Increasing Activity in the Second Half of
2023 Accelerating Shareholder Returns
GeoPark Limited (“GeoPark” or the “Company”) (NYSE: GPRK), a
leading independent Latin American oil and gas explorer, operator
and consolidator, today announces its operational update for the
three-month period ended June 30, 2023 (“2Q2023”).
All figures are expressed in US Dollars. Growth comparisons
refer to the same period of the prior year, except when otherwise
specified.
Oil and Gas Production
- Consolidated average oil and gas production of 36,581 boepd,
below its production potential of approximately 39,500-40,500
boepd, as previously announced on March 8, April 11 and May 3,
2023, mainly due to temporarily shut-in production in the CPO-5
block (GeoPark non-operated, 30% WI) in Colombia and to a lesser
extent, in the Fell block (GeoPark operated, 100% WI) in Chile
- 9 rigs in operation in June 2023 (5 drilling rigs and 4
workover rigs), with 3 more rigs to be added in 3Q2023 (two
drilling rigs and one workover rig)
Colombia - Llanos Basin
Llanos 34 block (GeoPark operated, 45% WI):
- Average gross production of 55,307 bopd (up 1% vs 1Q2023)
- Three drilling and four workover rigs currently in
operation
- Spudded a second horizontal development well in the Tigana
Field
- The well was drilled to a total depth of 14,030 feet and a
horizontal lateral length of 1,680 feet
- Total depth reached in July 2023, expecting to complete the
well and initiate testing in late July 2023
- Second horizontal well was drilled within budget and ahead of
time. Also, was drilled 16% faster, 10% lower drilling costs, and
with 32% longer lateral length as compared to the first horizontal
well
- The Company is evaluating drilling 3-4 additional horizontal
wells in 2H2023
CPO-5 block:
- Average gross production of 17,807 bopd (up 6% vs 1Q2023),
below its production potential of approximately 25,000-26,000 bopd
gross, due to shut-in production of the Indico 6 and Indico 7
wells
- The operator is currently executing civil works and expects to
resume production of the Indico 6 and Indico 7 wells in August 2023
- These two wells were drilled in late 2022 and together tested
over 11,000 bopd gross (or 3,300 bopd net to GeoPark). The wells
are expected to stabilize production at approximately 8,000 bopd
gross
- The two wells remained shut in for most of 1H20231 after the
regulator (ANH) asked the operator to suspend production pending
completion of required surface facilities
- Resuming drilling activities in 3Q2023 with one drilling rig,
targeting to drill two wells in 2H2023
- Pre-drilling activities underway for the Halcon 1 well,
targeting an exploration prospect in the northern part of the
block, close to the Llanos 34 block, expected to be spudded in
September/October 2023
Llanos 87 block (GeoPark operated, 50% WI):
- Additional drilling activities planned for 2H2023 updip of the
Zorzal 1 well discovery, where there is incremental potential
identified in the Barco formation (subject to joint venture partner
approval)
Llanos 123 block (GeoPark operated, 50% WI):
- One drilling rig currently in operation
- Saltador 1 exploration well was spudded in late May 2023 and
reached total depth in early July 2023
- Preliminary logging information indicated hydrocarbons in the
Barco and Mirador formations
- Testing activities are expected to start in July/August
2023
- Pre-drilling activities underway, targeting to spud the Toritos
1 exploration well in August 2023
Llanos 124 block (GeoPark operated, 50% WI)
- One drilling rig currently in operation
- The Cucarachero 1 exploration well was spudded in July 2023 and
is expected to reach total depth in August 2023
Llanos 86 and Llanos 104 blocks (GeoPark operated, 50% WI)
- Preliminary activities currently underway targeting to acquire
over 650 square kilometers of 3D seismic, expected to start in
early 2024
- Once executed, this project would be one of the three biggest
onshore seismic acquisition projects in Colombia
- 3D seismic acquisition is expected to add additional
exploration prospects to GeoPark’s deep organic exploration
inventory in the Llanos basin. The Llanos 86 and Llanos 104 blocks
are adjacent to the CPO-5 block
Colombia - Putumayo Basin
