Key Insights from Vermilion's CFO Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you discuss the potential impact of the recent gas discovery in Germany and what it could mean for future developments?
A: Lars Glemser, CFO, explained that the recent discovery in Germany is significant, with preliminary estimates suggesting over 100 BCF of gas in place. This discovery confirms the team's technical capabilities and could lead to follow-up locations, although further analysis is needed to determine the full potential.
Q: How are you balancing share buybacks with debt repayment, and what are your targets for net debt levels?
A: Lars Glemser, CFO, stated that the company is comfortable with a 50/50 allocation of excess free cash flow to debt reduction and shareholder returns. They aim to maintain net debt between CAD 500 million to CAD 1 billion, and any significant reduction below CAD 500 million could prompt a reevaluation of their capital return strategy.
Q: What are the expectations for production from the S A 7 block in Croatia, and how is the infrastructure positioned to support this?
A: Lars Glemser, CFO, mentioned that while it's early days, the S A 7 block has shown promising results with multiple discoveries. Production could potentially reach 5,000 to 8,000 BOE per day, supported by existing infrastructure and partnerships that reduce development costs.
Q: How do you view the current European gas market, and what is your hedging strategy moving forward?
A: Lars Glemser, CFO, highlighted robust European gas prices, driven by supply constraints and demand factors. Vermilion is 50% hedged for 2025 and 40% for 2026, with plans to increase hedging for 2026 and 2027 to capitalize on strong price curves.
Q: What is your approach to M&A versus organic growth, given your large acreage position in Europe?
A: Lars Glemser, CFO, emphasized a balanced approach, evaluating M&A opportunities against organic growth prospects. The focus is on sustainable free cash flow and long-term value, with acquisitions needing to compete with internal projects for capital allocation.