Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv Charles River raises annual profit view as it sells underperforming assets February 25, 20261:00 PM UTCUpdated ago By Reuters Feb 25 (Reuters) - Contract drug developer Charles River Laboratories (CRL.N), opens new tab raised its 2026 profit forecast on Wednesday, after it announced the sales of some underperforming assets to peer IQVIA (IQV.N), opens new tab and private equity firm GI Partner ...

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is considering the sale of certain assets in the Permian Basin valued at approximately $2 billion, with discussions in early stages and no guarantee of a transaction proceeding [1] Group 1: Asset Sale Considerations - The assets under review are located in the Delaware Basin, part of the larger Permian Basin spanning West Texas and New Mexico, acquired through previous deals with Concho Resources and Shell [2] - ConocoPhillips completed the acquisition of Shell Enterprises' Delaware Basin operations for $9.5 billion in December 2021, gaining approximately 225,000 net acres and over 600 miles of operated pipelines [3] - The potential divestment aligns with ConocoPhillips' broader efforts to streamline its portfolio following a $17 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil in 2024 [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - ConocoPhillips initially identified around $2 billion in asset sales but increased that target to $5 billion in August 2025 [4] - In Q4 2025, the company reported earnings of $1.4 billion, or $1.17 per share, down from $2.3 billion, or $1.90 per share, in the same period the previous year [4] - Adjusted Q4 earnings totaled $1.3 billion, or $1.02 per share, compared to $2.4 billion, or $1.98 per share, a year earlier [5] Group 3: Yearly Financial Overview - For FY25, reported earnings were $8 billion, or $6.35 per share, compared to $9.2 billion, or $7.81 per share, for FY24 [6] - Adjusted earnings for 2025 reached $7.7 billion, or $6.16 per share, compared to adjusted earnings of $9.2 billion, or $7.79 per share, for the preceding year [6] Group 4: Production and Integration - Production totals for 2025 included 2.38 million barrels of oil equivalent per day globally and 1.44 million barrels per day in the Lower 48 in the US [7] - The integration of Marathon Oil was completed during the year, with synergy capture exceeding an annual run rate of $1 billion [7]

Core Viewpoint - Ovintiv has signed a definitive agreement to divest its Anadarko assets in Oklahoma for $3 billion in cash, transferring approximately 360,000 net acres, which constitutes nearly all of the company's holdings in that region [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to conclude early in Q2 2026, with an effective date of January 1, 2026 [2] - Current production figures indicate around 90,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, including nearly 27,000 barrels of oil and condensate, 240 million cubic feet of natural gas, and 23,000 barrels of natural gas liquids [2] - Ovintiv has engaged Wells Fargo as its financial adviser and Kirkland & Ellis as its legal adviser for this transaction [3] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The divestment is part of Ovintiv's strategy to focus its portfolio, meet debt targets, and enhance shareholder returns [3] - The company has built a significant inventory position in the Permian and Montney plays, which positions it for superior returns in the long term [4] - The acquired portfolio from the recent acquisition is expected to contribute around 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of average production in 2026 [5] Group 3: Recent Acquisitions - Earlier in the month, Ovintiv completed a $2.7 billion acquisition of NuVista Energy, expanding its position in Alberta's Montney play by adding around 140,000 net acres and approximately 930 net drilling locations [4] - In November 2024, Ovintiv entered into a definitive agreement to purchase Montney assets from Paramount Resources for around $2.37 billion, which aims to bolster its presence in the Montney area [6] - The recent acquisition closed last month and is expected to bring in approximately 70,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and 109,000 net acres, with 80% of the land remaining undeveloped [6]

Core Viewpoint - Ovintiv has agreed to sell its Anadarko assets in Oklahoma for $3 billion, focusing on higher-margin operations in the Permian Basin and Canada's Montney [1]. Company Summary - The sale is part of Ovintiv's strategy to concentrate capital in core, higher-return basins while divesting non-core assets to strengthen its balance sheet amid commodity price volatility [1]. - The transaction is expected to close early in the second quarter of 2026 [1]. Industry Context - North American producers are increasingly focusing on core assets with higher returns, reflecting a broader trend in the industry to enhance financial stability during periods of commodity price fluctuations [1].

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is recognized as one of the best long-term low-risk stocks to buy, with a recent price target increase from Roth Capital Partners reflecting positive expectations for the company despite recent challenges [1][2]. Financial Performance - ConocoPhillips reported fourth-quarter results that fell short of Wall Street's profit expectations, primarily due to weaker crude prices, with an average realized price of $42.46 per barrel of oil equivalent, approximately 19% lower than the previous year [3][4]. - The company plans to reduce capital and operating costs by $1 billion in 2026, building on over $1 billion in annual synergies achieved in 2025 following the acquisition of Marathon Oil [3][4]. Production and Growth Outlook - Roth Capital Partners has set a new price objective of $112 for ConocoPhillips, up from $105, and maintains a Buy rating, anticipating modest production growth in 2027, with total volumes expected to increase by about 2% and oil production by around 1% [2]. - The company completed $3.2 billion in asset sales during 2025 and is on track to meet its $5 billion divestment goal by the end of 2026 as part of its business streamlining efforts [5]. Strategic Initiatives - ConocoPhillips is undergoing a broader restructuring, which includes a workforce reduction of approximately 20% to 25% to enhance operational efficiency [5].

