ASCENT RESOURCES REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2024 OPERATING AND FINANCIAL RESULTS

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May 9, 2024 4:00 PM EDT

First Quarter Highlights:

  • Net production of 2.2 bcfe per day, with liquids production up 38% over the prior year period to ~37 mbbls per day
  • Net Income and Adjusted Net Income(1) of $86 million and $218 million, respectively
  • Adjusted EBITDAX(1) and Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1) of $456 million and $198 million, respectively
  • Received credit rating upgrades from both Moody's and Fitch subsequent to quarter-end
  • Reaffirmed the borrowing base and elected commitments under the credit facility at $3.0 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, in April
  • Increased production guidance range to 2,050 to 2,125 mmcfe per day (no other changes)

(1)  A non-GAAP financial measure. See the non-GAAP reconciliations included in this press release for the definition of, and other important information regarding, this non-GAAP financial measure.

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Resources Utica Holdings, LLC ("Ascent", "our" or the "Company") today reported its first quarter 2024 operating and financial results. Additionally, Ascent announced a conference call with analysts and investors scheduled for 9 AM CT / 10 AM ET, Friday, May 10, 2024. For more detailed information on Ascent, please refer to our audited financials, the latest investor presentation and additional information located on our website at https://www.ascentresources.com/investors.

Commenting on the first quarter results, Ascent's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Fisher said, "I am excited to announce our exceptional financial and operational results during the quarter despite continuing market volatility. Our disciplined approach to cost management, focus on efficiencies and strong hedge book have allowed us to deliver outstanding results. Our commitment to maximizing and growing free cash flow remain our top priority, ensuring the sustainability of our business for many years to come."

Fisher continued, "As we move through the rest of the year, we will continue to focus on costs, efficiencies and margins to drive free cash flow and position the Company for long-term success. Our prudent financial strategy, including our hedge book, provide a solid foundation to navigate market conditions with confidence."

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

First quarter 2024 net production averaged 2,215 mmcfe per day, consisting of 1,994 mmcf per day of natural gas, 9,396 bbls per day of oil and 27,429 bbls per day of natural gas liquids ("NGL").

First quarter 2024 price realizations, including the impact of settled commodity derivatives, were $3.73 per mcfe. Excluding the impact of settled commodity derivatives, price realizations were $2.61 per mcfe in the first quarter of 2024.

For the first quarter of 2024, Ascent reported Net Income of $86 million, Adjusted Net Income of $218 million, Adjusted EBITDAX of $456 million, along with Cash Flows from Operations of $369 million and Adjusted Free Cash Flow of $198 million. Ascent incurred $212 million of total capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2024 consisting of $180 million of D&C costs, $25 million of land and leasehold costs, and $7 million of capitalized interest.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of March 31, 2024, Ascent had total debt of approximately $2.4 billion, with $645 million of borrowings and $169 million of letters of credit issued under the credit facility. Liquidity as of March 31, 2024 was approximately $1.2 billion, comprised of $1.2 billion of available borrowing capacity under the credit facility and $9 million of cash on hand. Our leverage ratio at the end of the quarter was 1.8x based on a LTM Adjusted EBITDAX basis.

Operational Update

During the first quarter of 2024, we spud 15 operated wells, hydraulically fractured 17 wells, and turned-in-line 10 wells with an average lateral length of approximately 15,700 feet. As of March 31, 2024, Ascent had 876 gross operated producing Utica wells.

Hedging Update

Ascent has significant hedges in place in order to reduce exposure to the volatility in commodity prices, as well as to protect our expected operating cash flow. As of March 31, 2024, Ascent had hedged 1,453,000 mmbtu per day of natural gas production for the remainder of 2024 at an average downside price of $3.51 per mmbtu, and 1,370,000 mmbtu per day in 2025 at an average downside price of $3.82 per mmbtu. Additionally, Ascent has hedged 10,000 bbls per day of crude oil production at an average price of $75.39 per bbl for the remainder of 2024, and 4,000 bbls per day in 2025 at an average price of $70.42. We also have a significant portion of our natural basis position hedged in 2024 and 2025 along with additional natural gas hedges in place through 2027. Please reference our financial statements for additional detail on our hedge position. 

About Ascent Resources

Ascent is one of the largest private producers of natural gas in the United States and is focused on acquiring, developing, and operating natural gas and oil properties located in the Utica Shale in southern Ohio. With a continued focus on good corporate citizenship, Ascent is committed to delivering cleaner burning, affordable energy to our country and the world, while reducing environmental impacts.

