Permian Resources Announces Strategic Bolt-On Acquisition of Core Delaware Basin Assets

Rhea-AI Summary

Permian Resources (NYSE: PR) has announced a strategic bolt-on acquisition of core Delaware Basin assets from Occidental (NYSE: OXY) for $817.5 million. The deal includes ~29,500 net acres, ~9,900 net royalty acres, and ~15,000 Boe/d production, primarily in Reeves County, Texas. Key highlights include:

1. Over 200 gross operated, two-mile locations with high NRIs
2. Substantial midstream assets, including >100 miles of pipelines and water infrastructure
3. Attractive valuation at ~3.4x 2025E EBITDAX and ~17% free cash flow yield
4. Accretive to cash flow, free cash flow, and NAV per share
5. Financed through a combination of equity and debt
6. Expected to maintain leverage of ~1x net debt-to-EBITDAX

The transaction is set to close by the end of Q3 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2024.

Positive

• Acquisition of 29,500 net acres and 9,900 net royalty acres in core Delaware Basin
• Addition of ~15,000 Boe/d production
• Over 200 gross operated, two-mile locations with high NRIs added to inventory
• Substantial midstream assets included, enhancing operational flexibility
• Attractive valuation at ~3.4x 2025E EBITDAX and ~17% free cash flow yield
• Accretive to cash flow per share, free cash flow per share, and NAV per share
• Expected to deliver >5% accretion to free cash flow per share annually for next 2, 5, and 10-year periods
• 99% of acquired acreage held by production with minimal future drilling requirements

Negative

• Increase in debt to finance the acquisition
• Potential integration challenges and costs associated with merging operations
• Execution risk in realizing projected synergies and cost reductions

Insights

Financial Analyst

This acquisition by Permian Resources represents a significant strategic move in the Delaware Basin, showcasing the company's commitment to expanding its core operations. The $817.5 million deal for ~29,500 net acres and ~15,000 Boe/d production is priced attractively at 3.4x 2025E EBITDAX and a 17% free cash flow yield, indicating potential for strong returns.

The transaction's financial metrics are compelling:

• Accretive to cash flow, free cash flow and NAV per share
• Expected 5%+ accretion to free cash flow per share annually over the next 2, 5 and 10 years
• Leverage-neutral financing strategy, maintaining ~1x net debt-to-EBITDAX

The acquisition's strategic value lies in its contiguous nature to existing operations, high NRIs and immediate competitiveness for capital allocation. The included midstream assets provide operational flexibility and potential for future monetization, enhancing the deal's overall value proposition.

Investors should note the conservative financing approach, combining equity and debt, which demonstrates financial prudence. This strategy aligns with maintaining a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth, a positive signal for long-term value creation.

Oil & Gas Industry Expert

This acquisition significantly bolsters Permian Resources' position in the prolific Delaware Basin, particularly in Reeves County, Texas. The addition of ~29,500 net acres and ~9,900 net royalty acres is substantial, especially considering the high-quality nature of the assets:

• Over 200 gross operated, two-mile locations with high NRIs
• 99% held by production, minimizing future drilling requirements
• Average working interest of 65% with 80% net revenue interest

The midstream infrastructure included in the deal is a major value-add, comprising over 100 miles of oil and gas gathering systems, water infrastructure and 10,000 surface acres. This integrated system will likely contribute to cost reduction and operational efficiency, potentially boosting margins.

The projected 15 MBoe/d production (55% oil) for Q4 2024 is significant, immediately boosting the company's output. The ability to begin development in Q4 2024 suggests a smooth integration process and quick realization of synergies.

This acquisition aligns with the industry trend of consolidation in the Permian Basin, as companies seek to build contiguous acreage positions for operational efficiency and economies of scale. Permian Resources' execution of this strategy could position it favorably against competitors in the region.

Market Research Analyst

This acquisition by Permian Resources is a strategic move that could significantly impact its market position and investor perception. Key points to consider:

• Market Timing: With the energy sector experiencing volatility, this acquisition demonstrates confidence in long-term oil and gas demand, potentially attracting investor attention.
• Competitive Positioning: The deal strengthens Permian Resources' foothold in the Delaware Basin, potentially improving its competitive stance against other operators in the region.
• Operational Synergies: The contiguous nature of the acquired acreage to existing operations suggests potential for significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, which could boost profitability.
• Diversification: The addition of substantial midstream assets provides a degree of vertical integration, potentially reducing reliance on third-party infrastructure and associated costs.

