Oasis Petroleum Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results, Declares Dividend and Updates 2021 Outlook

HOUSTON, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Oasis Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ: OAS) ("Oasis" or the "Company") today announced financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2021, declared its second quarter 2021 dividend, and updated its 2021 outlook. 

2Q21 Operational and Financial Highlights:

• Produced total volumes of 54.3 MBoepd and oil volumes of 34.7 MBopd in 2Q21, both above guidance midpoint. Reiterating 4Q21 average volumes of 74.5-77.5 MBoepd and oil volumes of 49.5-51.5 MBopd;
• E&P CapEx was $52.5MM, 36% below guidance midpoint reflecting operational efficiencies, timing, and other items. Lowering full-year capital by 7% to $200MM-$215MM ($215MM-$230MM prior guidance);
• Consolidated G&A was $20.2MM. E&P Cash G&A⁽¹⁾ totaled $11.0MM, including approximately $3.0MM of planned non-recurring items. FY21 and 4Q21 E&P Cash G&A per Boe guidance remains unchanged;
• Drove E&P LOE below low-end of guidance ($10.50-$11.50/Boe) to $10.21/Boe and anticipate further reductions in 2H21;
• Crude oil differentials were tight during 2Q21 averaging $0.61 off of NYMEX WTI;
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $160.0MM and net income was $81.3MM;
• Adjusted EBITDA to Oasis⁽¹⁾ was $107.0MM and E&P Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾ was $54.8MM;
• Oasis Midstream Partners (NASDAQ: OMP) announced a $0.56/unit 2Q21 distribution;
• Determined qualification under Section 382(l)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code to reduce cash taxes to zero in 2Q21 and FY21, a savings of over $50MM vs. prior estimates. By YE21, Oasis projects an estimated net operating loss ("NOL") between $400MM-$500MM⁽²⁾, which could be used to offset future taxable income (see NOL Update below).

Strategic Initiatives:

• Publishing inaugural Sustainability Report in August 2021 highlighting our commitment to and transparency around ESG initiatives;
• Expect acquisition of Williston Basin assets from Diamondback Energy to close late in the third quarter of 2021. Purchase price of $745MM will be adjusted downward for free cash flow generated from the April 1 effective date;
• Completed sale of remaining upstream assets in Permian Basin;
• Announced inventory post Williston Basin acquisition and Permian Basin divestiture of approximately 670 locations with breakeven oil price of $55/bbl NYMEX WTI or below, including approximately 140 three-mile lateral locations. IRR for all locations expected to average 46% assuming $55/bbl NYMEX WTI and $2.75/mmBtu NYMEX gas. See Oasis's latest investor presentation for more detail;
• Declared $0.375/share dividend ($1.50/share annualized) and reiterated plan to increase the fixed dividend to $0.50/share upon the first quarter after closing the previously announced Williston Basin acquisition;
• Redeemed $87.0MM of OMP common units and paid special dividend of $4 per common share in July. Oasis now owns 33.8MM OMP common units;
• Repurchased $14.6MM of common stock at a weighted average price of $76.30 per common share under current $100MM share repurchase plan;
• Best-in-class balance sheet supported by strong free cash flow generation in 2Q21, no debt under the Oasis credit facility as of June 30, 2021, and low leverage pro forma for pending Williston Basin acquisition;
• Issued $400.0MM of 6.375% senior unsecured notes due 2026.

"Second quarter operational and financial results demonstrate strong execution and cost control," said Danny Brown, Oasis's Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, Oasis continues to make progress on our key strategic initiatives including our commitment to capital discipline, significant free cash flow generation, and returns to shareholders. In the quarter, we successfully executed multiple strategic initiatives including opportunistically restructuring our asset portfolio at attractive valuations, delivered strong operational results in the field, and identified opportunity to enhance future free cash generation by utilizing our NOLs to offset taxable income. Looking forward, we anticipate generating significant free cash flow and will continue to focus on delivering value and returning cash to shareholders."

"Additionally, Oasis remains committed to our environment, social responsibilities and the sustainability of our enterprise. As such, I'm pleased to announce we are publishing our inaugural Sustainability Report in August which provides greater transparency into our operations and our focus on continuous improvement. I encourage all stakeholders to review the report to better understand our achievements, progress and ongoing commitments in this important area.  Finally, I'm pleased to report we are providing greater transparency into our substantial well inventory with enhanced disclosure on spacing assumptions, anticipated returns, the impact of longer laterals, and economic well count at $55/$2.75 pricing.  We are excited about the progress we have made to-date, but continue to see opportunity to create additional value for our shareholders in the future."