Contact:
Chris Benton
Vice President – Finance and Investor Relations
405-252-7850
[email protected]

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of US federal securities laws.  Forward-looking statements express views of Ascent regarding future plans and expectations.  Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operations, business strategy, liquidity and cash flows of Ascent.  These statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, commodity price volatility, inherent uncertainty in estimating natural gas, oil and NGL reserves, environmental and regulatory risks, availability of capital, and the other risks described in Ascent's most recent investor presentation provided at www.ascentresources.com/investors.  Actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in this news release and Ascent's business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be materially and adversely affected by such risks and uncertainties.  As a result, forward-looking statements should be understood to be only predictions and statements of Ascent's current beliefs; they are not guarantees of performance.

ASCENT RESOURCES UTICA HOLDINGS, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Revenues:





Natural gas


$    390,502


$    611,560

Oil


58,368


63,993

NGL


77,424


43,741

Commodity derivative gain


116,259


921,649

Total Revenues


642,553


1,640,943

Operating Expenses:





Lease operating expenses


30,628


33,650

Gathering, processing and transportation expenses


262,663


240,292

Taxes other than income


11,048


11,497

Exploration expenses


6,021


607

General and administrative expenses


31,481


16,493

Depreciation, depletion and amortization


187,000


183,039

Total Operating Expenses


528,841


485,578

Income from Operations


113,712


1,155,365

Other Income (Expense):





Interest expense, net


(50,212)


(55,335)

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


(3,696)


3,880

Other income


25,921


536

Total Other Expense


(27,987)


(50,919)

Net Income


$      85,725


$ 1,104,446

 

ASCENT RESOURCES UTICA HOLDINGS, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)




March 31,


December 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Current Assets:





Cash and cash equivalents


$        8,525


$        6,718

Accounts receivable – natural gas, oil and NGL sales


198,879


266,906

Accounts receivable – joint interest and other


81,003


38,540

Short-term derivative assets


437,708


438,041

Other current assets


9,810


10,620

Total Current Assets


735,925


760,825

Property and Equipment:





Natural gas and oil properties, based on successful efforts accounting


11,772,088


11,565,453

Other property and equipment


43,526


42,542

Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization


(4,805,836)


(4,619,852)

Property and Equipment, net


7,009,778


6,988,143

Other Assets:





Long-term derivative assets


173,599


288,396

Other long-term assets


64,043


68,486

Total Assets


$ 7,983,345


$ 8,105,850






Current Liabilities:





Accounts payable


$      87,575


$      76,333

Accrued interest


45,927


44,665

Short-term derivative liabilities


7,453


13,157

Other current liabilities


493,562


551,894

Total Current Liabilities


634,517


686,049

Long-Term Liabilities:





Long-term debt, net


2,418,175


2,533,873

Long-term derivative liabilities


775


—

Other long-term liabilities


129,726


124,565

Total Long-Term Liabilities


2,548,676


2,658,438

Member's Equity


4,800,152


4,761,363

Total Liabilities and Member's Equity


$ 7,983,345


$ 8,105,850

 

ASCENT RESOURCES UTICA HOLDINGS, LLC

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Cash Flows from Operating Activities:





Net income


$      85,725


$ 1,104,446

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:





Depreciation, depletion and amortization


187,000


183,039

Gain on commodity derivatives


(116,259)


(921,649)

Settlements received (paid) for commodity derivatives


178,611


(66,818)

Impairment of unproved natural gas and oil properties


5,559


—

Non-cash interest expense


5,374


5,977

Long-term incentive compensation


9,314


831

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


3,696


(3,880)

Other


67


(1,423)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities


9,554


70,395

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities


368,641


370,918

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:





Natural gas and oil capital expenditures


(218,589)


(259,916)

Additions to other property and equipment


(543)


(1,059)

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities


(219,132)


(260,975)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:





Proceeds from credit facility borrowings


405,000


510,000

Repayment of credit facility borrowings


(525,000)


(545,000)

Cash received (paid) for settlements of commodity derivatives


29,480


(53,530)

Cash paid to Member for Parent's equity distributions


(56,250)


—

Cash paid to Member for Parent's long-term incentive Cash Awards


—


(17,856)

Other


(932)


(271)

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities


(147,702)


(106,657)

Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents


1,807


3,286

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period


6,718


3,894

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period


$        8,525


$        7,180

 

ASCENT RESOURCES UTICA HOLDINGS, LLC

SUPPLEMENTAL TABLES


NATURAL GAS, OIL AND NGL PRODUCTION AND PRICES (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,



2024


2023






Net Production Volumes:





Natural gas (mmcf)


181,432


183,444

Oil (mbbls)


855


932

NGL (mbbls)


2,496


1,463

Natural Gas Equivalents (mmcfe)


201,532


197,811






Average Daily Net Production Volumes:





Natural gas (mmcf/d)


1,994


2,038

Oil (mbbls/d)


