Pioneer Natural Resources Company (NYSE:PXD) (“Pioneer” or “the Company”) today reported financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2023. Pioneer reported fourth quarter net income attributable to common shareholders of $1.3 billion, or $5.28 per diluted share. These results include the effects of noncash mark-to-market adjustments and certain other unusual items. Excluding these items, non-GAAP adjusted income for the fourth quarter was $1.3 billion, or $5.26 per diluted share. Cash flow from operating activities for the fourth quarter was $2.3 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported net income attributable to common stockholders of $4.9 billion, or $20.21 per diluted share. Cash flow from operating activities for the year was $8.4 billion.
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Pioneer Wells Drilled in 2023
Highlights
- Full year 2023 oil production averaged 372 thousand barrels of oil per day (MBOPD), at the top end of original 2023 guidance and in the upper half of the most recently updated 2023 guidance
- Full year 2023 total production averaged 715 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBOEPD), above the top end of both original and most recently updated 2023 guidance
- Full year 2023 drilling, completions, facilities and water infrastructure capital expenditures totaled $4.4 billion, below the bottom end of original 2023 guidance and near the bottom end of the most recently updated 2023 guidance
- Generated strong fourth quarter and full year 2023 free cash flow1 of $1.2 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively
- Generated a return on capital employed2 of 19% during 2023
- Returned $3.9 billion to shareholders during 2023 through a combination of cash dividends and share repurchases
- Declared a quarterly base-plus-variable dividend of $2.56 per share to be paid on March 22, 2024
Financial Highlights
Pioneer maintains a strong balance sheet, with net debt of $4.6 billion as of December 31, 2023. The Company had $2.2 billion of liquidity, comprised of $240 million of cash on hand and a $2.0 billion unsecured credit facility (undrawn) as of December 31, 2023.
During the fourth quarter, the Company’s total capital expenditures3 totaled $1.1 billion. For the full year 2023, the Company’s total capital expenditures3 totaled $4.6 billion.
Cash flow from operating activities during the fourth quarter and full year 2023 was $2.3 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively, leading to free cash flow1 of $1.2 billion for the fourth quarter and $4.1 billion for the full year 2023.
For the first quarter of 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly base-plus-variable dividend of $2.56per share, comprised of a $1.25 base dividend and $1.31 variable dividend. This represents a total annualized dividend yield of 4.4%4. Pursuant to the merger agreement with Exxon Mobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), any quarterly dividends declared subsequent to the first quarter of 2024 are expected to be comprised solely of the $1.25 per share base dividend component5.
Fourth Quarter Financial Results
For the fourth quarter of 2023, the average realized price for oil was $78.47 per barrel. The average realized price for natural gas liquids (NGLs) was $23.25 per barrel, and the average realized price for gas was $2.35 per thousand cubic feet. These prices exclude the effects of derivatives.
Production costs, including taxes, averaged $10.54 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE). Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense averaged $11.30 per BOE. Exploration and abandonment expense was $24 million. General and administrative expense was $202 million, including ExxonMobil merger-related costs of $102 million. Interest expense was $39 million. The net cash flow impact related to purchases and sales of oil and gas, including firm transportation, was a loss of $105 million. Other expense was $37 million. Current income tax provision was $183 million. The Company’s effective tax rate was 22% for the quarter.
Operations Update
Pioneer continued to deliver strong operational performance in the Midland Basin, which led to the Company placing 482 horizontal wells on production during 2023, including 135 horizontal wells placed on production during the fourth quarter.
More than 125 wells with lateral lengths of 15,000 feet or greater were placed on production in 2023. These longer-lateral wells have contributed to Pioneer’s strong results. The development of wells with lateral lengths in excess of 15,000 feet provides significant capital savings on a per foot basis and is expected to generate an internal rate of return (IRR) that is on average 35% higher than a comparable 10,000-foot lateral well. In total, the Company has over 1,000 future locations with 15,000-foot lateral lengths in its drilling inventory.
During the fourth quarter, Pioneer benefited from its utilization of three simulfrac fleets and two localized sand mines. During 2023, the Company transitioned 100% of its completions fleets to either electric or dual-fuel powered and progressed its electrification efforts through the successful execution of drilling and completions trials utilizing grid-supplied electricity. Additionally, Pioneer plans to add a fourth simulfrac fleet in the first half of 2024, providing further efficiencies and cost benefits.
During 2023, Pioneer’s operational teams delivered a sixth consecutive year of improved drilling and completions efficiencies. Extended laterals, utilization of simulfrac fleets and the transition of completions fleets from diesel-only fuel are a few examples of the many continuous improvement efforts that the Company’s operational teams continue to progress.
2024 Outlook
The Company expects its 2024 capital budget3 to range between $4.2 billion to $4.6 billion. Pioneer expects its capital program to be funded from 2024 cash flow from operating activities.
Pioneer expects 2024 oil production of 384 to 392 MBOPD and total production of 750 to 766 MBOEPD.
Proved Reserves
The Company added proved reserves totaling 397 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE) during 2023, excluding acquisitions and price revisions. These proved reserve additions equate to a drillbit reserve replacement ratio of 150% when compared to Pioneer’s full year 2023 production of 264 MMBOE, including field fuel. The drillbit finding and development (F&D) cost was $11.48 per BOE in 2023, with a drillbit proved developed F&D cost of $11.01 per BOE.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s total proved reserves were estimated at 2,471 MMBOE, of which 90% are proved developed.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG)
Pioneer views sustainability as a multidisciplinary effort that balances economic growth, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The Company emphasizes developing natural resources in a manner that protects surrounding communities and preserves the environment.
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