HOUSTON - Diamondback (NASDAQ:FANG) Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) and Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNTK) have increased their equity interest in EPIC Crude Holdings, LP to 27.5% each, according to a recent series of transactions aimed at supporting EPIC Crude's growth and financial stability. These moves come as EPIC Midstream Holdings LP continues to manage and retain a 45% equity interest in EPIC Crude.
The transactions include Diamondback converting its existing commitment to a larger volume commitment of 200 thousand barrels per day (MBpd), reflecting its position as the third-largest crude producer in the Permian Basin following a merger with Endeavor Energy Resources. Kinetik has also entered into a new transportation arrangement with EPIC Crude and will connect its crude gathering system to the EPIC Crude pipeline.
These long-term volume commitments from both partners are set to commence in 2025 and are expected to last until 2035, representing over 33% of EPIC Crude's volume capacity. These commitments are backed by minimum volume commitments and are anticipated to enhance the financial returns for all stakeholders involved.
EPIC Crude's operations include transporting over 600 MBpd and securing contracts for roughly 90% of its total volume capacity for 2025. The company's strategy provides customers with access to multiple markets, including Corpus Christi and the Dated Brent market through the EPIC dock.
Brian Freed, CEO of EPIC Midstream, highlighted the strategic importance of the asset and its transformation under the new arrangements. Kaes Van't Hof, President and CFO of Diamondback, emphasized the transactions' role in ensuring cost-effective takeaway for the company's expanded crude portfolio. Jamie Welch, CEO of Kinetik, expressed excitement for the partnership and the value it brings to crude customers.
The financial profile of EPIC Crude is expected to continue strengthening, with improvements in credit ratings anticipated. The potential for a highly economic crude oil pipeline expansion in the Permian is also on the horizon, with plans to carry out the project under fully underwritten contracts, offering the partners an option for approximately one-third of the expansion capacity.
This information is based on a press release statement from EPIC Midstream Holdings LP.
In other recent news, APA Corporation announced a dividend of 25 cents per share for shareholders, a clear sign of the company's financial health. Alongside this, APA Corporation has made significant strategic moves, including the sale of non-core assets in the Permian Basin for $950 million. This sale is expected to reduce the company's debt and streamline operations, allowing it to focus on its most profitable projects. Analysts from TD Cowen, Truist Securities, and Scotiabank have responded positively to these developments. Truist Securities maintained its Buy rating for APA Corporation, despite a revised price target of $45. TD Cowen maintained its Hold rating with a price target of $36.00, while Scotiabank reaffirmed its Sector Perform rating with a steady price target of $30.00. In addition to these measures, APA Corporation has been curtailing the production of gas and gas liquids due to unfavorable pricing, while also repurchasing 1.5 million shares within the quarter. These recent developments highlight APA Corporation's commitment to improving its financial health and focusing on its most competitive projects.
InvestingPro Insights
In light of the recent strategic equity interest increases by Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FANG) and Kinetik Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KNTK) in EPIC Crude Holdings, LP, it's worth examining some key financial metrics and insights that could influence investor perspectives. According to InvestingPro data, Diamondback Energy has a market capitalization of approximately $9.41 billion and maintains a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 2.81, which suggests the stock could be undervalued relative to earnings. The company's revenue for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 stands at $8.91 billion, with a gross profit margin of a robust 71.39%, indicating strong profitability.
One InvestingPro Tip that stands out is Diamondback's impressive track record of maintaining dividend payments for 54 consecutive years, which is a significant indicator of the company's financial stability and commitment to shareholder returns. This is especially relevant for investors seeking income-generating assets. Furthermore, analysts predict that the company will be profitable this year, which is in line with the positive financial data, including a gross profit of $6.36 billion over the same period.
For those interested in more in-depth analysis, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Diamondback Energy, which can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/FANG. Notably, Diamondback's stock price movements have been quite volatile, which could be of interest to investors looking for short-term trading opportunities or those concerned about market fluctuations.
As the financial landscape of the energy sector continues to evolve, these InvestingPro insights and data points provide a clearer picture of Diamondback Energy's current standing and could help investors make more informed decisions in the context of the company's recent moves to bolster its position in EPIC Crude Holdings.
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