Berry Corporation’s Strong Start to 2025: Earnings Call Highlights

Berry Petroleum ((BRY)) has held its Q1 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

Berry Corporation’s recent earnings call painted a positive picture of the company’s financial and operational health as it kicked off 2025. The sentiment was upbeat, highlighting significant achievements in financial performance, operational efficiency, and regulatory advancements. Despite minor production setbacks, Berry’s robust hedging strategy and high-return development projects position it well for future growth.

Strong Start to 2025

Berry Corporation reaffirmed its full-year guidance, showcasing a solid start to 2025. The company strengthened its balance sheet by paying down $11 million of debt and returned $2 million in cash to shareholders. Liquidity increased to $120 million, and the leverage ratio improved to 1.37 times, reflecting a strong financial position.

High-Return Development Projects

The company reported $17 million of free cash flow in Q1, driven by cost improvements and stable production. Notably, most projects in the thermal diatomite reservoir are generating a rate of return exceeding 100%, underscoring the profitability of Berry’s development initiatives.

Successful Drilling Operations

Berry’s drilling operations in California saw significant progress, with twice as many wells drilled compared to Q4 2024. The completion of a four-well horizontal pad in the Uinta asset was ahead of schedule and on budget, leading to a 25% reduction in fuel costs and a $500,000 reduction in completion costs per well.

Strong Environmental and Safety Record

The company maintained an impeccable environmental and safety record with zero recordable incidents, zero lost time incidents, and no reportable spills during Q1. Berry also published updated performance metrics and plans to release a full report with 2024 emissions data.

Regulatory Advances in California

Governor Newsom’s directive to engage with the oil and gas industry marks a constructive shift in California’s regulatory landscape. This development potentially paves the way for increased in-state production and collaboration, benefiting companies like Berry.

Robust Hedging Strategy

Berry’s hedging strategy remains a cornerstone of its financial planning, with 73% of oil production hedged at $75 per barrel for 2025. The company also raised the average floor price by $6 per barrel on 2,300 barrels per day of production for 2026 and 2027, ensuring price stability.

Production Slightly Below Prior Quarter

Production in Q1 averaged 24,700 barrels per day, slightly below the previous quarter due to planned downtime. However, the company’s strategic initiatives are expected to address these temporary setbacks.

Forward-Looking Guidance

Berry Corporation’s forward-looking guidance remains optimistic, with the company reaffirming its full-year outlook. The firm reported $148 million in oil and gas sales, with a realized oil price at 93% of Brent, and generated $17 million in free cash flow. Berry’s strategic focus on sustainable free cash flow generation, debt reduction, and growth opportunities is expected to drive future performance.

In summary, Berry Corporation’s earnings call highlighted a strong start to 2025, with positive sentiment surrounding its financial and operational achievements. Key takeaways include robust financial metrics, successful drilling operations, and a solid hedging strategy, all of which position the company for continued growth and stability in the coming quarters.