)
|
(17.03)
|
General and
administration
|
(27,460)
|
(3.62)
|
(19,810)
|
(2.60)
|
(99,503)
|
(3.19)
|
(80,716)
|
(2.68)
|
Corporate income tax
expense
|
(15,997)
|
(2.11)
|
(19,623)
|
(2.57)
|
(66,442)
|
(2.13)
|
(170,358)
|
(5.65)
|
Petroleum resource rent
tax
|
3,226
|
0.43
|
20,860
|
2.74
|
(11,702)
|
(0.38)
|
20,860
|
0.69
|
Interest
expense
|
(23,965)
|
(3.16)
|
(22,909)
|
(3.01)
|
(84,606)
|
(2.71)
|
(85,212)
|
(2.83)
|
Equity based
compensation
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(14,361)
|
(0.46)
|
—
|
—
|
Realized gain on
derivatives
|
28,795
|
3.80
|
78,737
|
10.33
|
345,318
|
11.08
|
234,365
|
7.77
|
Realized foreign
exchange gain (loss)
|
2,442
|
0.32
|
(5,529)
|
(0.73)
|
7,735
|
0.25
|
(4,532)
|
(0.15)
|
Realized other
(expense) income
|
(5,119)
|
(0.68)
|
1,948
|
0.26
|
(7,267)
|
(0.23)
|
(420)
|
(0.01)
|
Fund flows from operations
|
262,698
|
34.67
|
372,117
|
48.83
|
1,205,783
|
38.71
|
1,142,611
|
37.90
|
Equity based
compensation
|
(7,499)
|
|
(7,871)
|
|
(15,569)
|
|
(42,756)
|
|
Unrealized (loss) gain
on derivative instruments (1)
|
(137,273)
|
|
141,126
|
|
(452,858)
|
|
179,707
|
|
Unrealized foreign
exchange (loss) gain(1)
|
(28,517)
|
|
4,834
|
|
(58,471)
|
|
12,438
|
|
Accretion
|
(19,272)
|
|
(19,469)
|
|
(74,541)
|
|
(78,187)
|
|
Depletion and
depreciation
|
(163,458)
|
|
(259,012)
|
|
(683,240)
|
|
(712,619)
|
|
Deferred tax
recovery
|
80,016
|
|
110,758
|
|
37,991
|
|
190,193
|
|
Gain on business
combination
|
—
|
|
(5,607)
|
|
—
|
|
439,487
|
|
Loss on
disposition
|
—
|
|
(125,539)
|
|
—
|
|
(352,367)
|
|
Impairment
expense
|
—
|
|
(1,016,094)
|
|
—
|
|
(1,016,094)
|
|
Unrealized other
(expense) income
|
(5,011)
|
|
1,621
|
|
(5,834)
|
|
—
|
|
Net loss
|
(18,316)
|
|
(803,136)
|
|
(46,739)
|
|
(237,587)
|
|
(1)
|
Unrealized (loss) gain
on derivative instruments, Unrealized foreign exchange (loss) gain,
and Unrealized other expense are line items from the respective
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
|
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Non-GAAP
Ratios
Fund flows from operations per basic and
diluted share: FFO per basic share and diluted share are
non-GAAP ratios. Management assesses fund flows from operations on
a per share basis as we believe this provides a measure of our
operating performance after taking into account the issuance and
potential future issuance of Vermilion common shares. Fund flows
from operations per basic share is calculated by dividing fund
flows from operations (total of segments measure) by the basic
weighted average shares outstanding as defined under IFRS
Accounting Standards. Fund flows from operations per diluted share
is calculated by dividing fund flows from operations by the sum of
basic weighted average shares outstanding and incremental shares
issuable under the equity based compensation plans as determined
using the treasury stock method.
Fund flows from operations per boe:
Management uses fund flows from operations per boe to assess
the profitability of our business units and Vermilion as a whole.
Fund flows from operations per boe is calculated by dividing fund
flows from operations (total of segments measure) by boe
production.
Free cash flow (FCF) and excess free cash flow
(EFCF): Most directly comparable to cash flows from operating
activities, FCF is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as fund
flows from operations less drilling and development costs and
exploration and evaluation costs and EFCF is comprised of FCF less
payments on lease obligations and asset retirement obligations
settled. FCF is used by management to determine the funding
available for investing and financing activities including payment
of dividends, repayment of long-term debt, reallocation into
existing business units and deployment into new ventures. EFCF is
used by management to determine the funding available to return to
shareholders after costs attributable to normal business
operations. Reconciliation to the primary financial statement
measures can be found in the following table.