9


10

NGL (mbbls/d)


27


16

Natural Gas Equivalents (mmcfe/d)


2,215


2,198

% Natural Gas


90 %


93 %

% Liquids


10 %


7 %






Average Sales Prices:





Natural gas ($/mcf)


$      2.15


$      3.33

Oil ($/bbl)


$    68.33


$    68.71

NGL ($/bbl)


$    31.02


$    29.90






Natural Gas Equivalents ($/mcfe)


$      2.61


$      3.64

Settlements of commodity derivatives ($/mcfe)


1.12


(0.34)

Average sales price, after effects of settled derivatives ($/mcfe)


$      3.73


$      3.30

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES INCURRED (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Capital Expenditures Incurred:





Drilling and completion costs incurred


$    180,121


$    239,232

Land and leasehold costs incurred


24,904


26,185

Capitalized interest incurred


7,133


10,270

Total Capital Expenditures Incurred


$    212,158


$    275,687

ASCENT RESOURCES UTICA HOLDINGS, LLC
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

Ascent uses certain non-GAAP measures as a supplement to our financial results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These non-GAAP measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDAX, Last Twelve Months (LTM) Adjusted EBITDAX, Net Debt and Adjusted Free Cash Flow. A reconciliation of each financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the tables below. Ascent's management team believes these non-GAAP measures are useful to an investor in evaluating Ascent's financial performance because (a) management uses these financial measures to evaluate operating performance, in presentations to its Board of Managers and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting, (b) these financial measures are more comparable to estimates used by analysts, and (c) items excluded are one-time items, non-cash items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated.

Ascent believes these non-GAAP measures provide meaningful information to our investors and lenders; however, they should not be used as a substitute for measures of performance that are calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures, as used and defined by Ascent below, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures employed by other companies.

Adjusted Net Income: Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income (loss) before the revenue impact of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives, change in fair value of contingent payment right, long-term incentive compensation, (gains) losses on purchases or exchanges of debt, impairment of unproved natural gas and oil properties and certain items management believes affect the comparability of results or that are not indicative of trends in the ongoing business. Adjusted Net Income is a supplemental measure of operating performance monitored by management that is not defined under GAAP and does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to net income (loss), as determined by GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDAX and LTM Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is defined as net income (loss) before exploration expenses, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, interest expense (net), the revenue impact of changes in the fair value of commodity derivative instruments prior to settlement, change in fair value of contingent payment right, long-term incentive compensation, (gains) losses on purchases or exchanges of debt and certain items management believes affect the comparability of results or that are not indicative of trends in the ongoing business. Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental measure of operating performance monitored by management that is not defined under GAAP and does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to net income (loss), as determined by GAAP.

Net Debt: Net Debt is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents. Management uses Net Debt to determine our outstanding debt obligations that would not be readily satisfied by our cash and cash equivalents on hand. Net Debt does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to total debt, as determined by GAAP.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities adjusted for changes in operating assets and liabilities, drilling and completion costs incurred, land and leasehold costs incurred, capitalized interest incurred, financing commodity derivative settlements, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of results or that are not indicative of trends in the ongoing business. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is an indicator of a company's ability to generate funding to maintain or expand its asset base, make equity distributions and repurchase or extinguish debt. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a supplemental measure of liquidity monitored by management that is not defined under GAAP and that does not represent, and should not be considered as, an alternative to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, as determined by GAAP.

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Net Income (GAAP)


$      85,725


$ 1,104,446

Adjustments to reconcile net income to Adjusted Net Income:





Gain on commodity derivatives


(116,259)


(921,649)

Settlements received (paid) for commodity derivatives


226,562


(66,818)

Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives


(102)


835

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


3,696


(3,880)

Long-term incentive compensation(a)


9,314


831

Impairment of unproved natural gas and oil properties


5,559


—

Non-recurring legal expense


3,272


—

Other


—


(1,477)

Adjusted Net Income (Non-GAAP)


$    217,767


$    112,288

 

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDAX (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Net Income (GAAP)


$      85,725


$ 1,104,446

Adjustments to reconcile net income to Adjusted EBITDAX:





Exploration expenses


6,021


607

Depreciation, depletion and amortization


187,000


183,039

Interest expense, net


50,212


55,335

Gain on commodity derivatives


(116,259)


(921,649)

Settlements received (paid) for commodity derivatives


226,562


(66,818)

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


3,696


(3,880)

Long-term incentive compensation(a)


9,314


831

Non-recurring legal expense


3,272


—

Other


—


(1,477)

Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP)


$    455,543


$    350,434

(a) 

The expense associated with the Long-Term Incentive Plan Cash Award of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is non-cash to the Company as the Plan was established by our Parent, Ascent Resources, LLC. We did not recognize any expense associated with the Cash Award in 2023.

