Core Viewpoint - EOG Resources, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Encino Acquisition Partners for $5.6 billion, which includes Encino's net debt, with funding expected through $3.5 billion in debt and $2.1 billion in cash on hand [1][3]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition will enhance EOG's position in the Utica region, adding 675,000 net core acres to its existing holdings, resulting in a total of 1,100,000 net acres and over 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent in undeveloped net resources [2][8]. - Pro forma production is expected to reach 275,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, establishing EOG as a leading producer in the Utica shale play [8]. Financial Impact - The transaction is projected to be immediately accretive to EOG's net asset value and all per-share financial metrics, with an annualized increase in 2025 EBITDA by 10% and cash flow from operations and free cash flow by 9% [8]. - EOG anticipates generating over $150 million in synergies in the first year post-acquisition, driven by reduced capital, operating, and debt financing costs [8]. Shareholder Returns - The acquisition supports a 5% increase in dividends, with the Board declaring a dividend of $1.02 per share, payable on October 31, 2025, contributing to EOG's commitment to return cash to shareholders [8].

EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference May 28, 2025 1:30 PM ET Company Participants Ezra Yacob - Chairman and CEO Conference Call Participants Bob Brackett - Bernstein Bob Brackett Good afternoon, Bob Brackett of Bernstein here, Head of America's Energy and Transition coverage. It's my pleasure to welcome EOG Resources and their Chairman and CEO, Ezra Yacob to SDC's fireside chat. I encourage you to stay in this room for the next three hours. One Oak will be joining us next ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company updated its bottom cycle pricing to $45 for oil and $2.50 for natural gas, which is a shift from previous pricing strategies [6][29] - The company aims for a total debt versus EBITDA ratio of less than one times at bottom cycle pricing, indicating a conservative approach to managing debt in a volatile commodity market [83] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 3% oil growth target and double-digit gas growth for the year, with Q1 showing strong demand growth despite previous concerns regarding China [7][8] - The company has seen a year-over-year increase of approximately 2.5 Bcf per day in LNG nameplate capacity, with expectations of further growth in North American gas demand [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global supply and demand balances are currently more influenced by demand-side factors rather than supply-side issues, with ongoing uncertainty affecting oil demand due to potential tariffs [10][11] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6% for North American gas demand by the end of the decade, driven by increased industrial demand and LNG exports [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on creating shareholder value through the cycle by investing based on bottom cycle pricing and maintaining a pristine balance sheet [6][82] - The strategy includes diversifying pricing mechanisms for gas sales agreements, allowing flexibility between JKM-linked and Henry Hub-linked pricing [21][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the medium to long-term market outlook, despite short-term volatility, citing strong demand and inventory levels as positive indicators [11] - The company is committed to sustainability and has set new emissions reduction targets, aiming for a 25% reduction in GHG intensity by 2030 [39] Other Important Information - The company has achieved zero routine flaring and is actively involved in carbon capture and storage pilot projects [39][40] - The company has a significant reuse structure in place, reusing approximately 99% of the water sourced for completions and drilling activities [42] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: What is the outlook for oil prices? - Management indicated that while they cannot predict oil prices with certainty, they focus on bottom cycle pricing to guide investment decisions [6] Question: Why should investors be enthusiastic about natural gas prices? - Management highlighted the strategic location of their Dorado play and the expected increase in LNG demand as key reasons for optimism [12][13] Question: How does the company approach M&A? - The company evaluates M&A opportunities based on their ability to compete with existing portfolio options, focusing on low-cost entry and significant upside [85][88] Question: What is the company's stance on ESG? - The company has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and has set specific targets for reducing emissions and improving water management practices [36][39]

Industry Overview - The Zacks Oil and Gas Exploration and Production – United States industry is vital for the nation's energy supply, focusing on locating and extracting oil and gas reserves [1] - The U.S. is a leading oil and natural gas producer, with significant production areas including the Permian Basin, Eagle Ford, Bakken Formation, and the Gulf of Mexico [1] - Technological advancements like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling have enhanced domestic output, decreasing reliance on foreign energy [1] Environmental and Regulatory Challenges - The industry faces environmental challenges, regulatory constraints, and a global shift towards renewable energy [2] - Fluctuating commodity prices affect investment and operational strategies, prompting U.S. E&P companies to focus on operational efficiency and emissions control [2] Company Profiles Devon Energy - Devon Energy is a leading U.S. onshore oil and gas producer with a diversified asset portfolio and disciplined capital allocation [3] - The company generates strong free cash flow and employs shareholder-friendly practices, including a variable dividend strategy and share buybacks [3] - Devon is positioned to benefit from sustained hydrocarbon demand and has a low-cost operating model, solid balance sheet, and focus on operational efficiency [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Devon's earnings shows a year-over-year decline of 18.48% for 2025, with a growth of 2.18% for 2026 [6] EOG Resources - EOG Resources is recognized as one of the most efficient shale producers in the U.S., with a high-quality, low-decline asset portfolio [4] - The company is known for superior well productivity and disciplined capital allocation, consistently generating strong free cash flow [4] - EOG's earnings projections indicate a year-over-year decline of 19.71% for 2025, with a growth of 5.54% for 2026 [10] Financial Metrics - Devon Energy's current Return on Equity (ROE) is 21.9%, while EOG's ROE is 22.35%, both exceeding the industry's ROE of 16.74% [13] - The dividend yield for Devon Energy is 3.08%, compared to EOG Resources' 3.54%, both higher than the S&P 500's yield of 1.6% [14] - Devon plans to invest between $3.7 billion and $3.9 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, while EOG's projected capital expenditures are between $5.8 billion and $6.2 billion [15][16] - Devon's debt to capital ratio is 36.24%, while EOG's is significantly lower at 10.50% [17] - On a valuation basis, Devon Energy trades at 3.44X EV/EBITDA, while EOG trades at 4.82X, compared to the industry's 10.52X [18] Conclusion - Devon Energy's multi-basin portfolio and focus on domestic high-margin assets provide significant long-term growth potential [19] - EOG Resources' access to key shale resources supports its long-term production growth [19] - Devon Energy is currently favored as a better investment option due to its cheaper valuation and strong domestic asset base [20]

