Black Stone Minerals, L.P. (NYSE:BSM) Q3 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

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Evan Kiefer: Yes. So, based off of the production that we saw in the third quarter, all of that was really, or at least the vast majority of that was from wells that were drilled in 2023. The actual breakdown between what was in the current quarter versus production that we received from prior periods going to be a smaller portion or a smaller piece of that. But like I said, the majority of the increase in oil volumes in this quarter was all really drilled in 2023.

Derrick Whitfield: And with regard to the 28 Angelina County Aethon wells that are in various stages of development, could you help frame the split on where they lie in development and your expectations on when the wells will be turned in line?

Evan Kiefer: Yes. So, we have through that agreement certain criteria that requires them to drill and complete those wells. Whenever we look at what the wells are currently being in the drilling phase, that may include wells that are on the same pad. That’s going to be on average, call it, 10 months from initial drill to turn in line going forward. And so we would expect to see those wells coming online, most likely in the middle of next year.

Tom Carter: I would just add something to that statement. Aethon is really doing a great job out there in the Shelby Trough. And they have a growing program out there and some of the metrics around timing that we built into our contract some 2 years or 3 years ago are morphing as multi-pad development wells become more common, and the program is likely to expand. So, we may see a little bit more lumpiness in turning to sales because they are doing more wells at once, and it takes longer to get a full set of them up and ready to turn on. But we see that as positive and we really look to work closely with Aethon on all of that.

Derrick Whitfield: And perhaps staying with you for one last follow-up, if I could. I know your focus in the recent years has been on organic conversion opportunities. Having said that, how would you characterize the current state of the M&A market and your desire to participate in that?

Tom Carter: Well, I will answer that this way. The overall M&A market is pretty frothy in terms of valuations, I would say. But we think there continue to be more opportunities than we would have said we saw a year or 2 years ago, but we are trying to look in places where maybe other people aren’t looking.

Derrick Whitfield: Sure. Thanks for your time.

Evan Kiefer: Thank you, Derrick.

Operator: At this time, I will turn the conference back over to our presenters for any additional or closing comments.

Tom Carter: Well, thank you all for joining us today. We are pretty optimistic with the pace, and activity levels that we are seeing and our ability to continue to grow our platform, and we look forward to talking to you again next quarter.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, that does conclude today’s program. You may disconnect at this time.

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