Diamondback Energy, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Results
Diamondback Energy, Inc. reported strong financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2024. The company achieved an average production of 273.3 MBO/d, with net cash provided by operating activities of $1.3 billion. They also declared a base cash dividend of $0.90 per share and a variable cash dividend of $1.07 per share. Diamondback repurchased shares and announced a merger with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P. Despite the positive performance, debt levels increased, impacting net debt. The company provided guidance for 2024, showcasing continued operational excellence.
Strong average production of 273.3 MBO/d in the first quarter of 2024.
Net cash provided by operating activities of $1.3 billion.
Declared a base cash dividend of $0.90 per share and a variable cash dividend of $1.07 per share.
Repurchased 279,266 shares of common stock and announced a merger with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P.
Consolidated net debt decreased to $5.9 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Consolidated total debt increased to $6.8 billion as of March 31, 2024.
Increased cash operating costs for the first quarter of 2024.
Debt levels rose, impacting net debt from $6.2 billion to $5.9 billion.
Future dividends subject to review and approval at the Board's discretion.
Insights
Diamondback Energy's release of its first-quarter financials paints a fairly robust picture of their operational efficiency and fiscal management. A key highlight is the substantial free cash flow of
Turning to production, the average of 273.3 MBO/d is indicative of the company's capacity to sustain output levels. However, investors should be mindful of commodity price fluctuations which can impact future revenues, especially since the reported unhedged realized prices for oil, natural gas and NGLs dictate the company's revenue streams.
The declared dividends, with a base and variable component totaling
From a market perspective, the share repurchase program, with
This merger, if completed, could reshape the competitive landscape within the Permian Basin. Anticipating regulatory approval, the deal could provide Diamondback with an expanded operational footprint and diversified assets. For current and prospective investors, the merger's successful closure could provide both opportunities and risks, such as integration challenges and increased debt levels.
Analyzing the specifics of Diamondback's operations, the focus on the Midland Basin, where all 101 operated wells were turned to production, highlights strategic targeting of areas with predictable returns. The well costs per lateral foot, a measure of drilling efficiency, suggest a disciplined approach to operational expenses. However, the energy sector is prone to geopolitical and environmental regulation shifts, so investors should monitor these factors as they can significantly affect future profitability.
Finally, on the financial health front, the reduction in net debt from
MIDLAND, Texas, April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) (“Diamondback” or the “Company”) today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.
FIRST QUARTER 2024 HIGHLIGHTS
- Average production of 273.3 MBO/d (461.1 MBOE/d)
- Net cash provided by operating activities of
$1.3 billion ; Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes (as defined and reconciled below) of$1.4 billion - Cash capital expenditures of
$609 million - Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) of
$791 million - Declared Q1 2024 base cash dividend of
$0.90 per share and a variable cash dividend of$1.07 per share, in each case payable on May 22, 2024; implies an3.8% annualized yield based on April 29, 2024 closing share price of$205.86 - Repurchased 279,266 shares of common stock in Q1 2024 for
$42 million , excluding excise tax (at a weighted average price of$149.50 /share) - Total Q1 2024 return of capital of
$396 million ; represents ~50% of Q1 2024 Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) from stock repurchases and the declared Q1 2024 base-plus-variable dividend - Announced merger with Endeavor Energy Resources, L.P. on February 12, 2024. Diamondback stockholders approved the merger on April 26, 2024. The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024.
OPERATIONS UPDATE
The tables below provide a summary of operating activity for the first quarter of 2024.
| Total Activity (Gross Operated): | |||
| Number of Wells Drilled | Number of Wells Completed | ||
| Midland Basin | 69 | 101 | |
| Delaware Basin | 10 | — | |
| Total | 79 | 101 |
| Total Activity (Net Operated): | |||
| Number of Wells Drilled | Number of Wells Completed | ||
| Midland Basin | 67 | 89 | |
| Delaware Basin | 9 | — | |
| Total | 76 | 89 | |
During the first quarter of 2024, Diamondback drilled 69 gross wells in the Midland Basin and ten gross wells in the Delaware Basin. The Company turned 101 operated wells to production, all in the Midland Basin, with an average lateral length of 11,463 feet. Operated completions during the first quarter consisted of 30 Lower Spraberry wells, 19 Wolfcamp A wells, 16 Jo Mill wells, 15 Wolfcamp B wells, 12 Middle Spraberry wells, six Wolfcamp D wells and three Upper Spraberry wells.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Diamondback's first quarter 2024 net income was
First quarter 2024 net cash provided by operating activities was
During the first quarter of 2024, Diamondback spent
First quarter 2024 Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) was
Diamondback's first quarter 2024 Free Cash Flow (as defined and reconciled below) was
First quarter 2024 average unhedged realized prices were
Diamondback's cash operating costs for the first quarter of 2024 were
As of March 31, 2024, Diamondback had
DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS
Diamondback announced today that the Company's Board of Directors declared a base cash dividend of
The Company's Board of Directors also declared a variable cash dividend of
Future base and variable dividends remain subject to review and approval at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors.
COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
During the first quarter of 2024, Diamondback repurchased 279,266 shares of common stock at an average share price of
FULL YEAR 2024 GUIDANCE
Below is Diamondback's guidance for the full year 2024, which includes second quarter production, cash tax and capital guidance.
| 2024 Guidance | 2024 Guidance | ||
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | Viper Energy, Inc. | ||
| Net production - MBOE/d | 458 - 466 | 46.00 - 48.00 | |
| Oil production - MBO/d | 270 - 275 | 25.75 - 26.75 | |
| Q2 2024 oil production - MBO/d (total - MBOE/d) | 271 - 275 (459 - 466) | 26.00 - 26.50 (46.50 - 47.25) | |
| Unit costs ($/BOE) | |||
| Lease operating expenses, including workovers | |||
| G&A | |||
| Cash G&A | |||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation | |||
| DD&A | |||
| Interest expense (net of interest income) | |||
| Gathering, processing and transportation | |||
| Production and ad valorem taxes (% of revenue) | ~ | ~ | |
| Corporate tax rate (% of pre-tax income) | |||
| Cash tax rate (% of pre-tax income) | |||
| Q2 2024 Cash taxes ($ - million) | |||
| Capital Budget ($ - million) | |||
| 2024 Drilling, completion, capital workovers, and non-operated properties | |||
| 2024 Infrastructure and midstream | |||
| 2024 Total capital expenditures | |||
| Q2 2024 Capital expenditures | |||
| Gross horizontal wells drilled (net) | 265 - 285 (244 - 263) | ||
| Gross horizontal wells completed (net) | 300 - 320 (273 - 291) | ||
| Average completed lateral length (Ft.) | ~11,500' | ||
| FY 2024 Midland Basin well costs per lateral foot | |||
| FY 2024 Delaware Basin well costs per lateral foot | |||
| Midland Basin completed net lateral feet (%) | ~ | ||
| Delaware Basin completed net lateral feet (%) | ~ | ||
CONFERENCE CALL
Diamondback will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2024 on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. CT. Access to the webcast, and replay which will be available following the call, may be found here. The live webcast of the earnings conference call will also be available via Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com under the “Investor Relations” section of the site.
About Diamondback Energy, Inc.
Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, which involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding Diamondback’s: future performance; business strategy; future operations (including drilling plans and capital plans); estimates and projections of revenues, losses, costs, expenses, returns, cash flow, and financial position; reserve estimates and its ability to replace or increase reserves; anticipated benefits of strategic transactions (including acquisitions and divestitures); and plans and objectives of management (including plans for future cash flow from operations and for executing environmental strategies) are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “guidance,” “intend,” “may,” “model,” “outlook,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions (including the negative of such terms) as they relate to Diamondback are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Although Diamondback believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond Diamondback’s control. Accordingly, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and Diamondback’s actual outcomes could differ materially from what Diamondback has expressed in its forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: the completion of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing or at all, including obtaining regulatory approval and satisfying other conditions to the completion of the transaction; uncertainties as to whether the proposed Endeavor transaction, if consummated, will achieve its anticipated benefits and projected synergies within the expected time period or at all; Diamondback’s ability to integrate Endeavor’s operations in a successful manner and in the expected time period; the occurrence of any event, change, or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; risks that the anticipated tax treatment of the proposed transaction is not obtained; unforeseen or unknown liabilities; unexpected future capital expenditures; litigation relating to the proposed transaction; the possibility that the proposed transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the effect of the pendency, or completion of the proposed transaction on the parties’ business relationships and business generally; risks that the proposed transaction disrupts current plans and operations of Diamondback or Endeavor and their respective management teams and potential difficulties in retaining employees as a result of the proposed transaction; the risks related to Diamondback’s financing of the proposed transaction; potential negative effects of the pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the market price of Diamondback’s common stock and/or operating results; rating agency actions and Diamondback’s ability to access short- and long-term debt markets on a timely and affordable basis; changes in supply and demand levels for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, and the resulting impact on the price for those commodities; the impact of public health crises, including epidemic or pandemic diseases and any related company or government policies or actions; actions taken by the members of OPEC and Russia affecting the production and pricing of oil, as well as other domestic and global political, economic, or diplomatic developments, including any impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war on the global energy markets and geopolitical stability; instability in the financial markets; concerns over a potential economic slowdown or recession; inflationary pressures; rising interest rates and their impact on the cost of capital; regional supply and demand factors, including delays, curtailment delays or interruptions of production, or governmental orders, rules or regulations that impose production limits; federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing, including the effect of existing and future laws and governmental regulations; physical and transition risks relating to climate change; those risks described in Item 1A of Diamondback’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024, and those risks disclosed in its subsequent filings on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Diamondback’s website at www.diamondbackenergy.com/investors/; and those risks more fully described in the definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction.
