A weekly update on issues important to the oil and gas industry
The oilfield water sector is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of the energy value chain. Rising water volumes, tightening disposal capacity, and increasing costs are reshaping production economics and investment priorities. At the same time, emerging links between produced water and AI infrastructure highlight new opportunities at the intersection of energy, technology, and sustainability.
Mercer Capital is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Energy Purchase Price Allocation Study. This study researches and observes publicly available purchase price allocation data from companies primarily contained in one of the four sub-sectors of the energy industry: (i) exploration & production; (ii) oilfield services; (iii) midstream; and (iv) downstream. This study is unlike any other in terms of energy industry specificity and depth.
For this week’s post, we’re highlighting our whitepaper, “How to Value Your Exploration and Production Company.” The piece provides a comprehensive overview of the key factors that drive value in the upstream oil and gas sector, offering readers a clear framework for understanding how operational performance, reserve economics, and commodity pricing influence company worth. It also explores core energy valuation methodologies—including cash flow analysis, reserve-based approaches, and market benchmarking—to help executives, investors, and advisors navigate the complexities of assessing value in a constantly evolving energy market.
Appalachian production improved modestly over the past year, with steady drilling activity and enhanced infrastructure driving a 6% increase despite subdued natural gas prices. The Mountain Valley Pipeline’s completion provided much-needed takeaway capacity, improving flow reliability and narrowing basis differentials. Public operators like EQT and Range Resources led performance gains, reflecting a stabilizing investment environment as the basin moves toward 2026 with firmer fundamentals and growing exposure to LNG export opportunities.
Appalachian Basin deal activity may be quieter, but strategic bolt-ons and creative financing are redefining how value is built in a cautious market.
Equity markets reward growth, but lenders value discipline. Viewing upstream performance through a credit analyst’s lens reveals how scale, costs, reserves, and prudent leverage drive both credit strength and enterprise value.
At Hart Energy’s 2025 A&D Strategies and Opportunities Conference in Dallas, two central themes emerged: the maturation of Tier 1 U.S. shale inventory and diverging dynamics between private and public players in dealmaking. The conference highlighted the evolving dynamics of the U.S. upstream oil and gas market. With Tier 1 shale assets maturing, private and public participants are behaving differently, and deal strategies have become more selective. Read more in this week’s post.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) brings sweeping changes to the U.S. oil and gas industry. By revising tax rules, restoring leasing predictability, and lowering royalty rates, the Act reshapes project economics and carries significant implications for valuation and long-term investment.
Mercer Capital has its finger on the pulse of the minerals market. The most recent Mineral Aggregator Valuation Multiples Study is now available.
Q2 2025 earnings calls reflected an industry still guided by discipline but open to opportunity. OFS providers and E&P companies alike reiterated their focus on returning capital to shareholders and preserving balance sheet strength, while also pointing to selective international and offshore growth initiatives. The result is a sector cautious about near-term pricing and activity levels in North America, yet strategically positioning for selective long-term expansion. Read more in this week’s post.
