Why Is Diamondback (FANG) Down 6.8% Since Last Earnings Report?
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Diamondback Energy (FANG). Shares have lost about 6.8% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Diamondback due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Diamondback Q3 Earnings and Revenues Top Estimates
Diamondback reported third-quarter 2021 adjusted earnings of $2.94 per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.81 and also the year-ago quarter’s earnings of 62 cents. The company’s bottom line was aided by better-than-expected production. Overall volumes were 404.3 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOE/d), beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 394.9 MBOE/d.
The company’s quarterly revenues of $1.91 billion outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.52 billion and also increased from the year-earlier figure of $720 million.
Production & Realized Prices
The 2018 buyouts of Energen Corporation and Ajax Resources helped Diamondback transform into one of the leading Permian Basin oil producers. Production of oil and natural gas averaged 404.3 MBOE/d comprising 59.3% oil. The figure increased 40.7% from the year-ago quarter’s 287.3 MBOE/d and also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 394.9 MBOE/d. While oil output was up 41% year over year, natural gas volumes rose 40.2% year over year.
The average realized crude oil price in the third quarter was $68.27 per barrel, reflecting a 76.2% rise from the year-ago realization of $38.75. Overall, the company fetched $51 per barrel compared with $26.75 a year ago.
Expenses & Financials
Third-quarter cash operating costs were $9.97 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE), up 31% from the prior-year figure of $7.61. Diamondback’s lease operating expense (LOE) of $4.19 was up 8.5% year over year. Production taxes rose 60.1% from the prior-year quarter’s level to $3.33 per BOE. Gathering and transportation expenses were $1.8 per BOE, higher than $1.25 in the third quarter of 2020.
Capital expenditure in the quarter totaled $391 million. The company shelled out $345 million on drilling and completion, and spent another $19 million on non-operated properties. Plus, infrastructure and midstream budget amounted to $21 million and $6 million, respectively.
As of Sep 30, 2020, this Permian-focused operator had $457 million of cash and cash equivalents, and a long-term debt of $6.9 billion with total debt-to-total capital of 35.8%.
Diamondback’s board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of 50 cents per share for the third quarter. This signifies an 11.1% hike in its quarterly payout from the previous level of 45 cents. The amount will be paid out on Nov 18, 2021 to its shareholders of record as of Nov 11.
It also generated a free cash flow of $740 million in the third quarter.
Diamondback completed the divestment of its 95,000 net acres in the Williston Basin to Oasis Petroleum after fulfilling all the customary conditions. Proceeds from the sale will be utilized in debt repayment.
The company plans to distribute 50% of its free cash flow to investors. Beginning the ongoing quarter of this year, this Permian producer’s business will return free cash flow through its basic dividend and additional shareholder return methods. In order to support this return promise, the independent energy firm’s board approved a new share repurchase program worth $2 billion, which was implemented with immediate effect.
Outlook
Diamondback raised its 2021 average daily production guidance to 370-372 MBOE/d from the prior-guided range of 363-370 MBOE/d. Full-year capital spend estimate is cut to $1.49-$1.53 billion, down 4% at the midpoint from the prior-guided range of $1.525-$1.625 billion.
This Midland, TX-headquartered company predicts fourth-quarter daily production in the 368-375 MBOE/d range with an estimated capex between $435 million and $475 million. Permian Basin production for the December quarter is anticipated in the 363-370 MBOE/d band.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
In the past month, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates. The consensus estimate has shifted 7.59% due to these changes.
VGM Scores
At this time, Diamondback has a nice Growth Score of B, however its Momentum Score is doing a bit better with an A. However, the stock was allocated a grade of D on the value side, putting it in the bottom 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of C. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. It comes with little surprise Diamondback has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We expect an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
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