In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Diamondback’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Diamondback operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Diamondback cannot predict all risks, nor can it assess the impact of all factors on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements it may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this letter or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Diamondback does not intend to, and disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | |||||||
| (unaudited, in millions, except share amounts) | |||||||
| March 31, | December 31, | ||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Assets | |||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 896 | $ | 582 | |||
| Restricted cash | 3 | 3 | |||||
| Accounts receivable: | |||||||
| Joint interest and other, net | 208 | 192 | |||||
| Oil and natural gas sales, net ( | 734 | 654 | |||||
| Income tax receivable | — | 1 | |||||
| Inventories | 57 | 63 | |||||
| Derivative instruments | 7 | 17 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 43 | 109 | |||||
| Total current assets | 1,948 | 1,621 | |||||
| Property and equipment: | |||||||
| Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method of accounting ( | 43,240 | 42,430 | |||||
| Other property, equipment and land | 675 | 673 | |||||
| Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment ( | (16,891 | ) | (16,429 | ) | |||
| Property and equipment, net | 27,024 | 26,674 | |||||
| Equity method investments | 529 | 529 | |||||
| Derivative instruments | 7 | 1 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes, net | 61 | 45 | |||||
| Investment in real estate, net | 83 | 84 | |||||
| Other assets | 38 | 47 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 29,690 | $ | 29,001 | |||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable - trade | $ | 243 | $ | 261 | |||
| Accrued capital expenditures | 570 | 493 | |||||
| Other accrued liabilities | 337 | 475 | |||||
| Revenues and royalties payable | 732 | 764 | |||||
| Derivative instruments | 102 | 86 | |||||
| Income taxes payable | 134 | 29 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 2,118 | 2,108 | |||||
| Long-term debt ( | 6,629 | 6,641 | |||||
| Derivative instruments | 144 | 122 | |||||
| Asset retirement obligations | 266 | 239 | |||||
| Deferred income taxes | 2,502 | 2,449 | |||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 12 | 12 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 11,671 | 11,571 | |||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Common stock, | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 14,251 | 14,142 | |||||
| Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | 2,705 | 2,489 | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (8 | ) | (8 | ) | |||
| Total Diamondback Energy, Inc. stockholders’ equity | 16,950 | 16,625 | |||||
| Non-controlling interest | 1,069 | 805 | |||||
| Total equity | 18,019 | 17,430 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 29,690 | $ | 29,001 | |||
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | |||||||
| (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||
| Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquid sales | $ | 2,101 | $ | 1,902 | |||
| Sales of purchased oil | 116 | — | |||||
| Other operating income | 10 | 23 | |||||
| Total revenues | 2,227 | 1,925 | |||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||
| Lease operating expenses | 255 | 192 | |||||
| Production and ad valorem taxes | 119 | 155 | |||||
| Gathering, processing and transportation | 77 | 68 | |||||
| Purchased oil expense | 117 | — | |||||
| Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion | 469 | 403 | |||||
| General and administrative expenses | 46 | 40 | |||||
| Merger and integration expense | 12 | 8 | |||||
| Other operating expenses | 14 | 34 | |||||
| Total costs and expenses | 1,109 | 900 | |||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 1,118 | 1,025 | |||||
| Other income (expense): | |||||||
| Interest expense, net | (46 | ) | (46 | ) | |||
| Other income (expense), net | 4 | 53 | |||||
| Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net | (48 | ) | (93 | ) | |||
| Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt | 2 | — | |||||
| Income (loss) from equity investments, net | 2 | 14 | |||||
| Total other income (expense), net | (86 | ) | (72 | ) | |||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,032 | 953 | |||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 223 | 207 | |||||
| Net income (loss) | 809 | 746 | |||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | 41 | 34 | |||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. | $ | 768 | $ | 712 | |||