Platanillo block (GeoPark operated, 100% WI):
- Average gross production of 2,456 bopd (up 8% vs 1Q2023)
resulting from successful development drilling activities
Put-8 block (GeoPark operated, 50% WI):
- Currently working on environmental licensing for the Bienparado
exploration prospect
- Public hearing held in July 2023, the final decision by the
regulatory body is pending
Ecuador – Oriente Basin
Perico block (GeoPark non-operated, 50% WI)
- Initiated drilling activities in July 2023, targeting to drill
the Yin 2 development well and the Yang 1 exploration well in
3Q2023
Chile – Magallanes Basin
Fell block (GeoPark operated, 100% WI)
- Ongoing commercial negotiations with ENAP, the oil offtaker in
Chile, expecting to resume shut-in production of approximately 400
bopd in 3Q2023
- Implemented a restructuring initiative in Chile in April 2023
to provide further cost reductions, in conjunction with a process
to evaluate farm-out/divestment opportunities
Enhanced ESG Performance
- Installed a photovoltaic solar system in the OBA export
pipeline (running from the Platanillo block) that will allow
GeoPark to reduce its GHG emissions and reduce energy and
maintenance costs
2023 Work Program: Growing Production and Giving Back to
Shareholders
- 2023 annual production guidance of 38,000-40,000 boepd
- Fully-funded 2023 capital expenditures program of $180-200
million
- At $80-90 per bbl Brent, GeoPark expects to generate an
Adjusted EBITDA of $490-560 million and a free cash flow of
$120-140 million2
- Targeting to return approximately 40-50% of free cash flow
after taxes to shareholders
Accelerating Shareholder Returns While Maintaining a Strong
Balance Sheet
- Returned $15 million in cash dividends in 1H2023 ($7.5 million
on March 31 and May 31, respectively, or an annualized dividend of
approximately $30 million, a 5% dividend yield3)
- Acquired 1.7 million shares for $18.6 million in 1H2023 ($7.5
million in 1Q2023 and $11.1 million in 2Q2023), representing
approximately 3% of shares outstanding
- Cash and cash equivalents of $86 million4 as of June 30, 2023
(after paying approximately $88 million in cash taxes in
2Q2023)
Upcoming Catalysts
- Drilling 20-25 gross wells in 2H2023, targeting attractive
conventional, short-cycle development and exploration projects
- Key projects include:
- Llanos 34 block: Testing a second horizontal well and drilling
3-4 new horizontal wells
- Llanos 87 block: Drilling the Zorzal 2 well (subject to joint
venture partner approval)
- CPO-5 block: Drilling two wells, including the Halcon 1
exploration well
- Llanos 123 block: Testing the Saltador 1 exploration well and
drilling the Toritos 1 exploration well
- Llanos 124 block: Drilling the Cucarachero 1 exploration
well
- Perico block: Drilling the Yang 1 exploration well and the Yin
2 development well
Breakdown of Quarterly Production by Country
The following table shows production figures for 2Q2023, as
compared to 2Q2022:
2Q2023
2Q2022
Total (boepd)
Oil (bopd)a
Gas (mcfpd)
Total (boepd)
% Chg.
Colombia
33,045
32,945
598
34,253
-4%
Ecuador
634
634
-
634
-
Chile
1,690
74
9,695
2,358
-28%
Brazil
1,212
19
7,160
1,695
-28%
Total
36,581
33,672
17,453
38,940
-6%
a)
Includes royalties and other economic
rights paid in kind in Colombia for approximately 2,952 bopd in
2Q2023. No royalties were paid in kind in Ecuador, Chile or Brazil.
Production in Ecuador is reported before the Government’s
production share of approximately 186 bopd.
Quarterly Production
(boepd)
2Q2023
1Q2023
4Q2022
3Q2022
2Q2022
Colombia
33,045
32,580
33,749
33,338
34,253
Ecuador
634
990
1,259
1,194
634
Chile
1,690
1,988
2,291
2,425
2,358
Brazil
1,212
1,020
1,134
1,439
1,695
Total a
36,581
36,578
38,433
38,396
38,940
Oil
33,672
33,801
35,451
34,875
35,238
Gas
2,909
2,777
2,982
3,521
3,702
a)
In Colombia, production includes royalties
paid in kind, and in Ecuador it is shown before the Government’s
production share.
Oil and Gas Production Update
Consolidated:
Oil and gas production in 2Q2023 was 36,581 boepd, down by 6%
compared to 2Q2022, due to lower production in Colombia, Chile and
Brazil and flat production in Ecuador. Oil represented 92% and 90%
of total reported production in 2Q2023 and 2Q2022,
respectively.