From a market perspective, this acquisition could be viewed as a catalyst for revaluation of Permian Resources' stock. The company's ability to secure high-quality assets at an attractive valuation (17% free cash flow yield) may lead investors to reassess the company's growth potential and operational efficiency.

However, investors will likely scrutinize the execution of this deal, particularly the integration process and the realization of projected synergies. The company's performance in the quarters following the acquisition's close will be critical in determining the market's long-term reaction to this strategic move.

MIDLAND, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Permian Resources Corporation (“Permian Resources” or the “Company”) (NYSE: PR) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Occidental (NYSE: OXY) to purchase ~29,500 net acres, ~9,900 net royalty acres and ~15,000 Boe/d predominantly located directly offset the Company’s existing position in Reeves County, Texas for $817.5 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments. The effective date of the transaction is July 1, 2024, with closing expected to occur by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

Permian Resources Acquired Acreage Map (Graphic: Business Wire)

Transaction Highlights

• Large, contiguous acreage position, offset existing core operating areas
• Adds >200 gross operated, two-mile locations with high NRIs, which immediately compete for capital
• Substantial midstream assets, including >100 miles of oil and natural gas pipelines, robust water infrastructure system with a ~25,000 Bbls/d water recycling facility and >10,000 surface acres
• Purchased at an attractive valuation:
  • ~3.4x 2025E EBITDAX and ~17% free cash flow yield
  • Accretive to cash flow per share, free cash flow per share and NAV per share
• Conservatively financed through combination of equity and debt
  • Expect to maintain leverage of ~1x net debt-to-EBITDAX

Management Commentary

“This acquisition is a natural fit for us given its high-return inventory and proximity to our current operated position,” said Will Hickey, Co-CEO of Permian Resources. “As the Delaware Basin’s low-cost leader, we are highly confident that our team will be able to leverage its operational expertise of the asset to significantly reduce costs and drive meaningful synergies, maximizing value for our shareholders.”

“Our overarching goal is to drive value for our investors, and this acquisition of high-quality assets adjacent to our existing position is a perfect example. Consistent with our strategy of pursuing sound M&A opportunities, this bolt-on acquisition adds core inventory which immediately competes for capital and is accretive to key metrics over both the short and long-term,” said James Walter, Co-CEO of Permian Resources. “Furthermore, the substantial midstream infrastructure and surface acres represent material value and will provide us with significant flexibility going forward.”

Financial Benefits

The transaction is attractively valued at approximately 3.4x 2025E EBITDAX¹ and 17% free cash flow yield¹, assuming a maintenance production profile and $75 per Bbl / $3.00 per MMBtu flat pricing. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to all key per share metrics, including cash flow, free cash flow and net asset value per share. The Company expects the transaction to deliver accretion to free cash flow per share¹ of over 5% per year during the next two, five and ten-year periods. This is consistent with the Company’s disciplined acquisition strategy, pursuing transactions which provide significant accretion to all relevant per share metrics over the long-term.

Acquisition Overview

The acquired assets consist of approximately 29,500 net acres and 9,900 net royalty acres primarily located in Reeves County, Texas (27,500 net acres), in addition to Eddy County, New Mexico (2,000 net acres) for a total consideration of $817.5 million. The operated acreage position contains an average working interest of approximately 65% (8/8^ths net revenue interest of ~80%) and is contiguous to the Company’s existing positions in both Texas and New Mexico. The acreage has minimal future drilling requirements and is approximately 99% held by production. Additionally, Permian Resources has identified over 200 gross operated, two-mile locations with high NRIs which immediately compete for capital, and Permian Resources expects to begin development on the acquired properties during the fourth quarter of 2024. Total production for the fourth quarter of 2024 is estimated to be approximately 15 MBoe/d (~55% oil).

