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Diversified Energy Company(DEC) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was approximately $500 million, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $286 million, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 66% [26][27] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $144 million, impacted by approximately $9 million in nonrecurring and transaction costs [27] - Net debt stood at approximately $2.5 billion, with a leverage ratio improved by 20% since year-end 2024, achieving a target level of 2 to 2.5 times net debt to EBITDA [27][28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Daily production exit rate for September was approximately 1.14 Bcf per day, with quarterly production averaging over 1.13 Bcf per day, 65% of which was generated in the central region [26] - The company has significantly increased cash flow and operational efficiency through strategic acquisitions, including Maverick Natural Resources and Canvas Energy [10][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has seen a nearly 400% increase in daily trading volume since executing the initial dual listing approximately twenty months ago, with U.S. ownership expanding to over 65% of shares outstanding [17] - The anticipated move to the New York Stock Exchange is expected to enhance trading liquidity and increase exposure to a deeper capital pool of U.S. investors [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on optimizing cash flow from low decline energy assets while pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions and disciplined capital allocation [8][10] - A disciplined acquisition framework allows the company to evaluate deals effectively, ensuring attractive valuations and operational synergies [21] - The company emphasizes a balanced approach to capital allocation, including systematic debt reduction and returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [13][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that challenging market conditions present opportunities for growth and value creation [12] - The company has increased its financial guidance by 7% on adjusted EBITDA and 5% on adjusted free cash flow for the remainder of the year [34] - Management expresses confidence in the company's ability to generate consistent cash flow and deliver strong operational results moving forward [35] Other Important Information - The company has established a $70 million investment fund for the retirement of wells in West Virginia, addressing approximately 30% of its balance sheet liability [19][50] - The company is committed to maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation, with a focus on cash-generating assets in the energy sector [15][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future uses of free cash flow and share repurchases - Management indicated that the best use of cash will depend on market conditions, with a focus on share repurchases due to undervaluation [40][42] Question: Mountain State Plugging Fund and its implications - Management discussed the significance of the fund in addressing retirement obligations and expressed hopes for similar arrangements in other states [46][50] Question: Updates on the ABS market - Management noted a strong appetite for ABS financing and highlighted the company's reputation as a quality issuer in the market [55][60] Question: Joint development agreements in Western Anadarko assets - Management confirmed successful ongoing joint development in the Cherokee Basin, with potential for future agreements [61][63] Question: Adjustments to asset retirement obligations - Management clarified that while accounting adjustments may not reflect the fund's impact immediately, the fund effectively addresses long-term liabilities [67][70] Question: Portfolio optimization efforts - Management expects a baseline revenue of $40 million to $50 million annually from portfolio optimization, with ongoing evaluations for additional opportunities [73][75]