Centennial Resource Development Announces Third Quarter 2018 Financial and Operational Results


DENVER, Nov. 05, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Centennial Resource Development, Inc. (“Centennial” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: CDEV) today announced financial and operational results for the third quarter 2018.

Financial and Operational Highlights:

  • Increased daily crude oil production 15 percent quarter-over-quarter and 71 percent year-over-year
  • Increased daily equivalent production 9 percent quarter-over-quarter and 81 percent year-over-year
  • Announced strong well results from six intervals in the Northern and Southern Delaware Basins, including one of the best First Bone Spring wells drilled in New Mexico
  • Acquired approximately 2,900 net acres adjacent to positions in Reeves County, Texas and Lea County, New Mexico
  • Continued to show cost discipline with year-to-date unit costs at low end of guidance
  • Maintained conservative balance sheet and strong liquidity

Financial Results

Third quarter net income increased 172 percent to $39.3 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, compared to $14.4 million, or $0.06 per diluted share, in the prior year period.

Average daily crude oil production increased 71 percent to 36,027 barrels of oil per day (“Bbls/d”) compared to the prior year period. Crude oil volumes accounted for 57% of total equivalent volumes compared to 54% in the prior quarter. Average daily total equivalent production increased 81 percent compared to the prior year period.

“Centennial delivered another quarter of solid operating results driven by strong well performance and cost control. Our operations team continues to generate some of the best wells in the Permian Basin while maintaining one of the lowest unit cost profiles among Permian E&Ps,” said Mark G. Papa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Furthermore, we remain on track to achieve our 2018 production targets, while maintaining capital budget discipline. These early efforts should set us up to produce respectable GAAP ROE and ROCEs in 2020, assuming $75 per barrel WTI.”

Operational Update

Centennial reported a number of strong wells across multiple intervals in the Delaware Basin, including some of its best wells to date. In Reeves County, Centennial reported two strong wells from the Upper Wolfcamp A. The Highlander U49H (76% WI), drilled with an effective lateral of approximately 7,300 feet achieved an initial 30-day production rate of 2,339 barrels of oil equivalent per day (“Boe/d”) (79% oil). During this period, the well averaged 254 Bbls/d of oil per 1,000 foot of lateral and produced over 55,000 cumulative barrels of oil. The Doc Gardner A U23H (97% WI) was drilled with an approximate 12,200-foot lateral. The well produced 2,327 Boe/d (82% oil) for the initial 30-day production period.

“Consistent with our strategy of driving efficiencies and increasing economic returns, our average completed lateral length during the quarter increased 33 percent to approximately 7,700 feet compared to the prior year period,” Papa said. “The Doc Gardner, a very prolific well, represents our longest lateral drilled to date and has produced approximately 100,000 barrels of oil during its first 60 days on production.”

On the Company’s Miramar acreage in Reeves County, the Big House D U03H, F L07H and E B03HR (100% WI) were drilled on a three-well pad targeting the Upper Wolfcamp A, Lower Wolfcamp A and Wolfcamp B intervals, respectively. Drilled with an average lateral length of 7,100 feet, the wells achieved initial 30-day production rates of 2,547 Boe/d (56% oil), 1,807 Boe/d (64% oil) and 1,548 Boe/d (65% oil), respectively. On the southern portion of its Reeves County acreage position, the War Eagle A Unit L 49H (100% WI) was drilled with an approximate 7,400 foot effective lateral targeting the Upper Wolfcamp A interval. The well achieved an initial 30-day production rate of 1,858 Boe/d (87% oil), with 219 Bbls/d of oil per 1,000 foot of lateral.

In Lea County, the Pirate State 301H (100% WI) was completed in the First Bone Spring interval with an approximate 4,800 foot effective lateral and delivered an initial 30-day production rate of 1,929 Boe/d (79% oil). On a per lateral foot basis, the well delivered an initial 30-day production rate of 317 Bbls/d of oil per 1,000 foot of lateral. “The Pirate State is likely one of the best First Bone Spring wells drilled in New Mexico and is certainly one of Centennial’s most productive wells on a per lateral foot basis. The well produced over 65,000 barrels of oil during its first 50 days on production,” Papa said. “We continue to see improved well productivity from our Lea County asset since integrating it into our portfolio a little over a year ago.”

The Tour Bus 23 State 505H and 506H (100% WI), drilled from Centennial’s first operated multi-well pad in New Mexico, were completed in the Second Bone Spring interval with an average effective lateral length of 4,550 feet. The wells averaged 1,179 Boe/d (84% oil) for the initial 30-day production period. The two-well pad delivered an average initial 30-day oil production rate of 218 Bbls/d per 1,000 foot of lateral per well. Also in New Mexico, the Cheddar 3BS Federal Com 1H (100% WI), completed in the Third Bone Spring interval with an effective lateral length of approximately 9,600 feet, achieved 1,713 Boe/d (75% oil) for the initial 30-day production period.

