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Leader Natural reports strong FY production as Exxon takeover looms

Leader Natural Resources on Thursday reported 2023 production that exceeded its prior forecast, as the U.S. shale manufacturer works to close its about $ 60 billion purchase by oil significant Exxon Mobil later on this year.

The business stated full-year total production averaged 715,000 barrels of oil comparable each day (boepd), ahead of its previous assistance of in between 708,000 and 713,000 boepd.

Leader associated the strong production to longer lateral wells, and stated more than 125 wells with lateral lengths of 15,000 feet or higher were placed on production last year.

Exxon concurred in October to buy Leader in an all-stock offer to strengthen the biggest U.S. oil business's production in the Permian Basin. The offer is anticipated to close in the 2nd quarter.

We view Pioneer's Q4 results as a non-event, given the pending acquisition by Exxon. While we expect the offer to eventually close, as of yesterday's close, shares trade at a. 4.1% discount to the offer terms with risk/delays from regulatory. approval, Gabriele Sorbara of Siebert Williams Shank & & Co said. in a note.

Still, Leader's fourth-quarter earnings missed out on estimates,. partly due to lower oil and gas prices as well as higher. production expenses.

Average understood costs fell about 6% to $78.47 per barrel. of oil in the quarter, the company said, while costs associated. with oil and gas production rose about 16%.

Omitting items, the company made $5.26 per share, missing out on. experts' quotes of $5.48, according to LSEG information.

(source: Reuters)