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Investing.com -- Shares of Var Energi (OSE:VAR) climbed 6% today after the company presented a confident outlook ahead of its Capital Markets Update at 2pm CET.
VAr Energi announced an increase in its annual dividend framework to 25-30% of post-tax cash flow from operations (CFFO), starting with a $300 million dividend in the first quarter of 2025, marking an 11% quarter-over-quarter increase. This move comes despite a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2024 and a full-year production that hit the lower end of the company’s guidance range.
The company reported a net loss of $175 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a significant miss compared to both the consensus net loss of $66 million, attributed primarily to a higher tax expense of $847 million.
Full-year 2024 production was 280 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (kboe/d), at the bottom end of the guidance range of 280-290 kboe/d. Net debt increased to $5.02 billion, slightly above consensus estimates, with leverage ratios rising modestly.
In terms of operational updates, VAr Energi highlighted the progress of key projects, including the Johan Castberg field expected to start in the first quarter of 2025 and reach a plateau production of 220 kboe/d gross.
The Halten East project is also set to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with initial well results surpassing expectations. The Balder X project is on track for sail away by the end of the second quarter of 2025, with first oil anticipated by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, VAr Energi is planning for nine project start-ups in 2025, which are projected to add around 180 kboe/d at peak production by the end of 2025. The company’s production guidance for 2025 is set at 330-360 kboe/d, with full-year production costs expected to be between $11-12 per barrel.
Jefferies analysts commented on the company’s financial strategy, stating, "The 5yr FCF guide $5-9bn compared to our $6.9bn and, overall, it appears VAR is joining the growth pieces together."
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