| Earnings (loss) per common share: | |||||||
| Basic | $ | 4.28 | $ | 3.88 | |||
| Diluted | $ | 4.28 | $ | 3.88 | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 178,477 | 181,988 | |||||
| Diluted | 178,477 | 181,988 | |||||
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | |||||||
| (unaudited, in millions) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 809 | $ | 746 | |||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | |||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes | 52 | 97 | |||||
| Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion | 469 | 403 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt | (2 | ) | — | ||||
| (Gain) loss on derivative instruments, net | 48 | 93 | |||||
| Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments | (4 | ) | 1 | ||||
| (Income) loss from equity investment, net | (2 | ) | (14 | ) | |||
| Equity-based compensation expense | 14 | 11 | |||||
| Other | 16 | (34 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | (95 | ) | (36 | ) | |||
| Income tax receivable | 12 | 95 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 89 | — | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (110 | ) | (26 | ) | |||
| Income taxes payable | 70 | 17 | |||||
| Revenues and royalties payable | (35 | ) | 60 | ||||
| Other | 3 | 12 | |||||
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | 1,334 | 1,425 | |||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||
| Drilling, completions and infrastructure additions to oil and natural gas properties | (605 | ) | (622 | ) | |||
| Additions to midstream assets | (4 | ) | (35 | ) | |||
| Property acquisitions | (153 | ) | (880 | ) | |||
| Proceeds from sale of assets | 12 | 264 | |||||
| Other | (1 | ) | (6 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (751 | ) | (1,279 | ) | |||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings under credit facilities | 90 | 1,696 | |||||
| Repayments under credit facilities | (80 | ) | (989 | ) | |||
| Repayment of senior notes | (25 | ) | — | ||||
| Repurchased shares under buyback program | (42 | ) | (332 | ) | |||
| Repurchased shares/units under Viper's buyback program | — | (34 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from partial sale of investment in Viper Energy, Inc. | 451 | — | |||||
| Dividends paid to stockholders | (548 | ) | (542 | ) | |||
| Dividends/distributions to non-controlling interest | (44 | ) | (34 | ) | |||
| Other | (71 | ) | (22 | ) | |||
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (269 | ) | (257 | ) | |||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 314 | (111 | ) | ||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period | 585 | 164 | |||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period | $ | 899 | $ | 53 | |||
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | ||||||||
| Selected Operating Data | ||||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||
| Production Data: | ||||||||
| Oil (MBbls) | 24,874 | 25,124 | 22,624 | |||||
| Natural gas (MMcf) | 50,602 | 50,497 | 47,388 | |||||
| Natural gas liquids (MBbls) | 8,653 | 9,016 | 7,730 | |||||
| Combined volumes (MBOE)(1) | 41,961 | 42,556 | 38,252 | |||||
| Daily oil volumes (BO/d) | 273,341 | 273,087 | 251,378 | |||||
| Daily combined volumes (BOE/d) | 461,110 | 462,565 | 425,022 | |||||
| Average Prices: | ||||||||
| Oil ($ per Bbl) | $ | 75.06 | $ | 76.42 | $ | 73.11 | ||
| Natural gas ($ per Mcf) | $ | 0.99 | $ | 1.29 | $ | 1.46 | ||
| Natural gas liquids ($ per Bbl) | $ | 21.26 | $ | 19.96 | $ | 23.16 | ||
| Combined ($ per BOE) | $ | 50.07 | $ | 50.87 | $ | 49.72 | ||
| Oil, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2) | $ | 74.13 | $ | 75.59 | $ | 72.05 | ||
| Natural gas, hedged ($ per Mcf)(2) | $ | 1.36 | $ | 1.31 | $ | 1.96 | ||
| Natural gas liquids, hedged ($ per Bbl)(2) | $ | 21.26 | $ | 19.96 | $ | 23.16 | ||
| Average price, hedged ($ per BOE)(2) | $ | 49.97 | $ | 50.40 | $ | 49.72 | ||
| Average Costs per BOE: | ||||||||
| Lease operating expenses | $ | 6.08 | $ | 5.97 | $ | 5.02 | ||
| Production and ad valorem taxes | 2.84 | 2.44 | 4.05 | |||||
| Gathering, processing and transportation expense | 1.84 | 1.83 | 1.78 | |||||
| General and administrative - cash component | 0.76 | 0.59 | 0.76 | |||||
| Total operating expense - cash | $ | 11.52 | $ | 10.83 | $ | 11.61 | ||
| General and administrative - non-cash component | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.33 | $ | 0.29 | ||
| Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion per BOE | $ | 11.18 | $ | 11.02 | $ | 10.54 | ||
| Interest expense, net | $ | 1.10 | $ | 0.87 | $ | 1.20 | ||
(1) Bbl equivalents are calculated using a conversion rate of six Mcf per one Bbl.
