Lavaca County — Eagle Ford Shale News

In its quarterly report, Devon Energy announced it finished an “outstanding year” as it rebounded from a $20 million net loss in 2013 to end 2014 with net earnings of $1.6 billion.

Devon's fourth-quarter total production rose 20% to 239,000 barrels per day, which represents a 48% increase from 2013.

The report credits the Eagle Ford’s prolific wells for these record numbers. Devon Energy is active in over 82,000 acres in DeWitt and Lavaca counties in Texas.

“Devon delivered another exceptional performance in the fourth quarter, rounding out an outstanding year for the company, including a significant repositioning of the portfolio.”

— John Richels, President and CEO.

ooking to 2015, Devon has significantly reduced its capital budget for next year by 20% to $4.96 billion. The company plans to slash its spending in all areas except the Eagle Ford, including a 21% cut in exploration and production. The company predicts oil production will increase 20% to 25% in 2015 and they plan to operate on 13 rigs for 2015, as compared with more than 20 rigs last year.

“With strong results from our enhanced completions and a focus on core development areas, we expect growth in oil production to be between 20 and 25 percent in 2015.”

— John Richels

In other Devon news, Chief Executive John Richels announced in December his plans to retire at the end of July. It is expected that their Chief Operating Officer, Dave Hager, will be named as his successor. Read more here.

Get the full report at devonenergy.com

Penn Virginia Eagle Ford Operations Update - Dec 2013

During the first quarter of 2014, Penn Virginia added 6,400 net acres at a cost of $3,000 per acre, and in January, the company sold its Eagle Ford Shale natural gas gathering assets for $100 million in-part for reinvestment in the play.

Penn Virginia currently has 125,300 gross acres (85,900 net) in the Eagle Ford, and anticipates on growing its acreage to a minimum of 100,000 net acres.

“Due to continued success in adding to our Eagle Ford Shale acreage position, we are increasing our leasing capital expenditures guidance for the year.”

— CEO, H. Baird Whitehead

It can be assumed with great confidence that Penn Virginia will strike a deal for more Eagle Ford acreage in the very near future.

Penn Virginia Eagle Ford First Quarter Operations Update

Penn Virginia's Eagle Ford production was up 15% quarter over quarter, from 13,145 boe/d to 15,152 boe/d at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Eagle Ford production represented ~72% of Penn Virginia's record breaking total production for the quarter of 21,133 boe/d.

During the quarter, the company saw positive results from two of its Upper Eagle Ford test wells in Lavaca County. One of the wells had an initial production (IP) rate of 2,165 boe/d. Company officials say that the two wells have the highest wellhead flowing pressures they have seen to date in the Eagle Ford, with GORs (gas-oil-ratios) of 5,000 - 6,000 standard cubic feet per barrel.

“Initial testing of our adjacent Upper / Lower Eagle Ford Shale wells commenced in the first quarter and the initial results are strong. We saw initial production in excess of 2,000 BOEPD with a very high flowing pressure. Longer term testing will be necessary in order to fully understand the upside associated with the Upper Eagle Ford Shale, but we are very optimistic about the play.”

— Whitehead

Penn Virginia estimates in both the upper and the Lower and the Upper Eagle Ford that approximately 1,510 gross drilling locations remain. Of that figure, 68% of those locations are prospective for the Lower Eagle Ford.

During the quarter, the company completed 16 (12.9 net) operated wells and participated in the completion of two (0.9 net) outside operated wells. At the end of the quarter, the company had a total of 19 (11.1 net) wells completing or waiting on completion and six (3.4 net) wells being drilled.