Energy
Oil & Gas Exploration & Production
$19.33B
894
Coterra Energy Inc. is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and NGLs in the continental U.S. The company's assets are concentrated in areas with known hydrocarbon resources, allowing for multi-well, repeatable development programs. Coterra aims to create value for investors through innovation, technology, and data, while maintaining a strong balance sheet and returning capital to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Key insights and themes extracted from this filing
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net income surged by $455 million to $1,027 million ($1.35 EPS) from $572 million ($0.77 EPS) in 2024. Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $666 million (47%) to $2,080 million, primarily due to higher natural gas prices and increased production from recent acquisitions.
Total operating revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2025, rose by $1,165 million (43%) to $3,869 million compared to $2,704 million in 2024. This growth was led by natural gas revenue increasing 75% ($642 million), oil revenue up 20% ($299 million), and NGL revenue up 22% ($76 million), largely attributable to higher production volumes and natural gas prices.
Total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2025, increased by $495 million (25%) to $2,463 million. Direct operations expense per BOE rose to $3.26 from $2.56, primarily due to higher production and increased lifting costs in the Permian Basin following the FME and Avant acquisitions.
The company completed two significant acquisitions (FME and Avant) in January 2025 for a total consideration of $3.3 billion, expanding its operations in the Delaware Basin of New Mexico. These acquisitions contributed $502 million in revenue and $175 million in net income from their closing dates through June 30, 2025, and significantly boosted oil, natural gas, and NGL production volumes.
The full-year 2025 capital program is expected to be near the high end of the $2.1 billion to $2.3 billion range, with 66% allocated to the Permian Basin. Capital expenditures for drilling, completion, and other fixed assets increased to $1.121 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2025, from $927 million in the prior year, reflecting intensified development efforts.
Total equivalent production increased by 12% to 138.5 MMBoe for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to 123.3 MMBoe in 2024. This growth was driven by a 41% increase in oil production (to 26.9 MMBbl), a 5% increase in natural gas production (to 546.8 Bcf), and a 20% increase in NGL volumes (to 20.6 MMBbl), largely due to the recent acquisitions and legacy property performance.
During Q2 2025, management successfully integrated the controls and related procedures of the FME and Avant acquisitions into its internal control over financial reporting, indicating effective post-merger operational management. The company also reported no other material changes to internal controls during the quarter.
Management repurchased 2 million shares for $47 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025, with $1.1 billion remaining under the current program, signaling confidence in valuation. Additionally, $350 million of the Tranche A Term Loan was repaid, demonstrating prudent debt management.
The company successfully defended against a consolidated stockholder derivative action and a subsequent lawsuit, with the district court dismissing claims with prejudice in January and May 2025, respectively. This outcome mitigates potential financial and reputational risks from prolonged litigation.
The company acknowledges commodity price volatility as its most significant market risk exposure. Oil prices declined in H1 2025, and natural gas prices trended downward in Q2 2025, influenced by escalating trade tensions, geopolitical risks, and oversupply in certain basins like Waha Hub, posing ongoing revenue uncertainty.
The filing highlights increasing tariffs, U.S. and international trade policy shifts, geopolitical risks (e.g., war in Ukraine, Middle East conflict), and OPEC+ actions as factors contributing to commodity market volatility and general economic uncertainty. These conditions could lead to higher operating costs or reduced access to capital.
The company faces risks from ongoing efforts to address climate change, which could result in delays or restrictions in project permitting, increased costs, and enhanced competition from renewable energy. Additionally, the EPA issued Notices of Violation regarding Clean Air Act compliance in Texas and New Mexico, potentially leading to fines and increased development costs.
The FME and Avant acquisitions in January 2025 significantly expanded the company's operations and asset base in the Delaware Basin of New Mexico. This strategic expansion enhances its competitive footprint in a key oil and gas producing region, contributing to higher production volumes.
While natural gas prices (including derivatives) increased significantly by 56% to $2.74/Mcf for 6M 2025, oil prices (including derivatives) decreased by 14% to $66.52/Bbl over the same period. This mixed pricing environment suggests varying profitability across its product portfolio and highlights the importance of its diversified production mix.
The company's debt is rated as investment grade by three leading ratings agencies, which supports its ability to economically access debt markets and maintain borrowing capacity. This strong credit profile provides a competitive advantage in funding capital expenditures and managing liquidity.
Direct operations expense per BOE increased to $3.26 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, from $2.56 in 2024. This rise is primarily attributed to higher production levels and the higher lifting costs associated with the newly acquired properties in the Permian Basin from the FME and Avant acquisitions.
Overall equivalent production increased by 12% for 6M 2025, driven by acquisitions and legacy properties in the Permian and Anadarko Basins. However, natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale decreased due to reduced drilling and completion activity in 2024, indicating regional operational shifts impacting efficiency.
General and administrative expense (excluding stock-based compensation) increased by $32 million (23%) for the six months ended June 30, 2025. This increase was primarily driven by acquisition and transition costs, higher employee-related costs, and increased legal and professional fees associated with the FME and Avant acquisitions.
The recently enacted 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (OBBB) on July 4, 2025, restores 100% bonus depreciation and immediate expensing of domestic research and development expenditures for tax years after December 31, 2024. While not a direct company investment, this legislative change provides a significant incentive for future R&D activities.
The 10-Q filing does not provide specific details on the company's direct investments in research and development, technological capabilities, digital transformation efforts, or intellectual property position. The focus remains on traditional oil and gas exploration and production activities.
The company made substantial investments in acquisitions, with $4.092 billion in capital expenditures for acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2025. This indicates a strong strategic focus on expanding its asset base and production capacity through inorganic growth, primarily in the Permian Basin.
The Board approved an increase in the base quarterly dividend from $0.21 to $0.22 per share in February 2025, resulting in $340 million in total dividends paid for 6M 2025. Additionally, the company repurchased 2 million shares for $47 million, signaling a commitment to returning capital to shareholders.
Long-term debt increased to $4.175 billion as of June 30, 2025, from $3.535 billion at year-end 2024, with $1.35 billion in new debt issued to fund acquisitions. While $700 million of debt was repaid, the debt to total capitalization ratio increased to 22% from 21%, reflecting a more leveraged capital structure to support growth.
The company acknowledges that efforts to address climate change by governments and stakeholders are leading to existing and pending legislation, which could result in project delays, increased operating costs, and more competitive renewable energy alternatives. This indicates a growing environmental risk profile.
General and administrative expenses include community outreach and charitable contributions. The increase in G&A for 6M 2025 was partially offset by the recognition of certain long-term commitments for these social responsibility initiatives, demonstrating ongoing engagement with local communities.
The Board of Directors amended and restated the company's bylaws on July 30, 2025. These amendments enhance clarity and effect technical changes, including modifications to stockholder advance notice provisions and conduct at meetings, aligning governance practices with recent Delaware court decisions.
The potential for increasing tariffs and shifts in U.S. and international economic policy are contributing to heightened volatility in commodity markets and general economic uncertainty. Management notes that higher tariffs could lead to increased costs, reduced access to capital, or less favorable economic conditions.
Ongoing geopolitical risks, including political and military disputes (e.g., war in Ukraine, Middle East conflict), and the unpredictable actions of OPEC+ are cited as significant factors causing swift fluctuations in commodity supply and demand. This environment creates challenges for forecasting future results.
The market environment saw natural gas prices (including derivatives) increase by 56% for 6M 2025 compared to 2024, while oil prices (including derivatives) declined by 14%. This divergence is influenced by factors like warmer-than-expected temperatures and record domestic natural gas production, alongside escalating trade tensions impacting oil.