The following table presents select E&P operational and financial data for the second quarter of 2021 compared to guidance for the same period. E&P metrics are consistent with disclosures in the Company's investor presentation, which can be found on the Company's website (www.oasispetroleum.com), and includes further reconciliation to consolidated numbers.

Oasis completed and placed on production 18 gross (12.7 net) operated wells, including 11 gross (9.2 net) operated wells in the Williston Basin and 7 gross (3.5 net) operated wells in the Permian Basin, in the second quarter of 2021. The Company now expects to complete approximately 23 to 25 gross operated wells in 2021 in the Williston Basin.

Financial and Operational Update and Outlook

Oasis expects the acquisition of Williston Basin assets from Diamondback Energy (originally announced May 3, 2021) to close late in the third quarter of 2021. The cash delivered at close will start with the purchase price of $745MM and will be adjusted downward for the $74.5MM deposit paid in May and free cash flow generated from the assets since the April 1 effective date until closing. Overall operations at both Oasis and the acquired assets are in line with prior expectations. 3Q21 guidance assumes the acquisition of Williston Basin assets closes on September 30, 2021, and 4Q21 guidance incorporates the acquisition of Williston Basin assets; both quarters are highlighted in the table below.

NOL Update

The Company has determined that it qualifies for an exception to the limitation on its net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and other tax attributes (collectively, the "Tax Benefits") under Section 382(l)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code, as of its emergence from Chapter 11 restructuring. This qualification results in reducing cash taxes to zero in the second quarter of 2021 and for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, a savings of over $50 million in cash versus prior estimates. As of December 31, 2021, the Company estimates its federal NOL will be between $400 million and $500 million, subject to the closing of the previously announced acquisition of Williston Basin assets, fluctuations in commodity prices and other revisions.

Under Section 382(l)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code, if the Company were to experience an "ownership change" as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code within the two-year period immediately following its date of emergence, the Company would be precluded from utilizing the Tax Benefits following such ownership change. If Oasis is unable to use its Tax Benefits in years in which the Company has taxable income, the Company will pay significantly more in cash tax than if it were able to utilize the Tax Benefits, and those tax costs would negatively impact the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. As a result, the Company announced today that its Board of Directors (the "Board") has adopted a Tax Benefits Preservation Plan (the "Tax Plan") designed to protect the availability of  the Company's Tax Benefits, which may be utilized in certain circumstances to reduce the Company's future income tax obligations. The Tax Plan reduces the likelihood that any changes in the Company's investor base, including an ownership change, would limit the Company's future use of its Tax Benefits.

In adopting the Tax Plan, the Board declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of the Company's common stock. The Rights will trade with the Company's common stock and will expire at the close of business on the earlier of August 3, 2024 (three years from adoption) and the date upon which the Board determines that no Tax Benefits remain available or earlier as described in more detail in the Tax Plan. The Rights will be exercisable if, among other things, a person or group of persons acquires 4.95% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock.

The Tax Plan adopted by the Board is similar to plans adopted by other publicly-held companies with significant NOLs or other substantial tax benefits and is not designed to prevent any action that the Board determines to be in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. The Company expects to submit the Tax Plan for ratification by the Company's shareholders at the Company's 2022 Annual Meeting. Additional information with respect to the Tax Plan and the related Rights will be contained in a Current Report on Form 8-K that the Company will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Rights issued in the Tax Plan are issued pursuant to an agreement between the Company and the rights agent, a copy of which will be filed as an exhibit to the Form 8–K.  For more information regarding the Company's Tax Benefits, please refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Select Operational and Financial Data

The following table presents select operational and financial data for the periods presented:

G&A totaled $20.2MM in 2Q21, $37.4MM in 2Q20, and $20.7MM in 1Q21. Amortization of equity-based compensation, which is included in G&A, was $4.7MM, or $0.95 per barrel of oil equivalent ("Boe"), in 2Q21 as compared to $4.9MM, or $0.99 per Boe, in 2Q20 and $2.2MM, or $0.43 per Boe, in 1Q21. E&P Cash G&A (non-GAAP) totaled $11.0MM in 2Q21, $28.8MM in 2Q20, and $14.0MM in 1Q21. E&P Cash G&A was $2.23 per Boe in 2Q21, $5.84 per Boe in 2Q20, and $2.72 per Boe in 1Q21. For a definition of E&P Cash G&A and a reconciliation of G&A to E&P Cash G&A, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Interest expense was $22.6MM in 2Q21 as compared to $44.4MM in 2Q20 and $8.7MM in 1Q21. Capitalized interest totaled $0.5MM in 2Q21, $1.8MM in 2Q20, and $0.4MM in 1Q21. Cash Interest (non-GAAP) totaled $13.1MM in 2Q21, $39.0MM in 2Q20 and $5.6MM in 1Q21. For a definition of Cash Interest and a reconciliation of interest expense to Cash Interest, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

In 2Q21, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $3.7MM, resulting in a 4.3% effective tax rate as a percentage of its pre-tax income for the quarter. In 1Q21, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $3.7MM, resulting in a 9.4% effective tax rate as a percentage of its pre-tax loss for the quarter.

In 2Q21, the Company reported net income of $73.4MM, or $3.52 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $92.9MM, or $0.29 per diluted share, in 2Q20. Excluding certain non-cash items and their tax effect, Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Oasis (non-GAAP) was $57.6MM, or $2.76 per diluted share, in 2Q21, as compared to Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Oasis of $73.5MM, or $0.23 per diluted share, in 2Q20. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) in 2Q21 was $142.3MM, as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $174.2MM in 2Q20, which included $25.3MM for derivatives monetized in 2Q20. For definitions of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Oasis and Adjusted EBITDA and reconciliations to the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP, see "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below.

Capital Expenditures

The following table presents the Company's total capital expenditures ("CapEx") by category for the period presented:

City of Williston Dedication to OMP

Oasis Petroleum has approved a dedication to OMP for the City of Williston which includes crude oil, natural gas, and produced water services. The City of Williston is one of Oasis Petroleum's top operating areas and is located in close proximity to Oasis Petroleum's Indian Hills project area. Volumes under each service offering are expected to flow as soon as late 2022.

Dividend Declaration

Oasis declared a dividend of $0.375 per share ($1.50/share annualized) for the second quarter of 2021 for shareholders of record as of August 16, 2021, payable on August 27, 2021. Oasis reiterated its plan to increase the fixed dividend to $0.50/share upon the first quarter after closing the previously announced Williston Basin acquisition.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

The following table presents the Company's key balance sheet statistics and liquidity. Debt is calculated in accordance with respective credit facility definitions. The debt held at Oasis and OMP is not cross-collateralized and guarantors under the Oasis credit facility are not responsible for OMP debt.

Hedging Activity

The Company's crude oil contracts settle monthly based on the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate crude oil index price ("NYMEX WTI") for fixed price swaps and costless collars. The Company's natural gas contracts settle monthly based on the average NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas index price ("NYMEX HH") for fixed price swaps. As of August 3, 2021, the Company had the following outstanding commodity derivative contracts:

The June 2021 crude oil derivative contracts settled at a net payable of $25.5MM, which was paid in July 2021 and will be included in the Company's 3Q21 derivative settlements.

Conference Call Information

Investors, analysts and other interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast and conference call:

Sell-side analysts wishing to ask a question may use the following dial-in:

A recording of the conference call will be available beginning at 12:00 p.m. Central Time on the day of the call and will be available until Wednesday, August 11, 2021 by dialing:

The conference call will also be available for replay for approximately 30 days at www.oasispetroleum.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, forward-looking statements contained in this press release specifically include the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the Company, including the Company's drilling program, production, derivative instruments, capital expenditure levels and other guidance included in this press release, as well as the impact of the novel coronavirus 2019 ("COVID-19") pandemic on the Company's operations. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, changes in crude oil and natural gas prices, developments in the global economy, particularly the public health crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the adverse impact thereof on demand for crude oil and natural gas, the outcome of government policies and actions, including actions taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic and to maintain the functioning of national and global economies and markets, the impact of Company actions to protect the health and safety of employees, vendors, customers, and communities, weather and environmental conditions, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, the ability to realize the anticipated benefits from the Williston Basin acquisition, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as the Company's ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting the Company's business and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the Company's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related decline of the oil and gas exploration and production industry may make it particularly difficult to identify risks or predict the degree to which identified risks will impact the Company's business and financial condition. Because considerable uncertainty exists with respect to the future pace and extent of a global economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company cannot predict whether or when crude oil production and economic activities will return to normalized levels.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

About Oasis Petroleum Inc.