Core Viewpoint - Frontera Energy has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Colombian exploration and production assets to Geopark, with the total equity valued at up to $400 million, expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending approvals [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The agreement includes an immediate payment of $375 million upon closing, with an additional $25 million contingent on achieving specific development milestones [2]. - The transaction values Frontera's Colombian assets at approximately $622 million when considering both cash payments and assumed liabilities [4]. - Geopark will assume Frontera's outstanding debts, which include $310 million in unsecured notes due in 2028 and $80 million from a prepayment facility with Chevron [3]. Group 2: Shareholder Impact - Following the transaction, Frontera plans to distribute around $370 million to its shareholders, pending approval [2]. - The Frontera Board of Directors has focused on maximizing shareholder value, unlocking approximately $1.1 billion, including over $480 million through dividends and buybacks [2]. Group 3: Future Operations - After the divestment, Frontera will maintain its infrastructure operations, supported by stakes in ODL and Puerto Bahía, along with holdings in Guyana and other markets outside Colombia [4]. - The Puerto Bahia facility is a central operations hub with ongoing projects to enhance cash flow potential, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) import facilities and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) regasification project [5]. - ODL is a key midstream asset that transports a significant portion of Colombian oil production, generating an estimated distributable cash flow of around $77 million in 2025 [5]. Group 4: Valuation and Market Position - The equity purchase price is 25% higher than the 90-day volume-weighted average price and 18% above the current share price [6]. - The CEO of Frontera stated that this transaction crystallizes value for shareholders at an attractive premium for Colombian E&P assets, converting exposure to oil prices into cash while retaining upside through a stand-alone Infrastructure Business [6].

Core Viewpoint - Frontera Energy Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement with Geopark Limited to divest its Colombian exploration and production assets for a firm value of $622 million, transitioning Frontera into a focused infrastructure company while retaining its infrastructure business and interests in Guyana [1][2]. Transaction Details - The total cash consideration for the transaction is up to $400 million, which includes $375 million payable at closing and a $25 million contingent payment based on the achievement of specific development milestones [1][2]. - Geopark will acquire 100% of Frontera's Colombian upstream business, including oil and gas exploration and production assets, a reverse osmosis water treatment facility, and a palm oil plantation [1][2]. - The transaction implies a firm value of $622 million for the acquired assets, factoring in cash consideration and the assumption of existing debt [1][2]. Financial Implications - Following the transaction, Frontera plans to distribute approximately $370 million to shareholders, equating to CAD$7.18 per share, with the distribution details to be communicated before the shareholder meeting [1][2]. - The equity purchase price of $400 million represents a 25% premium to the 90-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) and an 18% premium to the current stock price of Frontera [1][2]. - Frontera's infrastructure business is expected to generate an estimated $77 million in distributable cash flow for 2025, supported by a stable dividend stream from its investment in ODL [1][2]. Infrastructure Business Overview - Frontera retains full ownership of its infrastructure business, which includes a 35% equity interest in the Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales S.A. (ODL) crude oil pipeline and a 99.97% equity interest in Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahia [2]. - The infrastructure business has generated over $194 million in distributable cash flows since 2023, with $77 million expected in 2025 alone [2]. - Puerto Bahia is set to enhance asset value and cash flow potential through several near-term growth projects, including LPG import facilities and an LNG regasification project [2]. Shareholder Engagement - The transaction requires approval from at least 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Frontera's shareholders at a special meeting, expected to be held in April 2026 [2]. - The independent members of Frontera's Board of Directors have unanimously determined that the transaction is fair and in the best interests of the company, recommending shareholder approval [2].

Core Viewpoint - Shell is exploring the sale of its assets in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play and has initiated discussions with potential buyers to assess their interest [1] Group 1: Company Actions - Shell has approached potential buyers in recent weeks regarding the sale of its assets [1]

Group 1 - BP p.l.c. is recognized as one of the best energy stocks to buy for dividends in 2026, highlighting its strong dividend yield and investment potential [1] - The company expects its net debt to decrease to between $22 billion and $23 billion by the end of 2025, down from $26.1 billion in Q3 2025, aided by approximately $5.3 billion in divestments [3] - BP aims to further reduce its debt load to between $14 billion and $18 billion by 2027, indicating a strategic focus on financial health [3] Group 2 - BP plans to optimize operations by cutting costs by up to $5 billion and divesting $20 billion in assets by 2027, reflecting a commitment to operational efficiency [4] - The company is refocusing on fossil fuels and anticipates impairments of $4 billion to $5 billion in Q4, primarily related to its low-carbon energy businesses [4] - BP offers an annual dividend yield of 5.54%, positioning it among the top crude oil stocks for dividends [4]

Core Insights - PGIM, the investment management unit of Prudential Financial, is exploring the sale of its Indian asset management subsidiary, PGIM India Asset Management, nearly ten years after its acquisition from Deutsche Bank [1][2] - The decision to review the unit's future comes after a period of stagnation in business growth, with PGIM India managing assets worth approximately Rs 266 billion ($3 billion) [2] - The Indian subsidiary reported after-tax losses exceeding Rs 235 million for the year ending March 2025, and a leadership change occurred with a new CEO appointed in July 2025 [3] Company Developments - PGIM has engaged EY to provide advisory services for the potential sale of PGIM India Asset Management [1] - The Indian asset management industry has seen recent activity, including acquisitions and partnerships, indicating a competitive landscape [3][4] - BlackRock has been increasing investments in India to leverage the growing equity market participation [3] Industry Trends - Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers received registration from SEBI to operate as an investment adviser, highlighting new entrants in the market [4] - DWS Group announced plans to acquire a 40% stake in Nippon Life India AIF Management, indicating ongoing consolidation in the industry [4][5] - Mizuho Securities agreed to purchase a 60% stake in Avendus Capital, further demonstrating the trend of acquisitions within the Indian financial services sector [5]