Diamondback Energy(FANG) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a reinvestment rate of 36% at mid-60s oil prices, which is a significant improvement compared to historical performance [9] - Free cash flow per share increased by 15% despite a 14% decline in oil prices [39] - The company plans to maintain a production level of approximately 505,000 barrels per day in Q1 2026, down from 510,000 barrels per day in Q4 2025 [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has shifted focus to co-developing all zones in the Midland Basin, resulting in higher overall returns per section [12] - The average well performance has remained consistent, with expectations for 2026 to align with 2024 and 2025 performance [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects to reduce its exposure to the Waha gas market from over 70% to just over 40% by the end of 2026 [34] - The company is actively working on diversifying its gas sales to new pipelines and power projects to improve gas realizations [87] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes generating free cash flow per share over simply growing cash flow, maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation [9] - The company is focused on optimizing its development style to enhance returns per section and reduce costs [12][52] - The company is exploring opportunities in power generation and natural gas utilization, indicating a strategic pivot towards energy solutions [33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The management described the current macro environment as a "yellow light," indicating caution but also confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges [38] - The management expressed optimism about the company's long-term position, stating that Diamondback is well-prepared for both adverse and favorable market conditions [111] Other Important Information - The company has successfully sold $1 billion in non-core assets, which has strengthened its balance sheet [42] - The company is implementing continuous pumping techniques to improve drilling efficiency, which is expected to enhance production rates [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view its activity in the Permian compared to other operators? - The company maintains a disciplined approach and focuses on generating free cash flow, despite observing other operators accelerating their activities [8] Question: What is the expected CapEx for Q4 and its implications for 2026? - The company indicated a CapEx of $925 million for Q4, which is seen as a baseline for maintaining production levels [17] Question: Can the company elaborate on efficiency gains in drilling? - The company reported improvements in drilling consistency, with a significant increase in wells completed in under five days [28] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding gas sales and pipeline utilization? - The company is working to reduce its reliance on the Waha market and is exploring new pipeline opportunities to enhance gas sales [34][87] Question: How does the company plan to manage its core inventory and development cadence? - The company has approximately 5,500 core locations and is focused on optimizing development to maximize returns [92]