Oasis Petroleum Inc. Declares First Variable Dividend of $3.00 per Share

Rhea-AI Summary

Oasis Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ: OAS) declared its first variable dividend of $3.00 per share, payable on March 31, 2022, to shareholders on record as of March 21, 2022. This is part of a plan to return $70 million of capital to shareholders quarterly. In Q2 2022, the company anticipates a base dividend of $0.585 per share, complemented by variable dividends as it prepares for a merger with Whiting Petroleum. Post-merger, the goal is to target a 60% return of capital from free cash flow.

Positive

• First variable dividend of $3.00 per share announced.
• Plan to return $70 million of capital to shareholders quarterly.
• Base dividend of $0.585 per share expected in Q2 2022.
• Post-merger plan aims for a 60% return of free cash flow.

Negative

• Dependency on Whiting Petroleum merger for future capital returns.
• Potential risks associated with regulatory approval of the merger.
• Uncertainties in oil prices and economic recovery post-COVID-19.

HOUSTON, March 11, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Oasis Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ: OAS) ("Oasis" or the "Company") announced the declaration of its first variable dividend today in the amount of $3.00 per share of Oasis common stock, payable on March 31, 2022 to shareholders of record as of March 21, 2022, in connection with its previously announced plan to return $70 million of capital to shareholders per quarter. 

Oasis expects to return approximately $70 million of capital in the second quarter of 2022 in the form of its $0.585 per share base dividend and a supplemental variable dividend in advance of closing the proposed merger with Whiting Petroleum Corporation ("Whiting"). During the second half of 2022, the combined company will target a return of capital program representing 60% of free cash flow. The combined company is expected to increase its aggregate base dividend at close to approximately $25 million per quarter, or $0.585 per share, using variable dividends and share repurchases to return the full targeted amount.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the Company, including the Company's drilling program, production, derivative instruments and capital expenditure levels, as well as the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic on the Company's operations. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, risks that the proposed transaction with Whiting may not be consummated or the benefits contemplated therefrom may not be realized, the ability to obtain requisite regulatory and unitholder approval and the satisfaction of the other conditions to the consummation of the proposed transaction, the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed transaction on relationships, including with employees, suppliers, customers, competitors and credit rating agencies, changes in crude oil and natural gas prices, developments in the global economy, particularly the public health crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse impact thereof on demand for crude oil and natural gas, the outcome of government policies and actions, including actions taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to maintain the functioning of national and global economies and markets, the impact of Company actions to protect the health and safety of employees, vendors, customers, and communities, weather and environmental conditions, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the Williston Basin acquisition and Permian Basin divestitures, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as the Company's ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting the Company's business and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the Company's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related decline of the oil and gas exploration and production industry may make it particularly difficult to identify risks or predict the degree to which identified risks will impact the Company's business and financial condition. Because considerable uncertainty exists with respect to the future pace and extent of a global economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company cannot predict whether or when crude oil production and economic activities will return to normalized levels.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

About Oasis Petroleum Inc.

Oasis Petroleum Inc. is an independent exploration and production company with quality and sustainable long-lived assets in the Williston Basin. The Company is uniquely positioned with a best-in-class balance sheet and is focused on rigorous capital discipline and generating free cash flow by operating efficiently, safely and responsibly to develop its unconventional onshore oil-rich resources in the continental United States. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.oasispetroleum.com.

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SOURCE Oasis Petroleum Inc.

FAQ

What is the dividend amount declared by Oasis Petroleum?

Oasis Petroleum declared a variable dividend of $3.00 per share.

When will the dividend be paid to shareholders?

The dividend will be paid on March 31, 2022.

What is Oasis Petroleum's plan for capital returns?

Oasis plans to return $70 million of capital to shareholders per quarter.

What is the expected base dividend amount for Q2 2022?

The expected base dividend for Q2 2022 is $0.585 per share.

What percentage of free cash flow does Oasis target for capital returns post-merger?

Oasis targets a 60% return of capital from free cash flow post-merger.