(2) Hedged prices reflect the effect of our commodity derivative transactions on our average sales prices and include gains and losses on cash settlements for matured commodity derivatives, which we do not designate for hedge accounting. Hedged prices exclude gains or losses resulting from the early settlement of commodity derivative contracts.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
ADJUSTED EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc., plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest ("net income (loss)") before non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net, interest expense, net, depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash equity-based compensation expense, capitalized equity-based compensation expense, merger and integration expenses, other non-cash transactions and provision for (benefit from) income taxes, if any. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of net income as determined by United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful because the measure allows it to more effectively evaluate the Company’s operating performance and compare the results of its operations from period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure. The Company adds the items listed above to net income (loss) to determine Adjusted EBITDA because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within its industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Further, the Company excludes the effects of significant transactions that may affect earnings but are unpredictable in nature, timing and amount, although they may recur in different reporting periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or liquidity. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets. The Company’s computation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in our credit facility or any of our other contracts.
The following tables present a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDA:
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||||||
| Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA | |||||||||||
| (unaudited, in millions) | |||||||||||
| Three Months Ended | |||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | March 31, 2023 | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. | $ | 768 | $ | 960 | $ | 712 | |||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | 41 | 51 | 34 | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 809 | 1,011 | 746 | ||||||||
| Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net | 44 | (147 | ) | 94 | |||||||
| Interest expense, net | 46 | 37 | 46 | ||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion | 469 | 469 | 403 | ||||||||
| Depreciation and interest expense related to equity method investments | 23 | 18 | 18 | ||||||||
| (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt | (2 | ) | — | — | |||||||
| Non-cash equity-based compensation expense | 21 | 21 | 16 | ||||||||
| Capitalized equity-based compensation expense | (7 | ) | (7 | ) | (5 | ) | |||||
| Merger and integration expenses | 12 | — | 8 | ||||||||
| Other non-cash transactions | 1 | 12 | (46 | ) | |||||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | 223 | 264 | 207 | ||||||||
| Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA | 1,639 | 1,678 | 1,487 | ||||||||
| Less: Adjustment for non-controlling interest | 89 | 82 | 67 | ||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. | $ | 1,550 | $ | 1,596 | $ | 1,420 | |||||
ADJUSTED NET INCOME
Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest ("net income (loss)") adjusted for non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, merger and integration expense, other non-cash transactions and related income tax adjustments, if any. The Company’s computation of adjusted net income may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in our credit facility or any of our other contracts. Management believes adjusted net income helps investors in the oil and natural gas industry to measure and compare the Company's performance to other oil and natural gas companies by excluding from the calculation items that can vary significantly from company to company depending upon accounting methods, the book value of assets and other non-operational factors. Further, in order to allow investors to compare the Company's performance across periods, the Company excludes the effects of significant transactions that may affect earnings but are unpredictable in nature, timing and amount, although they may recur in different reporting periods.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc. to the non-GAAP measure of adjusted net income:
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||
| Adjusted Net Income | |||||||
| (unaudited, $ in millions except per share data, shares in thousands) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |||||||
| Amounts | Amounts Per Diluted Share | ||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) | $ | 768 | $ | 4.28 | |||
| Net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest | 41 | 0.22 | |||||
| Net income (loss)(1) | 809 | 4.50 | |||||
| Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, net | 44 | 0.25 | |||||
| (Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt | (2 | ) | (0.01 | ) | |||
| Merger and integration expense | 12 | 0.06 | |||||
| Other non-cash transactions | 1 | 0.01 | |||||
| Adjusted net income excluding above items(1) | 864 | 4.81 | |||||
| Income tax adjustment for above items | (12 | ) | (0.06 | ) | |||