($M)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Cash flows from
operating activities
|
212,587
|
343,831
|
967,751
|
1,024,528
|
Changes in non-cash
operating working capital
|
26,829
|
(651)
|
182,698
|
61,117
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
23,282
|
28,937
|
55,334
|
56,966
|
Fund flows from operations
|
262,698
|
372,117
|
1,205,783
|
1,142,611
|
Drilling and
development
|
(176,505)
|
(132,308)
|
(586,962)
|
(569,110)
|
Exploration and
evaluation
|
(24,154)
|
(10,579)
|
(36,018)
|
(21,081)
|
Free cash flow
|
62,039
|
229,230
|
582,803
|
552,420
|
Payments on lease
obligations
|
(82,060)
|
(3,977)
|
(101,539)
|
(17,094)
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
(23,282)
|
(28,937)
|
(55,334)
|
(56,966)
|
Excess free cash flow
|
(43,303)
|
196,316
|
425,930
|
478,360
|
Capital expenditures: Most directly
comparable to cash flows used in investing activities, capital
expenditures is a non-GAAP financial measure calculated as the sum
of drilling and development costs and exploration and evaluation
costs as derived from the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We
consider capital expenditures to be a useful measure of our
investment in our existing asset base. Capital expenditures are
also referred to as E&D capital. Reconciliation to the primary
financial statement measures can be found below.
($M)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Drilling and
development
|
176,505
|
132,308
|
586,962
|
569,110
|
Exploration and
evaluation
|
24,154
|
10,579
|
36,018
|
21,081
|
Capital expenditures
|
200,659
|
142,887
|
622,980
|
590,191
|
Payout and payout % of FFO: Payout and
payout % of FFO are, respectively, a non-GAAP financial measure and
non-GAAP ratio. Payout is most directly comparable to dividends
declared. Payout is comprised of dividends declared plus drilling
and development costs, exploration and evaluation costs, and asset
retirement obligations settled, and payout % of FFO is calculated
as payout divided by FFO. The measure is used by management to
assess the amount of cash distributed back to shareholders and
reinvested in the business for maintaining production and organic
growth. Payout as a percentage of FFO is also referred to as the
payout ratio or sustainability ratio. The reconciliation of the
measure to the primary financial statement measure can be found
below.
($M)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
2024
|
2023
|
Dividends
declared
|
18,521
|
16,227
|
75,327
|
65,248
|
Drilling and
development
|
176,505
|
132,308
|
586,962
|
569,110
|
Exploration and
evaluation
|
24,154
|
10,579
|
36,018
|
21,081
|
Asset retirement
obligations settled
|
23,282
|
28,937
|
55,334
|
56,966
|
Payout
|
242,462
|
188,051
|
753,641
|
712,405
|
% of fund flows from
operations
|
92 %
|
51 %
|
63 %
|
62 %
|
Return on capital employed (ROCE): A
non-GAAP ratio, ROCE is a measure that management uses to
analyze our profitability and the efficiency of our capital
allocation process; the comparable primary financial statement
measure is earnings before income taxes. ROCE is calculated by
dividing net loss before interest and taxes ("EBIT") by average
capital employed over the preceding twelve months. Capital employed
is calculated as total assets less current liabilities while
average capital employed is calculated using the balance sheets at
the beginning and end of the twelve-month period.
|
Twelve Months Ended
|
($M)
|
Dec 31, 2024
|
Dec 31, 2023
|
Net loss
|
(46,739)
|
(237,587)
|
Taxes
|
40,153
|
(40,695)
|
Interest
expense
|
84,606
|
85,212
|
EBIT
|
78,020
|
(193,070)
|
Average capital
employed
|
5,522,367
|
5,819,380
|
Return on capital employed
|
1 %
|
(3) %
|
Adjusted working capital (deficit):
Adjusted working capital (deficit) is a non-GAAP financial measure
calculated as current assets less current liabilities, excluding
current derivatives and current lease liabilities. The measure is
used by management to calculate net debt, a capital management
measure disclosed below.
|
As at
|
($M)
|
Dec 31, 2024
|
Dec 31, 2023
|
Current
assets
|
582,326
|
823,514
|
Current derivative
asset
|
(40,312)
|
(313,792)
|
Current
liabilities
|
(610,590)
|
(696,074)
|
Current lease
liability
|
12,206
|
21,068
|
Current derivative
liability
|
52,944
|
732
|
Adjusted working capital
|
(3,426)
|
(164,552)
|
Acquisitions: Acquisitions is a non-GAAP
financial measure and is calculated as the sum of acquisitions, net
of cash acquired and acquisitions of securities from the
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Vermilion common shares
issued as consideration, the estimated value of contingent
consideration, the amount of acquiree's outstanding long-term debt
assumed, and net acquired working capital deficit or surplus.
