Comstock Resources(CRK) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2025, natural gas and oil sales increased to $365 million, an 8% growth compared to Q4 2024, despite lower production [6][9] - The company generated $222 million of operating cash flow, or $0.75 per share, with adjusted EBITDAX of $277 million and adjusted net income of $46 million, or $0.16 per share [7][10] - For the full year 2025, production averaged 1.2 Bcfe per day, a 14% decrease from 2024, but oil and gas sales rose by 15% to $1.4 billion due to improved natural gas prices [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 2025 drilling program replaced 229% of production with 1 TCFE of drilling-related proved reserve additions, achieving a finding cost of $1.02 per MCFE [5][16] - In Q4 2025, the company turned 4 new Western Haynesville wells online, increasing the total to 12 wells for the year, with an average initial production rate of 29 million cubic feet per day [7][27] - The average lateral length of wells in the Legacy Haynesville was 11,738 feet, with an average initial production rate of 25 million cubic feet per day [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average NYMEX settlement price for natural gas in Q4 was $3.55, with the average Henry Hub spot price at $3.69, reflecting a 4% increase [11][12] - Realized gas prices during Q4 averaged $3.29, with a basis differential of $0.26 compared to the NYMEX settlement price [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on building out its assets in the Western Haynesville to benefit from long-term growth in natural gas demand driven by LNG exports and data center power needs [37][39] - A partnership with NextEra for a data center project aims to support hyperscaler development with an initial capacity of 2 gigawatts, potentially expanding to 8 gigawatts [5][38] - The company aims to maintain the lowest producing cost structure in the industry while striving for additional drilling efficiencies [39][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted the volatility in gas prices and the impact of weather on supply and demand dynamics, indicating flexibility in capital spending based on market conditions [51][54] - The company expects natural gas demand to grow by approximately 3 Bcf annually through 2030, driven by LNG facilities and data centers [54][56] Other Important Information - The company completed $445 million in divestitures in 2025, improving its balance sheet and reducing debt [5][6] - Total shareholder return over the last two years was 162%, the highest among public E&P companies [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and Capital Spending Flexibility - Analyst inquired about the capital budget's alignment with gas price expectations and the potential for adjusting capital spending based on market conditions [47] - Management confirmed the ability to flex drilling budgets and emphasized the importance of investing in production growth while maintaining flexibility [51][53] Question: NextEra Partnership and Data Center Project - Analyst asked about the scaling of the NextEra partnership from 2 GW to 8 GW and the advantages of selling to NextEra [57] - Management highlighted the strategic location and infrastructure advantages, indicating strong demand for the project [60] Question: Pinnacle Gas Services Recapitalization - Analyst questioned the recapitalization plan for Pinnacle Gas Services and its implications for funding and midstream ambitions [63] - Management outlined plans to eliminate preferred equity and establish a new credit facility to support growth [65][69]