Hey phx, take a chill-pill. You asked; "what advantage does WDS get by making an early formal decision?"
I think Rachel already gave the answer; "The pressure to get accurate decisions made quickly is huge because it impacts your cash flow in the years ahead. Why do you think WDS paid for fast track results? As soon as the resource is confirmed with the DST, WDS can bring the asset onto their balance sheet and forecast earnings from it for the 2030's and that is good for their share price and Board remuneration."
It seems clear to me; if they uncover a really good oil/gas play, management usually moves fast to drill and get the value on the books and improve their KPI.
Of course, they will suffer if it is a dud, and that is why they can be slow to move if it is an ordinary play.
PCL Price at posting:
2.3¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
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