Crescent Energy Reports Second Quarter 2022 Financial and Operating Results

Crescent Energy Company (NYSE: CRGY), ("Crescent" or the "Company"), today announced financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2022 and a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share. The Company plans to host a conference call and webcast to discuss the results at 10 a.m. CT, Wednesday, August 10, 2022. Details can be found in this release.

Second Quarter 2022 Highlights

• Produced 142 MBoe/d, an 18% increase over the first quarter, primarily driven by Uinta volumes following close of the acquisition on March 30, 2022
  • Produced 64 MBbl/d of oil, a 45% increase over the first quarter; oil comprised 45% of total second quarter volumes on an equivalent basis
• Reported $282 million of net income and $226 million of Adjusted Net Income⁽¹⁾
• Generated $373 million of Adjusted EBITDAX⁽¹⁾, $640 million of Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX⁽¹⁾ and $137 million of Levered Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾, representing a 92%, 73% and 53% quarter-over-quarter increase, respectively
• Exited the second quarter at 1.2x Net LTM Leverage⁽¹⁾, in-line with its long-term corporate target
• Operating expense and general and administrative ("G&A") expenses decreased on a Boe basis
• Crescent's inaugural Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 submission rated highest-level "Gold Standard"
• Capital investments, excluding acquisitions, during the second quarter were $193 million, in-line with guidance

Crescent CEO David Rockecharlie said, “Through mid-year, we continue to perform incredibly well across the business and execute our business plan to add long-term value for our shareholders. We are seeing solid early-time results from our new assets in the Uinta, which are contributing significantly to our near 100% quarter-over-quarter increase in cash flow. Although industry-wide inflation and service availability are creating headwinds, our people continue to find ways to mitigate these pressures, while generating significant returns on invested capital.”

Second Quarter 2022 Results

Crescent reported $282 million of net income and $226 million of Adjusted Net Income⁽¹⁾. The Company generated $373 million of Adjusted EBITDAX⁽¹⁾, $640 million of Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX⁽¹⁾ and $137 million of Levered Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾ for the period, a 92%, 73% and 53% increase, respectively, relative to the first quarter, reflecting the addition of Uinta volumes and higher commodity prices.

Costs and expenses during the quarter were in-line with Company expectations. Lower costs per Boe from Uinta volumes resulted in a 3% decrease in operating expense relative to the first quarter, and an 8% decrease excluding production and other taxes. This improvement includes certain transaction expenses from the Uinta acquisition and incremental workover activity during the quarter. G&A expense and Adjusted Recurring Cash G&A⁽¹⁾ (includes manager compensation and excludes non-cash equity-based compensation) totaled $1.52 and $1.40 per Boe, a 27% and 18% decrease relative to the first quarter, respectively, reflecting limited incremental overhead from the Uinta acquisition.

Crescent produced 142 net MBoe/d in the second quarter (comprised of 45% oil, 14% NGLs, and 41% gas), an 18% increase above first quarter volumes, and in-line with guidance.

Average realized price for the second quarter, excluding the effect of commodity derivatives, totaled $68.96 per Boe, a 27% increase relative to $54.28 in the first quarter. Excluding the effect of commodity derivatives, average realized price by commodity in the second quarter was $104.23 per barrel of oil, $6.40 per Mcf of gas, and $46.98 per barrel of NGLs

Capital investments, excluding acquisitions, were $193 million during the quarter. The Company drilled 16 gross operated locations in the Uinta and 9 in the Eagle Ford. In addition, Crescent brought online 4 gross wells in the Uinta and 9 in the Eagle Ford. Crescent is planning to operate two rigs (one Uinta, one Eagle Ford) for the remainder of the year.

Financial Position

As of June 30, 2022, the Company had total debt of $1.5 billion, consisting of $700 million of senior unsecured notes and $829 million of outstanding borrowings on its revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). Total liquidity as of June 30, 2022, was $508 million, including availability on its revolver ($1.3 billion elected commitment with a $1.8 billion borrowing base), cash and cash equivalents of $55 million, and outstanding letters of credit of $18 million. Crescent exited the quarter with a Net LTM Leverage⁽¹⁾ ratio of 1.2x, in-line with its stated target. The Company expects to generate significant Levered Free Cash Flow for the remainder of 2022, which it plans to use to fund its dividend and further strengthen the balance sheet.

Dividend

Consistent with the Company’s framework to return cash to shareholders, the Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share, payable on September 6, 2022, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 23, 2022. Crescent expects to pay a $0.17 per share quarterly dividend for the remainder of 2022, subject to Board approval and applicable law.

Risk Management

Crescent utilizes hedges to manage commodity price risks, protect the balance sheet, and ensure returns on invested capital. Crescent is approximately 60% hedged for the remainder of 2022 at the midpoint of its production guidance range. Approximately 50% of the Company’s current hedge book was entered into in connection with prior acquisitions. As certain acquisition hedges are rolled off, the Company will more fully participate at market pricing. Complete details on the Company's derivative positions can be found in its investor presentation located at https://ir.crescentenergyco.com/events-presentations/.