 

RECONCILIATION OF LTM ADJUSTED EBITDAX (Unaudited)




Three Months

Ended


Twelve
Months Ended



March 31,


December 31,


September 30,


June 30,


March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023


2023


2023


2024












Net Income (GAAP)


$      85,725


$    757,202


$      16,655


$    250,036


$  1,109,618

Adjustments to reconcile net income to Adjusted EBITDAX:











Exploration expenses


6,021


5,971


1,862


4,185


18,039

Depreciation, depletion and amortization


187,000


178,749


186,486


175,677


727,912

Interest expense, net


50,212


52,714


50,043


47,818


200,787

Gain on commodity derivatives


(116,259)


(758,301)


(69,253)


(348,982)


(1,292,795)

Settlements received for commodity derivatives


226,562


58,169


104,269


126,929


515,929

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


3,696


651


3,760


2,039


10,146

Losses on purchases or exchanges of debt


—


—


—


26,900


26,900

Long-term incentive compensation(a)


9,314


1,006


999


859


12,178

Non-recurring legal expense


3,272


20,000


—


—


23,272

Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP)


$    455,543


$    316,161


$    294,821


$    285,461


$  1,351,986

 



Three Months

Ended


Twelve
Months Ended



March 31,


December 31,


September 30,


June 30,


March 31,

($ in thousands)


2023


2022


2022


2022


2023












Net Income (GAAP)


$  1,104,446


$ 1,600,999


$      46,540


$    284,927


$  3,036,912

Adjustments to reconcile net income to Adjusted EBITDAX:











Exploration expenses


607


3,353


15,365


12,015


31,340

Depreciation, depletion and amortization


183,039


181,519


192,484


149,771


706,813

Interest expense, net


55,335


57,426


57,553


49,787


220,101

(Gain) loss on commodity derivatives


(921,649)


(993,155)


1,100,991


584,421


(229,392)

Settlements paid for commodity derivatives(b)


(66,818)


(473,217)


(856,004)


(603,555)


(1,999,594)

Change in fair value of contingent payment right


(3,880)


1,955


(3,656)


(2,977)


(8,558)

Long-term incentive compensation(a)


831


8,780


8,914


4,176


22,701

Non-recurring legal expense (benefit)


—


—


1,702


(10,564)


(8,862)

Other


(1,477)


(59)


(5,054)


8,999


2,409

Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP)


$     350,434


$    387,601


$    558,835


$    477,000


$  1,773,870

(a)

The expense associated with the Long-Term Incentive Plan Cash Award of $4.8 million, $6.5 million, $8.1 million and $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, December 31, 2022, September 30, 2022 and June 30, 2022, respectively, is non-cash to the Company as the Plan was established by our Parent, Ascent Resources, LLC. We did not recognize any expense associated with the Cash Award in 2023.

(b)

Excludes the one-time payment of $300 million in April 2022 to restructure a portion of our May through December 2022 natural gas swaps, resulting in an increase of our weighted average strike prices for these periods.

 

RECONCILIATION OF NET DEBT & NET DEBT TO LTM ADJUSTED EBITDAX (Unaudited)




March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Net Debt:





Total debt


$ 2,418,175


$ 2,444,189

Less: cash and cash equivalents


8,525


7,180

Net Debt


$ 2,409,650


$ 2,437,009






Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDAX:





Net Debt


$ 2,409,650


$ 2,437,009

LTM Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP)(a)


$ 1,351,986


$ 1,773,870

Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDAX


             1.8 x


             1.4 x

(a)

Only includes impact of XTO acquisition since August 5, 2022.

 

RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (Unaudited)




Three Months Ended



March 31,

($ in thousands)


2024


2023






Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (GAAP)


$      368,641


$      370,918

Adjustments to reconcile Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow:





Changes in operating assets and liabilities


(9,554)


(70,395)

Drilling and completion costs incurred


(180,121)


(239,232)

Land and leasehold costs incurred


(24,904)


(26,185)

Capitalized interest incurred


(7,133)


(10,270)

Financing commodity derivative settlements


47,951


—

Non-recurring legal expense


3,272


—

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)(a)


$      198,152


$        24,836

(a) 

Adjusted Free Cash Flow does not include the impact of the Long-Term Incentive Cash Award of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. It is reflected in our consolidated financial statements as a non-cash equity contribution received from our Parent as the Plan was established by our Parent, Ascent Resources, LLC. We did not recognize any expense associated with the Cash Award in 2023.

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascent-resources-reports-first-quarter-2024-operating-and-financial-results-302141259.html

SOURCE Ascent Resources Utica Holdings, LLC


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