Total capital expenditures incurred for the quarter were $273.6 million. During the third quarter, drilling and completion capital expenditures incurred were approximately $222.4 million. Centennial’s facilities, infrastructure, land and other capital totaled approximately $51.2 million during the quarter.

“As expected, drilling and completion capital expenditures increased sequentially as a result of the increased number of completions on higher working interest wells with longer laterals compared to the prior quarter,” said Papa. “Overall, we continue to be quite pleased with the capital cost control our operations team has demonstrated this year and remain confident on delivering full-year total capital expenditures within our guidance range.”

Recent Acquisitions

During the fourth quarter 2018, Centennial closed three acquisitions for a total of approximately 2,900 net acres adjacent to its existing positions in the Northern and Southern Delaware Basins. In Reeves County, approximately 2,100 net acres were acquired from an undisclosed third-party. The operated acreage position contains an approximate 82% working interest and represents a bolt-on to Centennial’s existing position with strong operated well results. The acquired acreage contains no horizontal development and is predominantly held by production through minimal existing vertical wells.

“Consistent with our strategy of targeting tactical bolt-on acquisitions, these transactions are adjacent to our existing positions and increase our working interests,” said Papa. “The Reeves County acquisition represents the addition of high-quality acreage and offsets Centennial’s recent Highlander and Doc Gardner wells, which each averaged over 1,800 Bbls/d of oil during their initial 30-days on production.”

In Lea County, Centennial acquired approximately 820 net acres in two separate transactions from undisclosed third-parties for a combined purchase price of $26 million. These transactions increase Centennial’s working interests on its existing acreage and provide the opportunity to drill extended laterals. A portion of the acquired acreage increased Centennial's working interest in its recently drilled Cheddar 3BS Federal Com 1H well, which continues to produce at a strong rate and averaged 1,579 Boe/d (75% oil) for the initial 60-day period.

"Our strategy of driving organic growth on our existing acreage, complemented by smaller offset acquisitions should provide superior GAAP returns to our shareholders over the long-run,” said Papa. “Through our acquisitions and organic leasing efforts year-to-date, we have more than fully replenished the inventory expected to be drilled this year. This will be key for the Company going forward.”

(For a map summarizing Centennial’s recent acquisitions and offset operated wells, please see the presentation materials on Centennial’s website under the Investor Relations tab.)

Capital Structure and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2018, Centennial had $59 million in cash on hand and $540 million of long-term debt, inclusive of $140 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility and $400 million of senior unsecured notes. Subsequent to quarter-end, Centennial completed its fall borrowing base redetermination process. The borrowing base increased by 25% to $1,000 million from $800 million previously, and Centennial increased its elected commitments to $800 million from $600 million. As of the date of the redetermination, after giving effect to the increase in elected commitments, Centennial's pro forma total liquidity was $718 million, based on its balance sheet position and letters of credit outstanding as of September 30, 2018.

Hedge Position

As of November 5, 2018, Centennial's crude oil hedge portfolio consisted only of basis swaps. For the period October to December 2018, Centennial’s crude oil basis swaps represent approximately 21% of its expected crude oil production (using the mid-point of guidance) at a weighted average price of $(2.38) per barrel. For 2019, Centennial has 8,030 Bbls/d of crude oil basis swaps in place at a weighted average price of $(6.88) per barrel. In addition, Centennial has in place natural gas swaps and basis hedges for 2019. (For a summary table of Centennial’s derivative contracts as of September 30, 2018, please see the Appendix to this press release.)

“Through previously announced firm sales agreements, approximately half of Centennial’s 2019 expected crude oil volumes will receive Gulf Coast-linked pricing, protecting us from potential Mid-Cush basis volatility,” said Papa. “Furthermore, Centennial is one of the few mid-cap E&Ps to secure egress out of the Permian Basin for the majority of its expected crude oil and essentially all of its residue natural gas volumes.”

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

Centennial’s financial statements and related footnotes will be available in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2018, which is expected be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 5, 2018.

Conference Call and Webcast

Centennial will host an investor conference call on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Mountain (10:00 a.m. Eastern) to discuss third quarter 2018 operating and financial results. Interested parties may join the webcast by visiting Centennial’s website at www.cdevinc.com and clicking on the webcast link or by dialing (800) 789-3525, or (442) 268-1041 for international calls, (Conference ID: 2186036) at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the call. A replay of the call will be available on Centennial’s website or by phone at (855) 859-2056 (Conference ID: 2186036) for a 14-day period following the call.