The acquired assets in Reeves County also include a fully integrated midstream system, supporting superior economics and enhanced flexibility. Infrastructure on the acquired assets includes over 100 miles of operated oil and gas gathering systems and over 10,000 surface acres, in addition to complementary water infrastructure including saltwater disposal wells, a recycling facility, frac ponds and water wells. The midstream gathering infrastructure acquired in the transaction fully accommodates associated volumes, including incremental capacity for future growth or additional third-party volumes. These robust midstream assets and surface acreage provide the Company optionality to either retain to further enhance strong margins or monetize select assets at compelling valuations.

(For maps and further details summarizing Permian Resources’ recent acquisition, please see the presentation materials on its website under the Investor Relations tab.)

Financing and Liquidity Highlights

The Company intends to fund the acquisition, subject to market conditions and other factors, through proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions. Permian Resources anticipates that the financing of the acquisition will be leverage neutral on a forward looking and pro forma basis, allowing the Company to maintain a strong balance sheet with an expected year-end 2024 pro forma net debt-to-EBITDAX¹ ratio of approximately 1x on a last quarter annualized basis, assuming strip prices.

Second Quarter 2024 Update

As of the date of this release, the Company has not finalized its financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2024. Based on preliminary information, Permian Resources estimates its average daily oil production volumes during the second quarter to be between 152.1 and 153.6 MBbls/d and its cash capital expenditures to be between $511 million and $522 million. Additionally, the Company expects its second quarter total controllable cash costs (LOE, GP&T and cash G&A) to be between $7.41 and $7.49 per Boe. The initial estimates of select operational and financial data for the second quarter of 2024 are preliminary estimates and, accordingly, remain subject to change which could be significant. As previously announced, the Company plans to release detailed results for the second quarter on August 6, 2024 and to discuss these results on a conference call scheduled for August 7, 2024.

About Permian Resources

Headquartered in Midland, Texas, Permian Resources is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the responsible acquisition, optimization and development of high-return oil and natural gas properties. The Company’s assets and operations are concentrated in the core of the Delaware Basin, making it the second largest Permian Basin pure-play E&P. For more information, please visit www.permianres.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “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 fact included in this press release, regarding the consummation of the recently announced acquisition, the expected benefits of the recently announced acquisition, integration plans, synergies, opportunities and anticipated future performance, our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans, objectives and expectations of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “goal,” “plan,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the “2023 Annual Report”) and the risk factors and other cautionary statements contained in our other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties and we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about:

• volatility of oil, natural gas and NGL prices or a prolonged period of low oil, natural gas or NGL prices and the effects of actions by, or disputes among or between, members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”), such as Saudi Arabia, and other oil and natural gas producing countries, such as Russia, with respect to production levels or other matters related to the price of oil, natural gas and NGLs;
• political and economic conditions and events in or affecting other producing regions or countries, including the Middle East, Russia, Eastern Europe, Africa and South America;
• our business strategy and future drilling plans;
• our reserves and our ability to replace the reserves we produce through drilling and property acquisitions;
• our drilling prospects, inventories, projects and programs;
• our financial strategy, return of capital program, leverage, liquidity and capital required for our development program;
• the timing and amount of our future production of oil, natural gas and NGLs;
• our ability to identify, complete and effectively integrate acquisitions of properties, assets or businesses;
• our ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies from the bolt-on acquisition and effectively integrate and strategize upon the assets acquired in such transaction;
• the timing and terms of the recently announced acquisition
• our hedging strategy and results;
• our competition;
• our ability to obtain permits and governmental approvals;
• our compliance with government regulations, including those related to climate change as well as environmental, health and safety regulations and liabilities thereunder;
• our pending legal matters;
• the marketing and transportation of our oil, natural gas and NGLs;
• our leasehold or business acquisitions;
• cost of developing or operating our properties;
• our anticipated rate of return;
• general economic conditions;
• weather conditions in the areas where we operate;
• credit markets;
• our ability to make dividends, distributions and share repurchases;
• uncertainty regarding our future operating results;
• our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this press release that are not historical; and
• the other factors described in our 2023 Annual Report, and any updates to those factors set forth in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the exploration for and development, production, gathering and sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs. Factors which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility (including regional basis differentials), uncertainty inherent in estimating oil, natural gas and NGL reserves, including the impact of commodity price declines on the economic producibility of such reserves, and in projecting future rates of production, geographic concentration of our operations, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, lack of transportation and storage capacity as a result of oversupply, government regulations or other factors, competition in the oil and natural gas industry for assets, materials, qualified personnel and capital, drilling and other operating risks, environmental and climate related risks, including seasonal weather conditions, regulatory changes including those that may result from the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision overturning the Chevron deference doctrine and that may impact environmental, energy, and natural resources regulation, restrictions on the use of water, including limits on the use of produced water and potential restrictions on the availability to water disposal facilities, availability to cash flow and access to capital, inflation, changes in our credit ratings or adverse changes in interest rates, changes in the financial strength of counterparties to our credit agreement and hedging contracts, the timing of development expenditures, political and economic conditions and events in foreign oil and natural gas producing countries, including embargoes, continued hostilities in the Middle East and other sustained military campaigns, including the conflict in Israel and its surrounding areas, the war in Ukraine and associated economic sanctions on Russia, conditions in South America, Central America, China and Russia, and acts of terrorism or sabotage, changes in local, regional, national, and international economic conditions, security threats, including evolving cybersecurity risks such as those involving unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks, third-party service provider failures, malicious software, data privacy breaches by employees, insiders or other with authorized access, cyber or phishing-attacks, ransomware, social engineering, physical breaches or other actions, and the other risks described in our filings with the SEC.

Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data, and price and cost assumptions made by reserve engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should any underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

1) EBITDAX, free cash flow, free cash flow yield and net debt-to-EBITDAX are non-GAAP financial measures. While management believes that such measures are useful for investors, they should not be used as a replacement for financial measures that are in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company has not provided reconciliations for forward-looking non-GAAP measures because the Company cannot do so without unreasonable effort and any attempt to do so would be inherently imprecise. We are not able to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures without unreasonable effort because of the unknown effect, timing, and potential significance of reconciling line items that are unavailable at this time. These items have in the past, and may in the future, significantly affect GAAP results in a particular period. Please see below for definitions and more information of these non-GAAP financial measures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that the Company defines as net income attributable to Class A Common Stock before net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, impairment and abandonment expense, non-cash gains or losses on derivatives, stock-based compensation (not cash-settled), exploration and other expenses, merger and integration expense, gain/loss from the sale of long-lived assets and other non-recurring items.

The Company defines free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as unlevered cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital in excess of cash capital expenditures and defines free cash flow yield, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as unlevered cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital in excess of cash capital expenditures divided by the value of the applicable transaction.

Net debt-to-EBITDAX is a non-GAAP financial measure. The Company defines net debt as long-term debt, net, plus unamortized debt discount, premium and debt issuance costs on our senior notes minus cash and cash equivalents. The Company defines net debt-to-EBITDAX as net debt (defined above) divided by Adjusted EBITDAX (defined above).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240728309912/en/

Hays Mabry – Vice President, Investor Relations

(432) 315-0114

ir@permianres.com

Source: Permian Resources Corporation

FAQ

What assets is Permian Resources (PR) acquiring in the Delaware Basin?

Permian Resources is acquiring ~29,500 net acres, ~9,900 net royalty acres, and ~15,000 Boe/d production, primarily in Reeves County, Texas, from Occidental (OXY).

How much is Permian Resources (PR) paying for the Delaware Basin acquisition?

Permian Resources is paying $817.5 million for the Delaware Basin assets, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.

When is the Permian Resources (PR) Delaware Basin acquisition expected to close?

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the third quarter of 2024, with an effective date of July 1, 2024.

How will Permian Resources (PR) finance the Delaware Basin acquisition?

Permian Resources intends to finance the acquisition through a combination of equity and debt, using proceeds from one or more capital markets transactions.

What is the expected impact of the acquisition on Permian Resources' (PR) financial metrics?

The acquisition is expected to be accretive to cash flow per share, free cash flow per share, and NAV per share. It's valued at ~3.4x 2025E EBITDAX with a ~17% free cash flow yield.