Magnolia Oil & Gas(MGY) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the full year 2025, total company production grew by 11% to approximately 100,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with oil production growing by 4% to nearly 40,000 barrels per day [7] - Fourth quarter adjusted net income was approximately $71 million or $0.38 per diluted share, with adjusted EBITDA coming in at $216 million [8][16] - Free cash flow for the full year exceeded $425 million, with approximately 75% returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [9][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a new production record in the fourth quarter, averaging nearly 104,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, reflecting a sequential increase of 3% [8] - Operationally, field-level cash operating expenses declined by 7% to $5.12 per BOE during 2025 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue per BOE declined 13% quarter-over-quarter due to a decrease in oil prices [21] - The company remains completely unhedged for all its oil and natural gas production, with anticipated oil price differentials of approximately $3 per barrel [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company's strategy focuses on steady mid-single-digit total production growth, high pre-tax margins, and reliable free cash flow while maintaining a low reinvestment rate [10][11] - The company plans to remain fiscally prudent with capital spending expected to be approximately flat year-over-year while delivering total production growth of approximately 5% in 2026 [13][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate product price volatility and emphasized the importance of maintaining low leverage and a strong balance sheet [15][11] - The outlook for 2026 is optimistic, with expectations for gradual production growth despite potential winter weather impacts in the first quarter [23][44] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 8.9 million shares throughout 2025, reducing the diluted share count by roughly 4.5% [9][17] - A 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.16 per share was recently announced, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Performance of recent wells in Giddings - Management noted that recent wells have outperformed type curves due to improved drilling practices and better rock quality, with no significant changes in completion design [25][26] Question: M&A activity and pricing trends - Management indicated that competition for acquisitions has increased, particularly for larger deals, and expressed a preference for opportunities with undeveloped upside rather than PDP-heavy assets [28][30] Question: Well-cost reductions and capital efficiency - Management reported a reduction in the cost of standard Giddings wells to around $1,000 per foot, with expectations for flat to slightly decreasing service costs [35][36] Question: Capital allocation strategy in a higher oil price scenario - In a scenario with higher oil prices, management indicated that excess cash would likely be allocated to dividends, share repurchases, or opportunistic acquisitions, rather than increasing rig counts [99][100] Question: Development approach and well pad sizes - The company continues to operate with an average of 3-4 wells per pad, with flexibility to drill longer laterals when possible [50][51] Question: Maintenance capital expectations - Management estimated maintenance capital to be around $400 million, with a focus on maintaining production levels without excessive spending [79][80]