Compared to 1Q2023, consolidated oil and gas production was
flat, resulting from increased production in Colombia and Brazil
that was offset by lower production in Chile and Ecuador.
Colombia:
Average net oil and gas production in Colombia decreased by 4%
to 33,045 boepd in 2Q2023 compared to 34,253 boepd in 2Q2022,
mainly resulting from lower production in the Llanos 34 and CPO-5
blocks, partially offset by higher production in the Platanillo
block.
Oil and gas production in GeoPark’s main blocks in Colombia:
- Llanos 34 block net average production decreased by 3% to
24,888 bopd (or 55,307 bopd gross) in 2Q2023 compared to 2Q2022.
Compared to 1Q2023, net average production increased by 1%
- CPO-5 block net average production decreased by 12% to 5,342
bopd (or 17,807 bopd gross) in 2Q2023 compared to 2Q2022. As
previously announced on March 8, April 11 and May 3, 2023,
production in 1H2023 was below its production potential of
25,000-26,000 bopd gross due to shut-in production of the Indico 6
and Indico 7 wells. Compared to 1Q2023, net average production
increased by 7% (1Q2023 production and operations were affected for
9 days by localized blockades)
- Platanillo block average production increased by 12% to 2,456
bopd in 2Q2023 compared to 2Q2022. Compared to 1Q2023, net average
production increased by 8%, mainly due to successful development
drilling activities in 2023
Recent Activity in the Llanos and Putumayo
Basins
Llanos 34 Block
- Following the successful drilling and testing of the first
horizontal development well, in early June 2023 GeoPark spudded a
second horizontal development well in the Tigana field
- The well was drilled to a total depth of 14,030 feet and a
horizontal lateral length of 1,680 feet
- Total depth was reached in July 2023 and the well is expected
to be completed for initial testing in late July 2023
CPO-5 Block
- The operator is currently executing required civil works and
expects to resume production in the Indico 6 and Indico 7 wells in
August 2023
- Pre-drilling activities are currently underway to drill the
Halcon 1 exploration well in September/October 2023
- The Halcon exploration prospect is located in the northern part
of the block, close to the Llanos 34 block
Llanos 87 Block
- Targeting to drill the Zorzal 2 well, updip of the Zorzal 1
well discovery, where there is incremental potential identified in
the Barco formation (subject to joint venture partner
approval)
Llanos 123 Block
- In 2Q2023 GeoPark drilled its first exploration well in the
block, located to the west of the Llanos 34 block and adjacent to
the Llanos 124 block
- The Saltador 1 exploration well was spudded in late May and
reached total depth in early July 2023
- Preliminary logging information indicated hydrocarbons in the
Barco and Mirador formations
- Testing activities are expected to start in July/August
2023
- The drilling rig will initiate mobilization in the upcoming
weeks to spud the Toritos 1 exploration well, expected in August
2023
Llanos 124 Block
- The Llanos 124 block is located adjacent to the west of the
Llanos 34 block
- In 2Q2023 GeoPark continued executing civil works and other
pre-drilling activities to spud its first exploration well in the
block in early 3Q2023
- The Cucarachero 1 exploration well was spudded in July 2023 and
is expected to reach total depth in August 2023
Llanos 86 and Llanos 104 Blocks
- The Llanos 86 and Llanos 104 blocks are located adjacent to the
east of the CPO-5 block
- Preliminary activities currently underway to acquire over 650
square kilometers of 3D seismic, expected to be executed in early
2024
- This 3D seismic acquisition is expected to add additional
exploration prospects to GeoPark’s organic exploration
inventory
Put-8 Block
- Currently working on environmental licensing for the Bienparado
exploration prospect
- A public hearing was held on July 8, 2023
- Final decision by the regulatory body, ANLA, is pending
Ecuador:
Average net oil production in Ecuador before the Government’s
share reached 634 bopd in 2Q2023, (approximately 448 bopd after the
Government’s share), flat compared to 2Q2022.
The Government’s production share varies with oil prices and is
approximately 30-40% considering an Oriente crude oil price of
$70-100 per bbl.
Drilling activities currently underway in the Perico block
targeting to drill two wells in 3Q2023 (one development well, Yin
2, and one exploration well, Yang 1).
