Diamondback

Onshore-focused explorers Cimarex Energy Co., Laredo Petroleum Inc. and Diamondback Energy Inc. each reported increased oil production in 2017 and in some cases broke company records, and all three plan to operate within cash flows in 2018.

Newly formed ATX Energy Partners, a successor to Brigham Resources, has secured up to $780 million from a trio of private equity lenders to pursue unconventional resources in the Permian and Williston basins.

Permian Basin volumes hit on all cylinders during the third quarter for Diamondback Energy Inc. and subsidiary Viper Energy Partners LP, the Midland, TX-based operators said.

Diamondback Energy Inc.’s Permian Basin production climbed 38% year/year and was 16% higher sequentially during the fourth quarter as the company raised more rigs in the Southern Delaware.

Viper Energy Partners LP continues to strike acquisition deals this year in the Permian Basin after completing 26 transactions in the second half of 2016, underlined by an “improving market,” the Diamondback Energy Inc. unit said.

Diamondback Energy Inc. has boosted its 2016 production for the second time since July and now expects 2017 output to be up by double-digits, the Permian Basin pure-play said Monday.

Diamondback Energy Inc., which has become an exploration master in the Permian Basin’s Midland sub-basin, is grabbing more Texas leasehold in a $560 million agreement that gives it entry into the basin’s twin prolific play, the Delaware.

In a lower-for-longer commodity price environment, Diamondback Energy Inc. management said Wednesday the Midland, TX-based Permian operator could be looking for potential mergers and acquisitions (M&A) should the right opportunity present itself.

Permian Basin pure-play operator Diamondback Energy Inc. said it appears to have eclipsed its 2015 production guidance, thanks in part to strong production in the fourth quarter, and it now plans to spend $280-375 million for a two- or three-rig drilling program in 2016.