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Coterra(CTRA) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Financial Performance and Returns - Coterra Energy increased its annual base dividend by 40% to 0.84pershare,returningover0.84 per share, returning over 3.5 billion to stockholders through dividends [41]. - In 2024, Coterra repurchased 17 million shares for 464millionatanaveragepriceof464 million at an average price of 26.35 per share, with 1.1billionremainingforfuturerepurchases[41].Thecompanyaimstoreturn501.1 billion remaining for future repurchases [41]. - The company aims to return 50% or more of its annual free cash flow to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases [41]. - The company invested 63% of its cash flow from operations in capital programs in 2024, expecting to invest approximately 50% in 2025 [43]. - Future dividends and stock repurchases are uncertain and will depend on the company's financial condition, results of operations, and other relevant considerations [193]. - The company has previously paid cash dividends and conducted stock repurchases, but future actions will be at the discretion of its Board of Directors [193]. Capital Expenditures and Investments - The company plans to invest approximately 2.1 billion to 2.4billioninits2025capitalprogram,a282.4 billion in its 2025 capital program, a 28% increase from 1.8 billion in 2024 [46]. - Coterra expects to turn in line 175 to 205 total net wells in 2025, with 70% of capital expenditures allocated to the Permian Basin [46]. - The company borrowed 1.0billionunderatermloantopartiallyfundtheFMEandAvantacquisitionsthatclosedinJanuary2025[44].Thecompanyinvested1.0 billion under a term loan to partially fund the FME and Avant acquisitions that closed in January 2025 [44]. - The company invested 1,057 million in drilling and completion capital in the Permian Basin during 2024 [53]. Production and Reserves - In 2024, the company achieved net production of 262 MBoe per day from the Permian Basin, accounting for 39% of total equivalent production [52]. - Proved developed oil reserves increased to 189,275 MBbl in 2024, while proved undeveloped reserves rose to 80,720 MBbl [66]. - Average daily oil production in 2024 was 109 MBbl, with net oil production averaging 101 MBbl per day, representing 93% of total company oil production [68]. - As of December 31, 2024, the company held approximately 297,000 net acres in the Permian Basin and 186,000 net acres in the Marcellus Shale [52][55]. - The company reported a total of 1,162.6 producing net wells in the Permian Basin and 1,135.1 producing net wells in the Marcellus Shale as of December 31, 2024 [52][55]. Acquisitions - The company closed the acquisition of Franklin Mountain Energy for 2.5billion,including2.5 billion, including 1.7 billion in cash and 28,190,682 shares of common stock [48]. - The acquisition of certain interests in oil and gas properties from Avant was completed for a cash consideration of $1.5 billion [49]. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - Coterra's 2024 Sustainability Report highlights its commitment to environmentally sustainable operations and reducing methane emissions [45]. - The company operates under extensive federal, state, and local environmental regulations, which can change and impact business operations significantly [96]. - The company is subject to liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for hazardous substance releases, which could lead to significant cleanup costs [99]. - The Oil Pollution Act imposes strict liability for oil spill damages, requiring the company to maintain financial responsibility for environmental cleanup [100]. - Compliance with the Clean Water Act is essential, with potential sanctions for non-compliance that could halt operations [104]. - The company must adhere to the Clean Air Act, which requires permits for emissions and could lead to increased operational costs if regulations become more stringent [105]. - The company is monitoring greenhouse gas regulations, as future laws could materially affect operations and financial condition [116]. - The company is increasingly relying on recycling produced water to mitigate operational impacts from water sourcing and disposal regulations [112]. Workforce and Safety - As of December 31, 2024, Coterra had 915 employees, with 589 salaried and 326 hourly workers [118]. - Coterra's compensation programs are designed to be competitive with industry peers and reward superior performance, including performance bonuses and retirement benefits [122]. - The company emphasizes a strong safety culture, with programs that empower employees to stop work if dangerous conditions are suspected [124]. - Coterra's health and safety programs are built on a foundation that emphasizes personal safety and includes a comprehensive EHS management system [124]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces risks from fluctuating commodity prices, which can materially impact revenues and financial condition [130]. - The company may incur substantial costs related to the removal or remediation of hazardous wastes due to stricter regulations over time [97]. - The company faces potential operational restrictions due to the Endangered Species Act, which may increase costs and delay drilling activities [101]. - The company is at risk of defaulting on debt agreements if commodity prices decline, which could reduce revenues, cash flow, and earnings [160]. - Cybersecurity risks are increasing, with potential impacts on operations and financial performance due to data breaches or system disruptions [154]. - The company faces intense competition in the oil and natural gas industry, with many competitors having substantially greater financial and technical resources [190]. Market and Economic Factors - The ability to sell oil, natural gas, and NGL production is contingent on adequate gathering, transportation, and processing services, with potential revenue impacts if these services are unavailable [142]. - Significant basis differentials in 2024, particularly in the Permian Basin, have led to negative spot market pricing, affecting operations and cash flows [143]. - The company believes it has satisfactory title to all producing properties and leases, adhering to industry standards [80]. - The company utilizes financial derivative instruments, such as collars and swaps, to manage commodity price risk, but these can limit benefits from price increases [161]. - Changes in derivatives market regulations and reduced liquidity could increase costs and limit the availability of derivatives, affecting the company's financial stability [162]. Strategic Outlook - Coterra's future performance is highly dependent on its ability to find or acquire additional economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves [138]. - The company faces challenges in capital allocation and resource management, which may adversely affect its financial condition and growth rate [141]. - The integration of acquired businesses may divert management's attention and resources, posing challenges to operational efficiency [146]. - The company anticipates that competition for experienced technical personnel will remain intense, which could impact its ability to attract and retain talent [189].