(Oxy, 11.Dec.2023) — Occidental (NYSE: OXY) entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Midland-based oil and gas producer CrownRock L.P., a joint venture of CrownQuest Operating LLC and Lime Rock Partners, for cash and stock in a transaction valued at approximately $12bn, including the assumption of CrownRock’s debt.
Highlights include:
- Expected to deliver increased free cash flow on a diluted share basis, including $1bn in the first year based on $70 per barrel WTI
- Complements and enhances Occidental’s premier Permian portfolio with the addition of approximately 170 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (Mboed) of high-margin, lower-decline unconventional production in 2024, as well as approximately 1,700 undeveloped locations
- Increases Occidental’s Permian unconventional sub-$40 breakeven inventory by 33%
- CrownRock’s over 94,000 net acres of premium stacked pay assets and supporting infrastructure are well positioned alongside Occidental’s legacy Midland Basin business
- Increased cash flow, along with proceeds from a new $4.5bn-$6bn divestiture program, will enable Occidental to reduce its debt principal by at least $4.5bn within 12 months and expect to retain its investment grade credit ratings
- Combined position builds upon Occidental’s subsurface understanding and leading well performance, while providing operational flexibility and upside
Occidental also announced its intention to increase the quarterly common stock dividend per share by $0.04 to $0.22, beginning with the Feb. 2024 declaration, consistent with the company’s shareholder return priorities.
“We believe the acquisition of CrownRock’s assets adds to the strongest and most differentiated portfolio that Occidental has ever had. We found CrownRock to be a strategic fit, giving us the opportunity to build scale in the Midland Basin and positioning us to drive value creation for our shareholders with immediate free cash flow accretion,” said Occidental President and Chief Executive Officer Vicki Hollub. “We are excited about combining CrownRock’s high-performing team into our organization and expect to continue Occidental’s exceptional operational and financial results for years to come.”
“Occidental’s purchase of CrownRock is a multi-win proposition for CrownRock, our employees and customers, and our community,” said CrownQuest Operating Chief Executive Officer Tim Dunn. “We congratulate Occidental and look forward to seeing their historically successful company continue to grow and prosper.”
Transaction Details
The transaction’s total consideration is approximately $12bn. Occidental intends to finance the purchase with the incurrence of $9.1bn of new debt, the issuance of approximately $1.7bn of common equity and the assumption of CrownRock’s $1.2bn of existing debt. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory approvals.
Additional Highlights
- 1,700 undeveloped locations, including 1,250 development-ready at sub-$60 WTI breakeven
- 750 locations are sub-$40 WTI breakeven, increasing Occidental’s U.S. Onshore sub-$40 breakeven inventory by 25%
- Greater basin diversification at top end of portfolio advances corporate returns and optionality
- Well-understood and rich subsurface is adjacent to some of the most prolific wells in the basin
- Majority of inventory is located in largely clean and undeveloped sections, providing ample opportunity for Occidental customization and upside
- Substantive surface acreage of nearly 10,000 acres, along with hundreds of miles of gathering and water infrastructure, provides material operational efficiency
- Acquisition expected to advance Occidental’s water recycling capability with assets that include four recycling plants
- Nearly 100% operated position with high average working interest of 93% amplifies Occidental’s capabilities
- Added position enables Occidental to build upon its deep horizon Barnett well performance leadership, in which new well production was 34% better than basin average
Conference Call / Webcast
Occidental will hold a conference call to discuss the acquisition at 11 a.m. Eastern/10 a.m. Central on 11 Dec. 2023. The conference call may be accessed by calling 1-866-871-6512 (international callers dial 1-412-317-5417) or via webcast at oxy.com/investors. Participants can register for the conference call at https://dpregister.com/sreg/10184704/fb22d65000.
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