UPDATE 1-Diamondback Energy sees oilfield inflation easing

Kitco Media
By Reuters
Published:
Updated:
Reuters
(Adds details from earnings call) By Liz Hampton DENVER, May 2 (Reuters) - U.S. shale producer Diamondback Energy on Tuesday said rig prices are falling and steel costs are set to decline by about $20-$25 per foot, a sign the inflationary pressures that plagued the oilfield in the past year are easing.


Diamondback's second-quarter average rig dayrate is down from the first quarter, the company told investors. It did not specify how much the rate had declined.


The company also said it anticipated dealmaking to pick up in the oil patch, as private firms look to monetize.


"I really think the next couple of years are going to be interesting in the M&A landscape," CEO Travis Stice told investors on an earnings call.


He added that there are "some small-cap public companies that are going to need to figure out some form of exit strategy to continue to be relevant in the future."
(Reporting by Liz Hampton in Denver; Editing by Mark Porter)

Messaging: Reuters Messaging: liz.hampton.reuters@reuters.net))
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.