Civitas Resources(US:CIVI)2025-05-08 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company removed approximately $150 million of capital expenditures (CapEx) compared to 2024, focusing on capital discipline and lower reinvestment rates [7] - The company aims to achieve a year-end 2025 net debt target of $4.5 billion, which remains unchanged [11] - The hedge positions are now nearly 50% hedged on crude oil for the remainder of the year, valued at nearly $200 million [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Production volumes in the first quarter were slightly lower than expectations, primarily due to low activity levels at the end of the previous year and the start of 2025 [14] - The company expects oil production to grow by 5% in the second quarter, driven by growth in the Permian Basin [14] - In the Permian, the team is drilling 10% faster than expected, and there was a 5% sequential increase in throughput in the Midland Basin [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing significant uncertainty in the global economy and the oil market, which affects its operational strategies [7] - The current market conditions include volatility in oil prices and service costs, which the company is closely monitoring [8][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on delivering sustainable free cash flow and has announced a comprehensive cost optimization plan to generate an additional $100 million of annual free cash flow [9] - The strategy includes protecting and strengthening the balance sheet to sustain shareholder returns, with a focus on deleveraging [11] - The company is not planning to be buyers in the asset market for the foreseeable future, focusing instead on optimizing existing assets [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the full-year outlook but is prepared to reduce activity levels if market conditions deteriorate further [8] - The company has a strong confidence in its ability to deliver guidance despite ongoing volatility in the macro environment [21] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility to respond to changing market conditions [17] Other Important Information - The company completed its existing 10b5 share repurchase program, buying back nearly 2% of its shares outstanding [13] - The company has identified over $100 million in incremental free cash flow on a run rate basis, with approximately 40% benefiting the second half of 2025 [10] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comfort level executing on production and free cash flow ramp for the rest of 2025 - Management indicated confidence in the program and ability to deliver guidance, while remaining aware of macro volatility [20][22] Question: Response if oil prices fall below $55 - The first cuts would be completion-related, followed by drilling dollars, while maintaining some productive capacity [24][25] Question: LOE (Lease Operating Expense) trends and expectations - LOE was above expectations due to contractor issues, but costs are expected to decline in the second half of the year as water volumes peak [31][32] Question: Confidence in achieving $300 million asset sale target - The company is looking to monetize non-producing assets and infrastructure investments, which are less tied to upstream volatility [34] Question: Priorities in the uncertain macro environment - The top priority is to hit the $4.5 billion debt target by year-end, without sacrificing asset value [39] Question: Flexibility to alter trajectory to hit debt target if oil prices are around $55 - The company has various levers to achieve the target, including cost reductions and potential adjustments to CapEx [45][49] Question: Operational focus in the Delaware - The company is enhancing returns by extending laterals and targeting known zones with high returns [51][52] Question: DJ Basin volume trends and expectations - DJ volumes were down due to a lack of TILs and weather impacts, but growth is expected in the third quarter [58][60] Question: Oilfield service cost changes - The company is seeing opportunities to negotiate lower costs due to reduced activity in the industry [63][64]