Chile:
Average net production in Chile decreased 28% to 1,690 boepd in
2Q2023 compared to 2,358 boepd in 2Q2022, resulting from the
natural decline of the fields, limited drilling activities and
temporarily shut-in oil production due to ongoing commercial
negotiations with the oil offtaker. The production mix was 96%
natural gas (vs 78% in 2Q2022) and 4% light oil (vs 22% in
2Q2022).
Commercial negotiations with the oil offtaker are currently
ongoing and the Company expects to resume shut-in production of
approximately 400 bopd in 3Q2023.
Brazil:
Average net production in the Manati field in Brazil decreased
28% to 1,212 boepd in 2Q2023 compared to 1,695 boepd in 2Q2022 due
to limited gas demand, the natural decline of the field and
maintenance activities affecting production in the Manati platform
for 10 days during June 2023 and that were normalized by the end of
June 2023.
The production mix was 98% natural gas (vs 99% in 2Q2022) and 2%
oil and condensate (vs 1% in 2Q2022).
OTHER NEWS
Reporting Date for 2Q2023 Results Release, Conference Call
and Webcast
GeoPark will report its 2Q2023 financial results on Wednesday,
August 9, 2023, after the market close.
In conjunction with the 2Q2023 results press release, GeoPark
management will host a conference call on August 10, 2023, at 10:00
am (Eastern Daylight Time) to discuss the 2Q2023 financial
results.
To listen to the call, participants can access the webcast
located in the “Invest with Us” section of the Company’s website at
www.geo-park.com, or by clicking below:
https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/893129503
Interested parties may participate in the conference call by
dialing the numbers provided below:
United States Participants: +1 (404)
975-4839
International Participants: +1 (929)
526-1599
Passcode: 931988
Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the website
and download any streaming media software that might be required to
listen to the webcast.
An archive of the webcast replay will be made available in the
“Invest with Us” section of the Company’s website at
www.geo-park.com after the conclusion of the live call.
NOTICE
Additional information about GeoPark can be found in the “Invest
with Us” section on the website at www.geo-park.com.
Certain amounts included in this press release have been rounded
for ease of presentation.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This press release contains statements that constitute
forward-looking statements. Many of the forward-looking statements
contained in this press release can be identified by the use of
forward-looking words such as ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’
‘‘could,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘will,’’
‘‘estimate’’ and ‘‘potential,’’ among others.
Forward-looking statements that appear in a number of places in
this press release include, but are not limited to, statements
regarding the intent, belief, or current expectations, regarding
various matters, including expected future financial performance,
capital expenditures, expected adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow
generation, expected production guidance, drilling activities,
demand for oil and gas, oil and gas prices, our work program and
investment guidelines, regulatory approvals, reserves, exploration
resources, the discretionary share buyback program and shareholder
returns. Forward-looking statements are based on management’s
beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to
the management. Such statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those
expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to
various factors.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are
made, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update
them in light of new information or future developments or to
release publicly any revisions to these statements in order to
reflect later events or circumstances, or to reflect the occurrence
of unanticipated events. For a discussion of the risks facing the
Company which could affect whether these forward-looking statements
are realized, see filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC).
1 Indico 6 was shut in in December 2022
and Indico 7 was shut in in early January 2023.
2 Free cash flow is used here as Adjusted
EBITDA less capital expenditures, mandatory interest payments and
cash taxes. 2023 cash taxes include GeoPark’s preliminary estimates
of the full impact of the new tax reform in Colombia, irrespective
of the timing of its cash impact, expected in 2023 or early 2024.
The Company is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of
the 2023 Adjusted EBITDA which is a forward-looking non-GAAP
measure, because the Company cannot reliably predict certain of its
necessary components, such as write-off of unsuccessful exploration
efforts or impairment loss on non-financial assets, etc. Since free
cash flow is calculated based on Adjusted EBITDA, for similar
reasons, the Company does not provide a quantitative reconciliation
of the 2023 free cash flow forecast. Adjusted EBITDA assumes a
Brent to Vasconia differential averaging $4-5 per bbl from May to
December 2023.
3 Based on GeoPark’s average market
capitalization from July 1 to July 12, 2023.
4 Unaudited.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230716186138/en/
INVESTORS: Stacy Steimel Shareholder Value Director T:
+562 2242 9600 ssteimel@geo-park.com
Miguel Bello Market Access Director T: +562 2242 9600
mbello@geo-park.com
Diego Gully Investor Relations Director T: +5411 4312 9400
dgully@geo-park.com
MEDIA: Communications Department
communications@geo-park.com
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