Northern Oil and Gas(NOG) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated over $126 million in free cash flow for the quarter, marking the 22nd consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow, totaling over $1.8 billion during this period [11][27] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was approximately $440.4 million, including a legal settlement impact of about $48.6 million [27][32] - Total average daily production was approximately 134,000 BOE per day, up 9% year-over-year and in line sequentially [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Oil production was approximately 77,000 barrels per day, up 10.5% year-over-year but down 2% sequentially due to lower activity in the Williston [26] - Gas production reached record volumes of approximately 343 MMcf per day, with contributions from the Appalachian joint venture [27] - The Uinta basin saw a significant increase in drilling activity, with 4.8 net wells spud during the quarter, up from 1.4 in Q1 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a 6% sequential increase in lease operating costs per BOE, rising to $9.95 due to higher expenses in the Williston and Permian [28] - Oil differentials averaged $5.31 per barrel, with year-to-date differentials at $5.5, leading to adjusted guidance [27][28] - Natural gas realizations were at 82% of benchmark prices, down from 100% in the previous quarter due to market weaknesses [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a disciplined capital allocation strategy, prioritizing acquisitions over organic growth in a volatile price environment [8][14] - The backlog of potential acquisitions is at an all-time peak, with over 10 ongoing processes assessed at a combined value exceeding $8 billion [24][70] - The company aims to maximize returns for investors while maintaining a strong balance sheet and focusing on long-term value creation [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the business model has proven resilient despite commodity price volatility, with a focus on risk optimization and cash flow generation [5][6] - The company anticipates modestly lower volumes in Q3 due to reduced spending but expects a recovery in Q4 as drilling activity ramps up [35][75] - Management emphasized the importance of preserving capital for better opportunities in the future, especially in a fluctuating price environment [48][66] Other Important Information - The company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $115.6 million due to lower oil prices, leading to a reduction in guidance for depreciation, depletion, and amortization [32] - The company has maintained over $1.1 billion in liquidity, consisting of cash and available credit, reflecting confidence in its asset base and credit profile [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the cadence into 2026 and the impact of lower activity in the Williston? - Management indicated that lower spending in Q2 would translate to modestly lower volumes in Q3, with expectations to exit the year at levels similar to Q2 [35][36] Question: How is the reduction in CapEx being managed? - The reduction is a combination of non-consenting wells and discretionary spending, with a focus on preserving capital for better returns [47][48] Question: What is the outlook for the M&A market? - The M&A market remains robust, with a variety of asset types available, and the company is positioned to capitalize on these opportunities [70][89]