Founder of Dividend Mantra. Founder of Mr. Free At 33. Co-Founder of Dividends & Income. I started blogging about my journey to financial independence back in 2011. By living well below my means and intelligently investing my hard-earned capital, I went from below broke at age 27 to financially free at 33 years old. I regularly create content on dividend growth investing, living off of dividends, undervalued high-quality dividend growth stocks, high-yield situations, and other long-term investment opportuni ...

Market Overview - Volatile markets are prompting investors to seek stability through dividend stocks, which offer both upside potential and solid income [1] - Recent U.S.-China tariff agreement provides some relief, but concerns about steep duties under the Trump administration persist [1] Chord Energy (CHRD) - Chord Energy is highlighted as a top dividend pick, reporting solid Q1 2025 results due to better-than-expected well performance and strong cost control [3][4] - The company returned 100% of its adjusted free cash flow to shareholders through share repurchases and declared a base dividend of $1.30 per share, resulting in a 6.8% dividend yield [4] - Analyst Gabriele Sorbara from Siebert Williams Shank maintains a buy rating and raises the price target to $125, citing attractive assets and strong free cash flow [5][8] - Chord Energy reduced its 2025 capital expenditure outlook by $30 million while maintaining production guidance, supported by operational efficiencies [6][7] Chevron (CVX) - Chevron reported Q1 results reflecting lower oil prices, with a slowdown in stock buybacks expected in Q2 2025 due to tariff issues and OPEC+ supply increases [9][12] - The company returned $6.9 billion to shareholders in Q1 through share repurchases of $3.9 billion and dividends of $3.0 billion, offering a 4.8% dividend yield [11] - Analyst Neil Mehta from Goldman Sachs trimmed the price target to $174 but reaffirmed a buy rating, highlighting strong free cash flow generation from major projects [12][13] EOG Resources (EOG) - EOG Resources reported strong Q1 2025 earnings, returning $1.3 billion to shareholders, including $538 million in dividends and $788 million in share repurchases [15][16] - The company declared a dividend of $0.975 per share, resulting in a 3.4% dividend yield, and plans to continue returning at least 100% of free cash flow to shareholders [16][19] - Analyst Scott Hanold from RBC Capital reaffirmed a buy rating with a price target of $145, noting a 3% reduction in capital budget and a 0.6% decrease in organic oil production [17][20]

HOUSTON, May 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) today announced that the company was awarded a new oil exploration concession for Unconventional Onshore Block 3 (UCO3) by Abu Dhabi's Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA).The UCO3 concession area is 3,609 square kilometers, or nearly 900,000 acres, in an over-pressured, oil prone basin within the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. EOG holds 100 percent equity and operatorship and, in coordination with Abu Dhabi National Oil C ...

