PrimeEnergy Gains 35% in 3 Months: Time to Bet on the Stock or Wait?

Core Viewpoint - PrimeEnergy Resources Corporation (PNRG) has significantly outperformed its industry peers, with a 35% increase in stock price over the past three months compared to the industry composite's 8.4% return [1] Operational Strategy & Asset Diversification - PrimeEnergy focuses on the acquisition, development, and production of oil and natural gas properties primarily in Texas and Oklahoma, emphasizing horizontal drilling in the Midland Basin [3] - The company operates 508 wells and has a disciplined capital allocation strategy, with the potential for 100 additional horizontal drilling locations in West Texas [4] - PrimeEnergy also benefits from asset diversification, holding a 12.5% overriding royalty interest in approximately 30,000 acres in West Virginia, an idle offshore pipeline in Texas, and a 33.3% stake in a retail shopping center in Alabama [5] Financial Performance - In 2023, PrimeEnergy invested $96 million in drilling 35 horizontal wells, followed by $113 million for 48 horizontal wells in 2024, with further investments planned for 2025 [6] - In Q3 2025, production reached 505 MBbl of oil, 2.3 Bcf of natural gas, and 362 MBbl of natural gas liquids (NGLs), with higher natural gas volumes and improved pricing contributing to revenue growth despite declines in mature oil assets [8] Energy Outlook & Implications - Brent crude oil prices are projected to decline to $56 per barrel in 2026 and $54 in 2027, while Henry Hub natural gas prices are expected to average between $4.30 and $4.40 per MMBtu during the same period [9][10] - A softer oil price environment may impact oil revenues, but stronger natural gas fundamentals and rising LNG demand could support gas and NGL production, stabilizing cash flows [11] Balance Sheet Strength - As of September 30, 2025, PrimeEnergy had no outstanding debt and full availability under its $115 million revolving credit facility, providing flexibility for acquisitions and investments [12] - The company's debt-to-capitalization ratio stands at 0.59%, significantly lower than the industry average of 49.9% [13] Valuation Perspective - PrimeEnergy trades at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA multiple of 2.57X, well below the industry average of 10.89X, indicating potential upside if operational momentum continues [14]