Management believes that including these components provides a
useful measure of the economic investment associated with our
acquisition activity and is most directly comparable to cash flows
used in investing activities. A reconciliation to the acquisitions
line items in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows can be
found below.
($M)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
Acquisitions, net of
cash acquired
|
5,257
|
2,669
|
12,728
|
142,281
|
Acquisition of
securities
|
—
|
17,448
|
9,373
|
21,603
|
Acquired working
capital
|
—
|
5,607
|
—
|
109,134
|
Acquisitions
|
5,257
|
25,724
|
22,101
|
273,018
|
Operating netback: Operating netback is
non-GAAP financial measure and is calculated as sales less
royalties, operating expense, transportation costs, PRRT, and
realized hedging gains and losses, and when presented on a per unit
basis is a non-GAAP ratio. Operating netback is most directly
comparable to net loss. Management assesses operating netback as a
measure of the profitability and efficiency of our field
operations.
Net debt to four quarter trailing fund flows
from operations: Management uses net debt (a capital management
measure, as defined below) to four quarter trailing fund flows from
operations to assess the Company's ability to repay debt. Net debt
to four quarter trailing fund flows from operations is a non-GAAP
ratio calculated as net debt (capital management measure) divided
by fund flows from operations (total of segments measure) from the
preceding four quarters.
Capital Management Measure
Net debt: Net debt is a capital management
measure in accordance with IAS 1 "Presentation of Financial
Statements" that is most directly comparable to long-term debt. Net
debt is comprised of long-term debt (excluding unrealized foreign
exchange on swapped USD borrowings) plus adjusted working capital
(defined as current assets less current liabilities, excluding
current derivatives and current lease liabilities), and represents
Vermilion's net financing obligations after adjusting for the
timing of working capital fluctuations.
|
As at
|
($M)
|
Dec 31, 2024
|
Dec 31, 2023
|
Long-term
debt
|
963,456
|
914,015
|
Adjusted working
capital
|
3,426
|
164,552
|
Net debt
|
966,882
|
1,078,567
|
|
|
|
Ratio of net debt to four quarter trailing fund flows
from operations
|
0.8
|
0.9
|
Supplementary Financial Measures
Diluted shares outstanding: The sum of
shares outstanding at the period end plus outstanding awards under
the Long-term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"), based on current estimates
of future performance factors and forfeiture rates.
('000s of shares)
|
Q4 2024
|
Q4 2023
|
Shares
outstanding
|
154,344
|
162,271
|
Potential shares
issuable pursuant to the LTIP
|
3,493
|
4,185
|
Diluted shares outstanding
|
157,837
|
166,456
|
Production per share growth: Calculated as
the change in production determined on a per weighted average
shares outstanding basis over a predefined period of time,
expressed as a compounded, annualized return percentage. Measuring
production growth per share better reflects the interests of our
existing shareholders by reflecting the dilutive impact of equity
issuances.
F&D (finding and development) and FD&A
(finding, development and acquisition) costs: used as a measure
of capital efficiency, calculated by dividing the applicable
capital expenditures for the period, including the change in
undiscounted FDC (future development capital), by the change in the
reserves, incorporating revisions and production, for the same
period.
Operating Recycle Ratio: A non-GAAP ratio
that is calculated by dividing the Operating Netback, excluding
realized gain (loss) on derivatives and petroleum resource rent
tax, by the cost of adding reserves (F&D and FD&A cost).
Management assesses operating recycle ratio as a measure of the
reinvestment of earnings.
Management's Discussion and Analysis and Consolidated
Financial Statements
To view Vermilion's Management's Discussion and
Analysis and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, please refer to SEDAR+
(www.sedarplus.ca) or Vermilion's website at
https://www.vermilionenergy.com/invest-with-us/reports-filings.cfm.
About Vermilion
Vermilion is a global gas producer that seeks to
create value through the acquisition, exploration, development and
optimization of producing assets in North
America, Europe and
Australia. The Company's business
model emphasizes free cash flow generation and returning capital to
investors when economically warranted, augmented by value-adding
acquisitions. Vermilion's operations are focused on the
exploitation of light oil and liquids-rich natural gas conventional
and unconventional resource plays in North America and the exploration and
development of conventional natural gas and oil opportunities in
Europe and Australia.
Vermilion's priorities are health and safety, the
environment, and profitability, in that order. Nothing is more
important than the safety of the public and those who work with
Vermilion, and the protection of the natural surroundings. In
addition, the Company emphasizes strategic community investment in
each of its operating areas.
Vermilion trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange
and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VET.