Oasis Petroleum Inc. is an independent exploration and production company with quality and sustainable long-lived assets in the Williston and Permian Basins. The Company is uniquely positioned with a best-in-class balance sheet and is focused on rigorous capital discipline and generating free cash flow by operating efficiently, safely and responsibly to develop its unconventional onshore oil-rich resources in the continental United States. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.oasispetroleum.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

E&P Adjusted Gas Revenue

E&P Adjusted Gas Revenue is defined as total natural gas revenues less benefits from our midstream business segment related to natural gas gathering and processing services recorded to consolidated gathering, processing and transportation ("GPT") expenses. E&P Adjusted Gas Revenue is not a measure of natural gas revenues as determined by GAAP. The Company believes that the presentation of E&P Adjusted Gas Revenue provides useful additional information to investors and analysts to evaluate the natural gas revenues derived from our E&P business. This non-GAAP measure is intended to provide investors and analysts an indication of the natural gas revenues the Company would receive if our natural gas volumes were serviced by a third party midstream operator.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of natural gas revenues to the non-GAAP financial measure of E&P Adjusted Gas Revenue for the periods presented (in thousands):

Cash GPT and E&P GPT Reconciliation

Cash GPT is defined as total GPT less non-cash valuation charges on pipeline imbalances. E&P GPT is defined as Cash GPT less the benefits from the Company's midstream business segment related to crude oil gathering and transportation services. Cash GPT and E&P GPT are not a measure of GPT as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Cash GPT and E&P GPT provide useful additional information to investors and analysts to assess the cash costs incurred to get the Company's commodities to market without regard for certain benefits of its midstream business segment, as well as the change in value of its pipeline imbalances, which vary monthly based on commodity prices.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of GPT expenses to the non-GAAP financial measure of Cash GPT and E&P GPT for the periods presented (in thousands):

E&P Cash G&A Reconciliation

E&P Cash G&A is defined as general and administrative ("G&A") expenses less non-cash equity-based compensation expenses, other non-cash charges and G&A expenses attributable to the Company's midstream business segment and other services. E&P Cash G&A is not a measure of G&A as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of E&P Cash G&A provides useful additional information to investors and analysts to assess the Company's operating costs in comparison to peers without regard to equity-based compensation programs, which can vary substantially from company to company, and the G&A costs associated with the Company's midstream business segment.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of G&A expenses to the non-GAAP financial measure of E&P Cash G&A for the periods presented (in thousands):

Cash Interest and E&P Cash Interest Reconciliation

Cash Interest is defined as interest expense plus capitalized interest less amortization and write-offs of deferred financing costs and debt discounts included in interest expense, and E&P Cash Interest is defined as total Cash Interest less Cash Interest attributable to OMP. Cash Interest and E&P Cash Interest are not measures of interest expense as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Cash Interest and E&P Cash Interest provides useful additional information to investors and analysts for assessing the interest charges incurred on the Company's debt to finance its E&P activities, excluding non-cash amortization, and its ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of interest expense to the non-GAAP financial measures of Cash Interest and E&P Cash Interest for the periods presented (in thousands):

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis Reconciliation

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, exploration expenses and other similar non-cash or non-recurring charges. Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis is defined as Adjusted EBITDA less Adjusted EBITDA attributable to OMP, plus distributions from OMP for Oasis's ownership of OMP limited partner units and, prior to the Midstream Simplification, Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis's retained interests in Bobcat DevCo and Beartooth DevCo (the "DevCo Interests") and distributions from OMP GP related to OMP's incentive distribution rights.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis are not measures of net income (loss) or cash flows as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis provides useful additional information to investors and analysts for assessing the Company's results of operations, financial performance, ability to generate cash from its business operations without regard to its financing methods or capital structure and, with respect to Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis, the Company's ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants under the Oasis credit facility.

The following table presents reconciliations of the GAAP financial measures of net income (loss) including non-controlling interests and net cash provided by (used in) operating activities to the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Oasis for the periods presented (in thousands):