Signals coming out of major shale basins in 2019 were mixed. Concerns over cash flow, renewed focus on capital discipline, and lowered production outlooks spurred U.S. upstream and OFS companies to circle the wagons. According to Deloitte, last year saw significant consolidation, with Callon acquiring Carrizo for $2.7 billion (Delaware and Eagle Ford Basins), Parsley acquiring Jagged Peak for $2.3 billion (Delaware Basin), and Citizen Energy acquiring Roan Resources for $1 billion (SCOOP/STACK), among others. The oilfield services sector was less active, yet Keane merged with C&J Energy Services in a $724 million deal in June, creating NexTier Oilfield Solutions.
In the first quarter of 2020, the coronavirus crisis was exacerbated by record-setting price declines for crude oil. More interest in consolidation seems likely as capital markets refuse to thaw and topline U.S. production growth shifts from meteoric to modest. Independents are not the only ones to watch, as the Majors have indicated appetite for shale assets remains at the right price. If the shale industry remains stressed, the price may well be right.
Will this trend continue in 2020? Oil and Gas Investor’s A&D Strategies & Opportunities Conference will reflect on recent deal activity, explore the impact of reduced trade flows and commodity prices, and offer predictions for what lies ahead.