Disclaimer
Certain statements included or incorporated by
reference in this document may constitute "forward-looking
information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of
applicable Canadian securities laws and the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, respectively
(collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements or
information"). Such forward-looking statements or information
typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate",
"believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "propose", or
similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an
outlook. Forward-looking statements or information in this document
may include, but are not limited to: capital expenditures and
Vermilion's ability to fund such expenditures; future fund flows
from operations and free cash flows; shareholder returns;
Vermilion's anticipated future debt capacity and levels;
Vermilion's budget; the closing of the Westbrick Energy Ltd.
acquisition and its anticipated effects, including integration of
assets and employees; expected payment and settlement of the
2025 Notes (defined below) and timing thereof; cost saving
measures; sales processes of Vermilion's southeast Saskatchewan and United States assets; statements regarding the
return of capital, the flexibility of Vermilion's capital program
and operations; business strategies, objectives and priorities;
operational and financial performance; estimated volumes of
reserves and the discounted present value of future net cash flows
from such reserves; petroleum and natural gas sales; future
production levels and the timing thereof, including Vermilion's
2025 guidance, and rates of average annual production growth; the
effect of changes in crude oil and natural gas prices, changes in
exchange and interest rates and inflation rates; significant
declines in production or sales volumes due to unforeseen
circumstances; the effect of possible changes in critical
accounting estimates; statements regarding the growth, number and
production of Vermilion's future wells expected to be drilled;
exploration and development plans and the timing thereof;
Vermilion's aim and ability to reduce its debt; statements
regarding Vermilion's hedging program, its plans to add to its
hedging positions, and the anticipated impact of Vermilion's
hedging program on project economics and free cash flows; the
potential financial impact of climate-related risks; acquisition
and disposition plans and the timing thereof; operating and other
expenses, including the payment and amount of future dividends;
royalty and income tax rates and Vermilion's expectations regarding
future taxes and taxability; use of proceeds from the 2033 Notes
(defined below); ongoing contractual commitments; asset retirement
obligations; emissions, targets, including reductions;
sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) and
sustainability plans; and the timing of regulatory proceedings and
approvals.
Such forward-looking statements or information
are based on a number of assumptions of which all or any may prove
to be incorrect. In addition to any other assumptions identified in
this document, assumptions have been made regarding, among other
things: the ability of Vermilion to obtain equipment, services and
supplies in a timely manner to carry out its activities in
Canada and internationally; the
ability of Vermilion to market crude oil, natural gas liquids, and
natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the timing
and costs of pipeline and storage facility construction and
expansion and the ability to secure adequate product
transportation; the timely receipt of required regulatory
approvals; the ability of Vermilion to obtain financing on
acceptable terms; foreign currency exchange rates and interest
rates and inflation rates; the success of the sales processes of
Vermilion's southeast Saskatchewan
and United States assets; the
accuracy of the McDaniel Reserves Report (defined below); the
ability of the Company to identify attractive mergers and
acquisitions opportunities; the ability of the Company to conduct
operations in a safe manner; political stability of the areas in
which the Company operates; the effects of changes to international
trade policies; the accuracy of the Company's 2025 budget; the
ability of the Company to retain key employees; production and
decline rates; the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes
and environmental matters; the states of the capital markets;
global economic conditions; the ability of the Company to execute
plans, including exploration and development plans; the success of
present and future wells; future crude oil, natural gas liquids,
and natural gas prices; and management's expectations relating to
the timing and results of exploration and development
activities.
Although Vermilion believes that the expectations
reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are
reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements or information because Vermilion can give no assurance
that such expectations will prove to be correct. Financial outlooks
are provided for the purpose of understanding Vermilion's financial
position and business objectives, and the information may not be
appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements or
information are based on current expectations, estimates, and
projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which
could cause actual results to differ materially from those
anticipated by Vermilion and described in the forward-looking
statements or information. These risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to: commodity prices; exchange rates;
production and sales volumes; interest rates; geopolitical
tensions; North American tariffs; volatility of oil and gas prices;
constraints at processing facilities and/or on transportation;
volatility of foreign exchange rates; volatility of market price of
Common Shares (defined below); hedging arrangements; inflationary
pressures; increase in operating costs or a decline in production
level; operator performance and payment delays; weather conditions;
cost of new technology; tax, royalty, and other government
legislation; government regulations; policy and legal risks;
political events and terrorist attacks; discretionary nature of
dividends and share buybacks; additional financing; debt service;
variations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
environmental legislation; hydraulic fracturing regulations;
climate change; competition; international operations and future
geographical/industry expansion; acquisition assumptions; failure
to realize anticipated benefits of prior acquisitions; reserves
estimates; cyber security; accounting adjustments; ineffective
internal controls; the potential for new and increased U.S. tariffs
and protectionist trade measures on Canadian oil and gas imports;
and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this
document or in Vermilion's other filings with Canadian securities
regulatory authorities.