Second Quarter 2022 Conference Call Information

Crescent plans to host a conference call to discuss its second quarter 2022 financial and operating results at 10 a.m. CT on Wednesday, August 10. Complete details are below. A webcast replay will be available on the website following the call. Crescent has provided an investor slide deck on its second quarter 2022 results on its website, www.crescentenergyco.com.

Date: Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Time: 10 a.m. CT (11 a.m. ET)

Conference Dial-In: 877-407-0989 / 201-389-0921 (Domestic / International)

Webcast Link: https://ir.crescentenergyco.com/events-presentations/

About Crescent Energy Company

Crescent is a well-capitalized, U.S. independent energy company with a portfolio of assets in key proven basins across the lower 48 states and substantial cash flow supported by a predictable base of production. Crescent’s core leadership team is a group of experienced investment, financial and industry professionals who continue to execute on the strategy management has employed since 2011. The Company’s mission is to invest in energy assets and deliver better returns, operations and stewardship. For additional information, please visit www.crescentenergyco.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on current expectations, including with respect to the Uinta Acquisition. The words and phrases “should”, “could”, “may”, “will”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “potential”, “possible”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “view”, “efforts”, “goal” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements and express the Company’s expectations about future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this communication that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, weather, political, economic and market conditions, including a decline in the price and market demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil, the impact of pandemics such as COVID-19, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and non-OPEC oil producing countries, the impact of armed conflict, including in Ukraine, the timing and success of business development efforts, sustained cost inflation and central bank policy changes associated therewith, and other uncertainties. Consequently, actual future results could differ materially from expectations. The Company assumes no duty to update or revise its respective forward-looking statements based on new information, future events or otherwise.

Financial Presentation

On December 7, 2021, Crescent was formed through the merger of Independence Energy ("Independence"), and Contango Oil and Gas ("Contango"). Referenced results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022, as well as the three months ended March 31, 2022, reflect the combined Company. Referenced results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, reflect only legacy Independence, Crescent's predecessor for financial reporting purposes.

While OpCo Units and corresponding shares of Class B common stock are outstanding in our "Up-C" structure, and in accordance with the terms of our Management Agreement under which Class A shareholders bear only their proportionate share of Manager Compensation, portions of Manager Compensation, income tax provision (benefit) amounts and dividends paid corresponding to such ownership are required to be classified as distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests rather than G&A expense, income tax provision (benefit), and dividends paid to Class A Common Stock, respectively. We define those redeemable noncontrolling interest ("RNCI") distributions made by OpCo related to (i) Manager Compensation as “Manager Compensation RNCI Distributions,” (ii) income tax provision (benefit), as “Income Tax RNCI Distributions,” and (iii) dividends paid as “Dividend RNCI Distributions.”

To facilitate comparison of our G&A expense, dividends paid to Class A Common Stock, and income tax provision (benefit) to peer companies with varying corporate and management structures, Adjusted EBITDAX, Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX and Levered Free Cash Flow, for both (i) historical periods since the Merger Transaction and (ii) periods for which we provide guidance, are presented assuming the full redemption of all outstanding OpCo Units for shares of our Class A common stock and a corresponding cancellation of all shares of our Class B Common Stock. Management believes this presentation is most useful to investors, as the full amounts of Manager Compensation as G&A expense, dividends paid to Class A Common Stock, and income tax provision (benefit) are thereby reflected as such.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

This release includes financial measures that have not been calculated in accordance with GAAP. These non- GAAP measures include Adjusted EBITDAX, Levered Free Cash Flow, Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Recurring Cash G&A, Adjusted Current Income Tax, Adjusted Dividends Paid and Net LTM Leverage. These non-GAAP measures should be read in conjunction with the information contained in Crescent’s audited combined and consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDAX and Levered Free Cash Flow

Crescent defines Adjusted EBITDAX as net income (loss) before interest expense, realized (gain) loss on interest rate derivatives, income tax expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, exploration expense, non-cash gain (loss) on derivative contracts, impairment of oil and natural gas properties, non-cash equity-based compensation, gain (loss) on sale of assets, other (income) expense, transaction and nonrecurring expenses and early settlement of derivative contracts and further adjusted to include Manager G&A NCI Distributions. Management believes Adjusted EBITDAX is a useful performance measure because it allows for an effective evaluation of the Company’s operating performance when compared against its peers, without regard to financing methods, corporate form or capital structure. The Company adjusts net income (loss) for the items listed above in arriving at Adjusted EBITDAX because these amounts can vary substantially within its industry depending upon accounting methods and book values of assets, capital structures and the method by which the assets were acquired. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP, of which such measure is the most comparable GAAP measure. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax burden, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are reflected in Adjusted EBITDAX. The Company’s presentation of Adjusted EBITDAX should not be construed as an inference that its results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. Crescent’s computations of Adjusted EBITDAX may not be identical to other similarly titled measures of other companies. In addition, the Company’s Credit Agreement and the notes include a calculation of Adjusted EBITDAX for purposes of covenant compliance.