About Centennial Resource Development, Inc.

Centennial Resource Development, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company focused on the development of unconventional oil and associated liquids-rich natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin. The Company’s assets and operations, which are held and conducted through Centennial Resource Production, LLC, are concentrated in the Delaware Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian Basin. For additional information about the Company, please visit www.cdevinc.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about:

  • our business strategy and future drilling plans;
  • our reserves and our ability to replace the reserves we produce through drilling and property acquisitions;
  • our drilling prospects, inventories, projects and programs;
  • our financial strategy, liquidity and capital required for our development program;
  • our realized oil, natural gas and NGL prices;
  • the timing and amount of our future production of oil, natural gas and NGLs;
  • our hedging strategy and results;
  • our competition and government regulations;
  • our ability to obtain permits and governmental approvals;
  • our pending legal or environmental matters;
  • the marketing and transportation of our oil, natural gas and NGLs;
  • our leasehold or business acquisitions;
  • general economic conditions;
  • credit markets;
  • uncertainty regarding our future operating results;
  • our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this press release that are not historical; and
  • the other factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and any updates to those factors set forth in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K.

We caution you that these forward-looking statements are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control, incident to the development, production, gathering and sale of oil and natural gas. These risks include, but are not limited to, commodity price volatility, inflation, lack of availability of drilling and production equipment and services, environmental risks, drilling and other operating risks, regulatory changes, the uncertainty inherent in estimating reserves and in projecting future rates of production, cash flow and access to capital, the timing of development expenditures and the other risks described in our filings with the SEC.

Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reserve engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions would change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described in this press release occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we disclaim any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Contact:
Hays Mabry
Director, Investor Relations
(832) 240-3265
ir@cdevinc.com


Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. We define Adjusted EBITDAX as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, exploration costs, impairment and abandonment expenses, non-cash gains or losses on derivatives, non-cash stock-based compensation, gains and losses from the sale of assets and transaction costs. Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measure of net income as determined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).

Our management believes Adjusted EBITDAX is useful as it allows them to more effectively evaluate our operating performance and compare the results of our operations from period to period and against our peers without regard to our financing methods or capital structure. We exclude the items listed above from net income in arriving at Adjusted EBITDAX because these amounts can vary substantially from company to company within our industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income as determined in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of our operating performance or liquidity. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDAX. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDAX should not be construed as an inference that our results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAX to net income, our most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP:

    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands)2018 2017 2018 2017
Adjusted EBITDAX reconciliation to net income:       
Net income attributable to Class A Common Stock$39,288  $14,447  $168,919  $45,032 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest2,386  1,813  11,009  5,133 
Interest expense6,534  1,015  18,138  2,132 
Income tax expense11,652  8,233  50,729  17,302 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization83,423  42,387  224,379  102,847 
Impairment and abandonment expenses8,612    10,396  (29)
Non-cash mark-to-market derivative (gain) loss18,437  1,286  (579) (5,126)
Stock-based compensation expense4,888  3,360  13,006  8,288 
Exploration expense2,712  1,622  8,026  4,092 
Transaction costs  42    1,386 
(Gain) loss on sale of oil and natural gas properties(52) 141  74  (7,216)
Adjusted EBITDAX$177,880  $74,346  $504,097  $173,841 
                
                



Centennial Resource Development, Inc.
Operating Highlights

    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operating revenues (in thousands):       
Oil sales$184,510  $87,286  $533,507  $204,702 
Natural gas sales14,311  12,852  46,612  33,226 
NGL sales36,059  11,473  88,422  25,844 
Oil and gas sales$234,880  $111,611  $668,541  $263,772 
        
Average sales prices:       
Oil (per Bbl)$55.68  $44.95  $59.27  $45.76 
Effect of derivative settlements on average price (per Bbl)2.56  0.21  1.50  0.12 
Oil net of hedging (per Bbl)$58.24  $45.16  $60.77  $45.88 
        
Average NYMEX price for oil (per Bbl)$69.50  $48.17  $66.75  $49.44 
Oil differential from NYMEX(13.82) (3.22) (7.48) (3.68)
        
Natural gas (per Mcf)$1.83  $2.72  $2.02  $2.78 
Effect of derivative settlements on average price (per Mcf)0.05    0.04  (0.02)
Natural gas net of hedging (per Mcf)$1.88  $2.72  $2.06  $2.76 
        
Average NYMEX price for natural gas (per Mcf)$2.93  $2.95  $2.95  $3.05 
Natural gas differential from NYMEX(1.10) $(0.23) $(0.93) (0.27)
        