| Adjusted net income(1) | 852 | 4.75 | |||||
| Less: Adjusted net income attributable to non-controlling interest | 43 | 0.25 | |||||
| Adjusted net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) | $ | 809 | $ | 4.50 | |||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | |||||||
| Basic | 178,477 | ||||||
| Diluted | 178,477 | ||||||
(1) The Company’s earnings (loss) per diluted share amount has been computed using the two-class method in accordance with GAAP. The two-class method is an earnings allocation which reflects the respective ownership among holders of common stock and participating securities. Diluted earnings per share using the two-class method is calculated as (i) net income attributable to Diamondback Energy, Inc, (ii) less the reallocation of
OPERATING CASH FLOW BEFORE WORKING CAPITAL CHANGES AND FREE CASH FLOW
Operating cash flow before working capital changes, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, represents net cash provided by operating activities as determined under GAAP without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities. The Company believes operating cash flow before working capital changes is a useful measure of an oil and natural gas company’s ability to generate cash used to fund exploration, development and acquisition activities and service debt or pay dividends. The Company also uses this measure because changes in operating assets and liabilities relate to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements that the Company may not control and may not relate to the period in which the operating activities occurred. This allows the Company to compare its operating performance with that of other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure.
Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, is cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital in excess of cash capital expenditures. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow are useful to investors as they provide measures to compare both cash flow from operating activities and additions to oil and natural gas properties across periods on a consistent basis as adjusted for non-recurring early settlements of commodity derivative contracts. These measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by operating activities as an indicator of operating performance. The Company's computation of operating cash flow before working capital changes, Free Cash Flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The Company uses Free Cash Flow to reduce debt, as well as return capital to stockholders as determined by the Board of Directors.
The following tables present a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net cash provided by operating activities to the non-GAAP measure of operating cash flow before working capital changes and to the non-GAAP measure of Free Cash Flow:
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||
| Operating Cash Flow Before Working Capital Changes and Free Cash Flow | |||||||
| (unaudited, in millions) | |||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 1,334 | $ | 1,425 | |||
| Less: Changes in cash due to changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts receivable | (95 | ) | (36 | ) | |||
| Income tax receivable | 12 | 95 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 89 | — | |||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (110 | ) | (26 | ) | |||
| Income taxes payable | 70 | 17 | |||||
| Revenues and royalties payable | (35 | ) | 60 | ||||
| Other | 3 | 12 | |||||
| Total working capital changes | (66 | ) | 122 | ||||
| Operating cash flow before working capital changes | 1,400 | 1,303 | |||||
| Drilling, completions and infrastructure additions to oil and natural gas properties | (605 | ) | (622 | ) | |||
| Additions to midstream assets | (4 | ) | (35 | ) | |||
| Total Cash CAPEX | (609 | ) | (657 | ) | |||
| Free Cash Flow | $ | 791 | $ | 646 | |||
NET DEBT
The Company defines the non-GAAP measure of net debt as total debt (excluding debt issuance costs, discounts, premiums and fair value hedges) less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management uses net debt to determine the Company's outstanding debt obligations that would not be readily satisfied by its cash and cash equivalents on hand. The Company believes this metric is useful to analysts and investors in determining the Company's leverage position because the Company has the ability to, and may decide to, use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt.
| Diamondback Energy, Inc. | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (unaudited, in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 31, 2024 | Net Q1 Principal Borrowings/ (Repayments) | December 31, 2023 | September 30, 2023 | June 30, 2023 | March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (in millions) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diamondback Energy, Inc.(1) | $ | 5,669 | $ | (28 | ) | $ | 5,697 | $ | 5,697 | $ | 6,040 | $ | 6,426 | ||||||||||
| Viper Energy, Inc.(1) | 1,103 | 10 | 1,093 | 680 | 654 | 700 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total debt | 6,772 | $ | (18 | ) | 6,790 | 6,377 | 6,694 | 7,126 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (896 | ) | (582 | ) | (827 | ) | (18 | ) | (46 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net debt | $ | 5,876 | $ | 6,208 | $ | 5,550 | $ | 6,676 | $ | 7,080 | |||||||||||||
(1) Excludes debt issuance costs, discounts, premiums and fair value hedges.