Group 1 - The U.S. President Trump announced a $200 billion agreement in the UAE [1] - ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG are forming partnerships with the UAE's Adnoc [1] - The expanded oil and gas production is valued at $60 billion [1] Group 2 - Qualcomm is partnering with Adio [1] - Holtec International and IHC are entering a partnership with a committed value of $10 billion to build the SMR-300 small modular reactor in Michigan, USA [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported adjusted net income of $1.6 billion and generated $1.3 billion in free cash flow, highlighting strong financial performance [7][16] - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.87, and adjusted cash flow per share was $5.90 [16] - The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, demonstrating a commitment to value creation [7][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a 25% year-over-year growth in total production, with oil production levels expected to remain flat throughout the year [20][10] - The Dorado dry gas asset in South Texas showed improved productivity, contributing to overall volume outperformance [19][20] - A bolt-on acquisition in the Eagle Ford added significant drilling inventory, enhancing operational efficiency and returns [24][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global oil demand remained strong, with U.S. supply growth moderating and inventory levels below the five-year range, supporting a positive medium to long-term outlook for oil and gas [10][11] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6% in natural gas demand through the end of the decade, driven by LNG and increased power demand [12][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on capital discipline, optimizing its 2025 capital investment to enhance free cash flow while maintaining production levels [10][29] - EOG is committed to sustainable value creation through high-return investments and operational excellence, with a strong emphasis on maintaining a pristine balance sheet [14][29] - The company is pursuing organic exploration programs and strategic acquisitions to expand its inventory and improve productivity [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate potential impacts from tariffs and maintain strong cash flow generation [10][11] - The company remains optimistic about the long-term role of oil and gas in providing reliable energy, despite short-term price fluctuations [11][12] - EOG's operational excellence and commitment to sustainability are expected to drive long-term value creation [14][28] Other Important Information - The company has set new sustainability targets, aiming to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 and maintain near-zero methane emissions for 2025 [27][28] - EOG's cash balance at the end of Q1 was $6.6 billion, with long-term debt at $4.7 billion, indicating a strong financial position [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on capital reduction and its implications - Management clarified that the decision to reduce capital expenditures was driven by a focus on protecting shareholder returns and free cash flow rather than a deterioration in reinvestment economics [34][35] Question: Future cash return strategies in a challenging macro environment - The company plans to continue returning over 100% of free cash flow to shareholders, remaining opportunistic with share buybacks [37][38] Question: Acquisition opportunities in a downturn - Management indicated that while many quality assets have been acquired, they remain open to both buybacks and strategic acquisitions that align with their investment criteria [55][56] Question: Outlook for natural gas and capital allocation - The company remains optimistic about natural gas demand and is focused on maintaining a low-cost structure while investing in gas assets like Dorado [62][64] Question: Returns comparison between gas and oil assets - Management highlighted that both gas and oil plays deliver competitive returns, with a focus on maintaining low costs and high rates of return [73][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income of $1.6 billion and generated free cash flow of $1.3 billion in Q1 2025, highlighting strong financial performance [6][14] - Adjusted earnings per share were $2.87, and adjusted cash flow per share was $5.90 [14] - The company returned $1.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, demonstrating commitment to value creation [6][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter saw strong performance across the multi-basin portfolio, with production and cash operating costs exceeding targets [5][18] - The company plans to maintain oil production levels throughout 2025 while optimizing capital investments, expecting approximately 2% year-over-year oil growth [8][19] - The Dorado dry gas asset in South Texas showed improved productivity, contributing to overall volume outperformance [18][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global oil demand remained strong, while U.S. supply growth moderated, supporting a positive medium to long-term outlook for oil and gas [9][10] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate of 4% to 6% in natural gas demand through the end of the decade, driven by LNG and increased power demand [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes capital discipline and operational excellence as core pillars of its value proposition, optimizing capital investments to enhance shareholder returns [7][27] - EOG is pursuing organic exploration programs and strategic bolt-on acquisitions to expand its inventory and improve productivity [12][22] - The company is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 25% by 2030 and maintain near-zero methane emissions for 2025 [25][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains constructive on oil and gas's role in providing reliable low-cost energy, despite near-term price speculation due to tariff discussions [10] - The company is well-positioned for future cycles with a strong financial position and low-cost structure, allowing flexibility in capital allocation [7][19] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to generate free cash flow and maintain shareholder returns even in a challenging macro environment [32][35] Other Important Information - The company has reduced its 2025 capital investment plan by $200 million, now expecting to generate $4 billion in free cash flow at $65 WTI and $3.75 Henry Hub [15][16] - EOG's cash balance at the end of Q1 was $6.6 billion, with long-term debt at $4.7 billion, indicating a strong balance sheet [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on capital reduction decision - Management clarified that the decision to reduce capital expenditures is a function of capital discipline to protect shareholder returns rather than a reflection of deteriorating economics [31][32] Question: Future cash return strategy in a tougher macro environment - Management reiterated their commitment to returning over 100% of free cash flow to shareholders, remaining opportunistic with share buybacks [34][35] Question: Clarification on cumulative free cash flow targets - Management indicated that the three-year cumulative free cash flow scenario is not guidance but reflects a directionally accurate outlook based on current performance [39][40] Question: Acquisition opportunities in a downturn - Management stated that they do not see buybacks and acquisitions as mutually exclusive, focusing on creating shareholder value through both avenues [50][51] Question: Long-term growth outlook for Trinidad assets - Management expressed confidence in the Trinidad assets, highlighting consistent investment and operational expertise in the region [54][55] Question: Capital allocation in a weak oil market - Management remains optimistic about natural gas and is focused on maintaining low-cost structures while investing in gas assets like Dorado [58][60] Question: Returns comparison between Dorado and oil plays - Management confirmed that Dorado offers compelling returns at $4 gas, comparable to oil plays at $55, emphasizing the importance of low-cost reserves [69][70]