NGL (per Bbl)$30.85  $24.83  $29.08  $23.67 
        
Net production:       
Oil (MBbls)3,314  1,942  9,002  4,473 
Natural gas (MMcf)7,837  4,733  23,092  11,938 
NGL (MBbls)1,169  462  3,040  1,092 
Total (MBoe)(1)5,790  3,192  15,891  7,554 
        
Average daily net production volume:       
Oil (Bbls/d)36,027  21,108  32,973  16,384 
Natural gas (Mcf/d)85,180  51,444  84,585  43,729 
NGL (Bbls/d)12,706  5,018  11,137  3,999 
Total (Boe/d)(1)62,930  34,700  58,208  27,670 


   
   
(1)  Calculated by converting natural gas to oil equivalent barrels at a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one Bbl of oil.
 
 



Centennial Resource Development, Inc.
Operating Expenses

    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operating costs (in thousands):       
Lease operating expenses$23,706 $11,373 $59,164 $26,924
Severance and ad valorem taxes14,410 6,448 42,791 14,358
Gathering, processing and transportation expenses16,090 9,925 45,214 22,572
Operating costs per Boe:       
Lease operating expenses$4.09 $3.56 $3.72 $3.56
Severance and ad valorem taxes2.49 2.02 2.69 1.90
Gathering, processing and transportation expenses2.78 3.11 2.85 2.99
        
        



Centennial Resource Development, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)

    
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Operating revenues         
Oil and gas sales$234,880  $111,611  $668,541  $263,772 
Operating expenses       
Lease operating expenses23,706  11,373  59,164  26,924 
Severance and ad valorem taxes14,410  6,448  42,791  14,358 
Gathering, processing and transportation expenses16,090  9,925  45,214  22,572 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization83,423  42,387  224,379  102,847 
Impairment and abandonment expenses8,612    10,396  (29)
Exploration expense2,712  1,622  8,026  4,092 
General and administrative expenses16,561  13,311  44,667  36,017 
Total operating expenses165,514  85,066  434,637  206,781 
        
Income from operations69,366  26,545  233,904  56,991 
        
Other income (expense)       
Gain (loss) on sale of oil and natural gas properties52  (141) (74) 7,216 
Interest expense(6,534) (1,015) (18,138) (2,132)
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments(9,571) (896) 14,969  5,392 
Other income (expense)13    (4)  
Other income (expense)(16,040) (2,052) (3,247) 10,476 
        
Income before income taxes53,326  24,493  230,657  67,467 
Income tax expense(11,652) (8,233) (50,729) (17,302)
Net income41,674  16,260  179,928  50,165 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest2,386  1,813  11,009  5,133 
Net income attributable to Class A Common Stock$39,288  $14,447  $168,919  $45,032 
        
Income per share of Class A Common Stock:       
Basic$0.15  $0.06  $0.64  $0.20 
Diluted$0.15  $0.06  $0.63  $0.19 
                
                


The following table summarizes the approximate volumes and average contract prices of swap contracts the Company had in place as of September 30, 2018:

 Period Volume (Bbls) Volume (Bbls/d) Weighted
Average
Differential
($/Bbl)(1)
Crude oil basis swapsOctober 2018 - December 2018 828,000  9,000  $  (2.38)
 January 2019 - March 2019 540,000  6,000  (5.34)
 April 2019 - June 2019 91,000  1,000  (10.00)
 July 2019 - September 2019 1,380,000  15,000  (9.03)
 October 2019 - December 2019 920,000  10,000  (4.24)
           
           

(1)       The oil basis swap transactions are settled based on the difference between the arithmetic average of the ARGUS MIDLAND WTI and ARGUS WTI CUSHING indices, during the relevant calculation period.

        
        
 Period Volume (MMBtu) Volume (MMBtu/d) Weighted Average
Fixed Price

($/MMBtu)(1)
Natural Gas Swaps - Henry HubJanuary 2019 - December 2019 10,950,000 30,000  $ 2.78 
Natural Gas Swaps - West Texas WAHAJanuary 2019 - December 2019 5,475,000 15,000  1.61 
        
 Period Volume (MMBtu) Volume (MMBtu/d) Weighted Average
Differential
($/MMBtu)(2)
Natural gas basis swapsOctober 2018 - December 2018 460,000 5,000  $ (0.43)
 January 2019 - December 2019 12,775,000 35,000  (1.31)


   

(1)     The natural gas swap contracts are settled based on either i) the NYMEX Henry Hub price or ii) the Inside FERC West Texas WAHA price of natural gas as of the specified settlement date, as applicable.

(2)     The natural gas basis swap contracts are settled based on the difference between the Inside FERC’s West Texas WAHA price and the NYMEX price of natural gas during the relevant calculation period.