Marathon Oil Reduces Budget Again

February 26, 2015 Elizabeth Alford

Marathon Oil reported last week it is reducing 2015 capital spending another 20 percent from their initial December forecast.

These cuts bring the projected capex to $3.5 billion, which is less than half of 2013 spending and includes exploration spending of $232 million.

Marathon Oil will continue to focus on activity in the Eagle Ford and plans to spend 41% of its 2015 in the Texas region. Of the $1.4 billion earmarked for the Eagle Ford, approximately $1.0 billion is dedicated to drilling and completions. The company will drill 141-152 net wells and bring 176-192 total wells to sale in the new year.

“We’re also prepared to exercise further flexibility in our spend levels as pricing and the macro environment warrant. Our objective is clear—to deliver long-term shareholder value, regardless of the commodity price cycle, by focusing on those elements of our business which we control.”

— CEO, Lee Tillman

Marathon Oil in the Eagle Ford

Marathon Oil has increased its acquisitions in the Eagle Ford over the last several years and now holds approximately 211,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford. has invested strategically to grow its presence in the formation’s highest value oil and condensate core areas. Activity is focused on Atascosa, DeWitt, Gonzales and Karnes counties.

EOG Reduces Eagle Ford Wells for 2015

February 24, 2015 Elizabeth Alford

EOG Resources, the largest operator in the Eagle Ford, announced its fourth quarterly earnings and revised capex for 2015. The spending plan includes a capital budget that focuses on the Eagle Ford, Bakken and Delaware Basin.

Despite falling crude prices throughout the fall months, EOG managed to finish with strong Q4 numbers. The company reported a quarterly net income at $445 million with an overall 2014 income of $2,915 million, compared to $2,197 million for 2013.

Production in the Eagle Ford was strong across several counties:

Karnes County: four wells that produced over 19,000 Bopd, 1,700 Bpd of NGLs and 10 MMcfd of natural gas, collectively

La Salle County: two wells with production rates of 2,460 and 2,850 Bopd, plus 165 and 190 Bpd of NGLs and 975 thousand cubic feet per day (Mcfd) and 1.1 MMcfd of natural gas

McMullen County: One new well brought online at an initial production rate of 2,535 Bopd, with 180 Bpd of NGLs and 1.1 MMcfd of natural gas

For 2015, EOG plans capital expenditures to range from $4.9 to $5.1 billion including projects for production facilities and midstream expenditures. This represents a 40 percent reduction compared to 2014 spending as the company takes a cautious approach due to continued low crude prices.

“In 2015, EOG will execute a balanced drilling program across the length of its Eagle Ford acreage. Due to advancements achieved in the western acreage during the last two years, returns are competitive with the east and a balanced drilling program will maximize operational efficiencies. EOG plans to complete about 345 net wells in the Eagle Ford compared to 534 in 2014.”

Murphy Hits Record Eagle Ford Production in Q2 2014

August 20, 2014 Kirk Eggleston

Murphy Oil Corp.'s second-quarter Eagle Ford production hit a new company record of 52,184 boe/d, with a 90% liquids cut. That's up about 6% from the previous quarter and 33% year-over-year. Murphy expects to surpass 60,000 boe/d in 2015. At current rates, the company should realize its anticipated production target in the first or second quarter of next year.

Portfolio-wide, the company averaged total production of 210,191 boe/d, which is about 3% less than anticipated for the quarter. The shortfall was attributed to Murphy's operational delays relating to its offshore business in Malaysia.

In the Eagle Ford Shale, 53 new wells were brought on line during the quarter. That's up from 44 wells in the first quarter of 2014.

The company is currently operating eight drilling rigs and four completions across the play. Murphy expects to bring on a total of 200 wells (including non-operated locations) in 2014.

Murphy's Upper Eagle Ford Tests Could Boost Drilling Inventory

According to company officials, further testing for upside potential in the Upper Eagle Ford Shale zone is expected, which could yield 600 additional well locations, beyond the 1,500 locations remaining to be drilled in the Lower Eagle Ford Shale. Murphy officials also indicate downspacing efforts across the Eagle Ford continue to deliver positive results. At the company's current pace, officials expect 10 + years of drilling.

Furthermore, Murphy is in the process of conducting negotiations for two separate pipeline arrangements in its Karnes and Tilden areas of the play to transport up to 28,000 b/d oil net to market. The company hopes to reduce trucking operations and improve overall reliability.