DERIVATIVES
As of April 26, 2024, the Company had the following outstanding consolidated derivative contracts, including derivative contracts at Viper Energy, Inc. The Company’s derivative contracts are based upon reported settlement prices on commodity exchanges, with crude oil derivative settlements based on New York Mercantile Exchange West Texas Intermediate pricing and Crude Oil Brent pricing and with natural gas derivative settlements based on the New York Mercantile Exchange Henry Hub pricing. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.
| Crude Oil (Bbls/day, $/Bbl) | |||||||||||
| Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | Q1 2025 | ||||||||
| Long Puts - Crude Brent Oil | 110,000 | 80,000 | 53,000 | 11,000 | |||||||
| Long Put Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 55.45 | $ | 55.25 | $ | 56.04 | $ | 60.00 | |||
| Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) | $ | -1.49 | $ | -1.55 | $ | -1.57 | $ | -1.39 | |||
| Long Puts - WTI (Magellan East Houston) | 32,000 | 28,000 | 20,000 | 8,000 | |||||||
| Long Put Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 55.63 | $ | 56.07 | $ | 58.00 | $ | 60.00 | |||
| Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) | $ | -1.56 | $ | -1.58 | $ | -1.68 | $ | -1.68 | |||
| Long Puts - WTI (Cushing) | 39,000 | 51,000 | 48,000 | 22,000 | |||||||
| Long Put Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 59.23 | $ | 57.65 | $ | 57.50 | $ | 57.73 | |||
| Deferred Premium ($/Bbl) | $ | -1.49 | $ | -1.54 | $ | -1.67 | $ | -1.71 | |||
| Costless Collars - WTI (Cushing) | 6,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 | — | |||||||
| Long Put Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 65.00 | $ | 55.00 | $ | 55.00 | — | ||||
| Short Call Price ($/Bbl) | $ | 95.55 | $ | 93.66 | $ | 93.66 | — | ||||
| Basis Swaps - WTI (Midland) | 12,000 | 12,000 | 12,000 | — | |||||||
| $ | 1.19 | $ | 1.19 | $ | 1.19 | — | |||||
| Roll Swaps - WTI | 40,000 | 40,000 | 40,000 | — | |||||||
| $ | 0.82 | $ | 0.82 | $ | 0.82 | — | |||||
| Natural Gas (Mmbtu/day, $/Mmbtu) | |||||||||||
| Q2 2024 | Q3 2024 | Q4 2024 | FY 2025 | ||||||||
| Costless Collars - Henry Hub | 290,000 | 290,000 | 290,000 | 270,000 | |||||||
| Long Put Price ($/Mmbtu) | $ | 2.83 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 2.83 | $ | 2.50 | |||
| Ceiling Price ($/Mmbtu) | $ | 7.52 | $ | 7.52 | $ | 7.52 | $ | 5.42 | |||
| Natural Gas Basis Swaps - Waha Hub | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 | 330,000 | |||||||
| $ | -1.18 | $ | -1.18 | $ | -1.18 | $ | -0.70 | ||||
Investor Contact:
Adam Lawlis
+1 432.221.7467
alawlis@diamondbackenergy.com
FAQ
What was Diamondback Energy's net income for the first quarter of 2024?
Diamondback Energy reported a net income of $768 million for the first quarter of 2024.
What dividends did Diamondback Energy declare for the first quarter of 2024?
Diamondback Energy declared a base cash dividend of $0.90 per common share and a variable cash dividend of $1.07 per common share for the first quarter of 2024.
What was Diamondback Energy's total consolidated net debt as of March 31, 2024?
Diamondback Energy's total consolidated net debt was $5.9 billion as of March 31, 2024.
What was the average production in the first quarter of 2024 for Diamondback Energy?
Diamondback Energy achieved an average production of 273.3 MBO/d in the first quarter of 2024.
What was the total return of capital for Diamondback Energy in Q1 2024?
Diamondback Energy had a total return of capital of $396 million in Q1 2024.
