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Diversified Energy Company(DEC) - 2025 H1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of approximately $510 million for the quarter, with adjusted EBITDA of $280 million, reflecting a significant year-over-year increase in EBITDA and cash flow, nearly doubling from the previous year [5][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 reached $418 million, with a second-quarter adjusted EBITDA margin of 63% [19] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $88 million, impacted by approximately $25 million in non-recurring transaction-related costs, while net debt stood at approximately $2.6 billion, showing a 10% improvement in overall leverage [20][21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Daily production exit rate for June was approximately 1.14 Bcf per day, with quarterly production averaging over 1.15 Bcf per day, with 65% of produced volumes generated in the expanded Central region [19] - The company has increased its total proved reserves by 65% since year-end 2024, indicating strong asset base resilience [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted improvements in in-basin natural gas differentials, which are expected to benefit from rising natural gas demand driven by data center developments in the Appalachian region [15][16] - The company is positioned to benefit from the growing demand for natural gas, particularly for power generation and off-grid sources, as indicated by significant investments in the region [61][62] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on a disciplined capital allocation strategy centered around debt reduction, returning capital to shareholders, and growing its portfolio through strategic acquisitions [8][10] - The partnership with Carlyle is aimed at supporting accretive acquisitions, with a potential to fund up to $2 billion worth of acquisitions without raising new equity capital [12][13] - The company aims to optimize cash flow from low decline energy assets while enhancing growth through strategic acquisitions [5][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in delivering strong operational and financial results despite increased market volatility due to external factors [7] - The company anticipates continued growth opportunities in the coming years, particularly in the context of maturing assets and M&A activity [12][13] - Management highlighted the undervaluation of shares and the potential for a re-rate based on strong fundamentals and consistent performance [31][32] Other Important Information - The company has returned approximately $2 billion in shareholder returns and debt repayments since its IPO in 2017, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating shareholder value [10][30] - The company has a healthy liquidity position of approximately $420 million, providing flexibility to navigate volatile markets [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the Oklahoma JV fit into the core portfolio? - Management indicated that the Oklahoma JV is a steady program with potential for expansion into other basins, emphasizing the strong returns and ongoing development opportunities [40][42] Question: How are discussions going with Carlyle regarding dual procurement? - Management confirmed ongoing evaluations of opportunities with Carlyle, emphasizing the importance of disciplined acquisition strategies and the favorable environment for acquisitions due to lower commodity prices [44][45] Question: Can you provide information on land sales expectations? - Management noted higher realizations on undeveloped acreage sales and expressed confidence in additional sales opportunities, particularly in the Permian region [50][54] Question: What is the status of well retirements and third-party business? - Management reported a consistent pace of well plugging activities, with approximately 400 wells expected to be plugged this year, while third-party revenue remains steady [55][57] Question: How does the company view the AI data center opportunity? - Management expressed enthusiasm about the growing demand for natural gas driven by data center developments, highlighting potential pricing benefits and smaller-scale power generation opportunities [61][62] Question: What is the updated synergy capture expectation? - Management raised the synergy capture expectation to approximately $60 million, up from initial estimates of $50 million, citing successful integration efforts and operational efficiencies [64][66] Question: What are the footprint expansion opportunities post-Maverick acquisition? - Management highlighted ongoing portfolio optimization efforts across multiple basins, with confidence in identifying further opportunities for cost synergies and production enhancements [71][75]