Even with oil prices hovering around $40 per barrel, U.S. shale producers are thriving. How? The answer lies in strategic acquisitions, portfolio optimization, and relentless capital discipline.
In today’s lower-for-longer oil price environment, U.S. shale operators must be relentless in their pursuit of cost efficiency. The ability to deliver production with a breakeven price of $40 or less isn’t just desirable—it’s essential. That level of performance is only possible through structural cost reductions across drilling, fracing, facility development, and production operations.
U.S. production can remain globally competitive thanks to low-cost inventory—but only if operators avoid cutting too deep or delaying activity.
Without that, even the Permian will face premature decline.
Chevron’s Q1 2025 earnings report, combined with a detailed analysis of rig activity data, paints a clear picture of a supermajor shifting gears. The emphasis? Sharpening operational efficiency, maximizing returns, and strategically adjusting to a lower-margin environment.
ConocoPhillips’ Q1 2025 earnings report and a detailed review of rig data reveal a strategic shift in capital spending, operational efficiency, and the evolving competitive landscape in drilling. Here’s what you need to know about capital allocation, top contractors, and where the drilling momentum is building.
Permian Resources (NYSE: PR), based in Midland, TX, is doubling down on its position in the Permian Basin with a $608 million acquisition of prime acreage in southeast New Mexico from APA Corp (parent of Apache).
Ring Energy’s recently announced $100 million acquisition of Lime Rock Resources IV’s Central Basin Platform (CBP) assets is now moving from headline to execution — and the regulatory filings confirm it.
As Q1 2025 earnings roll in, two leading service providers—ProFrac Holding Corp. and Helmerich & Payne, Inc.—offered clear-eyed perspectives on the current state of U.S. drilling activity, rig demand, efficiency efforts, and technology-driven strategy. Here’s what they said and what it means for the sector.
Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY) has showcased a strategic shift in its 2025 operational and financial approach, emphasizing efficiency and disciplined capital management. The company’s Q1 2025 results reflect this transition, marked by reduced capital expenditures, optimized drilling activities, and significant debt reduction.
Coterra Energy (NYSE: CTRA) released its Q1 2025 results with clear signals of capital discipline, operational focus, and strategic realignment amidst a volatile commodity environment. Below is a deep dive into the company’s drilling activity, capex decisions, rig utilization, and state-by-state footprint for the quarter.