Many factors could cause Vermilion's or any
particular business unit's actual results, performance, or
achievements to vary from those described in this document,
including, without limitation, those listed above and the
assumptions upon which they are based proving incorrect. These
factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more
of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions
underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual
results may vary materially from those described in this document
as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, sought, proposed,
estimated, forecasted, expected, projected, or targeted and such
forward-looking statements included in this document should not be
unduly relied upon. The impact of any one assumption, risk,
uncertainty, or other factor on a particular forward-looking
statement cannot be determined with certainty because they are
interdependent and Vermilion's future decisions and actions will
depend on management's assessment of all information at the
relevant time. Such statements speak only as of the date of this
document. The forward-looking statements or information contained
in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company
undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any
forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by
applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements
contained in this document are expressly qualified by these
cautionary statements.
This document contains references to
sustainability/ESG data and performance that reflect metrics and
concepts that are commonly used in such frameworks as the Global
Reporting Initiative, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures, and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board.
Vermilion has used best efforts to align with the most commonly
accepted methodologies for ESG reporting, including with respect to
climate data and information on potential future risks and
opportunities, in order to provide a fuller context for our current
and future operations. However, these methodologies are not yet
standardized, are frequently based on calculation factors that
change over time, and continue to evolve rapidly. Readers are
particularly cautioned to evaluate the underlying definitions and
measures used by other companies, as these may not be comparable to
Vermilion's. While Vermilion will continue to monitor and adapt its
reporting accordingly, the Company is not under any duty to update
or revise the related sustainability/ESG data or statements except
as required by applicable securities laws.
All oil and natural gas reserve information
contained in this document is derived from the McDaniel Reserves
Report (as defined below) and has been prepared and presented in
accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and
National Instrument 51-101, Standards of Disclosure for Oil and
Gas Activities ("NI 51-101"). In this document: (A) the net
present value of future net revenues attributable to reserves do
not represent the fair market value of reserves; (B) the recovery
and reserve estimates of crude oil, NGL and natural gas reserves
provided in this document are estimates only and there is no
guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual
crude oil, natural gas and NGL reserves may be greater than or less
than the estimates provided in this document; and (C) the estimates
of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may
not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and
future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of
aggregation.
Under NI 51-01, disclosure of production volumes
should include segmentation by product type as defined in the
instrument. In this document, references to "crude oil" and "light
and medium crude oil" mean "light crude oil and medium crude oil"
and references to "natural gas" mean "conventional natural
gas".
Natural gas volumes have been converted on the
basis of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of
oil equivalent. Barrels of oil equivalent (boe) may be misleading,
particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six
thousand cubic feet to one barrel of oil is based on an energy
equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner
tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.
This document discloses test rates of production
for certain wells over short periods of time (i.e., 5, 8 or 24
hours, IP30, IP60, IP90, etc.), which are preliminary and not
determinative of the rates at which those or any other wells will
commence production and thereafter decline. Short-term test rates
are not necessarily indicative of long-term well or reservoir
performance or of ultimate recovery. Although such rates are useful
in confirming the presence of hydrocarbons, they are preliminary in
nature, are subject to a high degree of predictive uncertainty as a
result of limited data availability and may not be representative
of stabilized on-stream production rates. A pressure transient
analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out in
respect of all wells. Production over a longer period will also
experience natural decline rates, which can be high in certain
plays in which the Company operates, and may not be consistent over
the longer term with the decline experienced over an initial
production period. Initial production or test rates may also
include recovered "load" fluids used in well completion stimulation
operations. Actual results will differ from those realized during
an initial production period or short-term test period, and the
difference may be material.
This document discloses certain oil and gas
metrics, including reserve life index, finding, development and
acquisition ("FD&A") costs, future development ("FD") costs,
which do not have standardized meanings or standard methods of
calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to
similar measures used by other companies and should not be used to
make comparisons. Such metrics have been included in this document
to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the
Company's performance; however, such measures are not reliable
indicators of the Company's future performance and future
performance may not compare to the Company's performance in
previous periods and therefore such metrics should not be unduly
relied up-on.
Financial data contained within this document are
reported in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. References
herein to "US$" or "USD" are to United
States dollars.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vermilion-energy-inc-announces-results-for-the-year-ended-december-31-2024-and-significant-european-gas-discovery-302393747.html
SOURCE Vermilion Energy Inc.