Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Will WTI Discount Hamper Unconventional Resources Growth?

Historically, cash flow from legacy assets has helped many companies fund investment in unconventional resources in such plays as Eagle Ford. However, the recent discount to WTI has put a crimp in that cash flow (despite the small bump to $85.44 yesterday) and could result in CAPEX deficits for some companies who made assumptions about higher oil prices (a potentially dangerous mistake in a high cost environment). Will external funding be needed to bridge the gap? Will it be available? Will hedges suffice (probably not for many)? Will companies have to divest assets to fund development or will they make new offerings of equity?


What are your thoughts on how price discounts will influence CAPEX budgets and unconventional development?