Crescent defines Levered Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDAX less interest expense, excluding non-cash deferred financing cost amortization, realized gain (loss) on interest rate derivatives, current income tax provision (benefit), Income Tax Distributions and development of oil and natural gas properties. Levered Free Cash Flow does not take into account amounts incurred on acquisitions. Levered Free Cash Flow is not a measure of performance as determined by GAAP. Levered Free Cash Flow is a supplemental non-GAAP performance measure that is used by Crescent’s management and external users of its financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. Management believes Levered Free Cash Flow is a useful performance measure because it allows for an effective evaluation of operating and financial performance and the ability of the Company’s operations to generate cash flow that is available to reduce leverage or distribute to equity holders. Levered Free Cash Flow should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP, of which such measure is the most comparable GAAP measure, or as an indicator of actual operating performance or investing activities. The Company’s computations of Levered Free Cash Flow may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) and Levered Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP) to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP:

Reconciliation of Operating Cash Flow to Levered Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

The table below reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Levered Free Cash Flow:

Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX

Crescent defines Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX as Adjusted EBITDAX plus realized (gain) loss on commodity derivatives. Management believes Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX is a useful performance measure because it allows for an effective evaluation of the Company’s operating performance when compared against its peers, without regard to commodity derivatives, which can vary substantially within its industry depending upon peers hedging strategies and when hedges were entered into. Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as determined in accordance with GAAP, of which such measure is the most comparable GAAP measure. Certain items excluded from Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s realized derivative loss or gain, cost of capital and tax burden, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are reflected in Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX. The Company’s presentation of Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX should not be construed as an inference that its results will be unaffected by unusual or nonrecurring items. Crescent’s computations of Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX may not be identical to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Unhedged Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) to Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP). In the table above, Adjusted EBITDAX (non-GAAP) is reconciled to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP:

Adjusted Net Income

Crescent defines Adjusted Net Income as net income (loss), adjusted for certain items. Management believes that Adjusted Net Income is useful to investors in evaluating operational trends of the Company and its performance relative to other oil and gas companies. Adjusted Net Income is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income as an indicator of financial performance. The GAAP measure most directly comparable to Adjusted Net Income is net income (loss).

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (non-GAAP) to net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP:

Adjusted Recurring Cash G&A

Crescent defines Adjusted Recurring Cash G&A as General and Administrative Expense, excluding non-cash equity-based compensation and transaction and nonrecurring expenses, and including Manager Compensation RNCI Distributions⁽⁵⁾. Management believes Adjusted Recurring Cash G&A is a useful performance measure because it excludes transaction and nonrecurring expenses and non-cash equity-based compensation and includes the portion of Manager compensation that is not reflected as G&A expense, facilitating the ability for investors to compare Crescent's cash G&A expense against peer companies. As discussed elsewhere, these adjustments are made to Adjusted EBITDAX, Adjusted Unhedged EBITDAX and Levered Free Cash Flow for historical periods and periods for which we present guidance.

Adjusted Current Income Tax

Crescent defines Adjusted Current Income Tax as current income tax provision (benefit) plus Income Tax RNCI Distributions. Management believes Adjusted Current Income Tax is a useful performance measure because it reflects as tax provision (benefit) the amount of cash distributed for taxes that is otherwise classified as redeemable noncontrolling interest distributions, facilitating the ability for investors to compare Crescent’s tax provision (benefit) against peer companies, and is included in the Company’s Levered Free Cash Flow calculation for historical periods and for periods for which guidance is provided.

Adjusted Dividends Paid

Crescent defines Adjusted Dividends Paid as Dividend to Class A common stock plus Dividend RNCI Distributions. Management believes Adjusted Dividends Paid is a useful performance measure because it reflects the full amount of cash distributed for dividends that is otherwise classified as distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests, facilitating the ability for investors to compare Crescent’s dividends paid against peer companies.

Net LTM Leverage

Crescent defines Net LTM Leverage as the ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated Adjusted EBITDAX as calculated under the credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") governing Crescent’s Revolving Credit Facility. For purposes of the Credit Agreement, (i) consolidated total debt is calculated as total principal amount of Senior Notes, plus borrowings on our Revolving Credit Facility and unreimbursed drawings under letters of credit, less cash and cash equivalents and (ii) consolidated Adjusted EBITDAX includes certain adjustments to account for EBITDAX contributions associated with acquisitions the Company has closed within the last twelve months.

Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-GAAP financial measure.

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