Jeffrey Robertson's questions to HighPeak Energy (HPK) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Jeffrey Robertson of Water Tower Research LLC inquired about HighPeak Energy's financial strategy and operational plans, covering topics such as target liquidity levels for debt repayment, the drivers of working capital fluctuations, the limiting factors for expanding simul-frac operations, the influence of well inventory on rig count decisions, the expected impact of Middle Spraberry wells on year-end reserves, and the production outlook for the upcoming quarters.
Answer
CFO Steven Tholen stated that HighPeak aims to maintain significant liquidity, currently over $200 million, and will use free cash flow to pay down debt, contingent on oil prices. He explained that working capital swings were due to the reduction in rig count, a trend expected to stabilize in Q3. President Michael Hollis added that simul-frac is most efficient on pads with four or more wells, but they are exploring 'hybrid' options for smaller pads. He noted that the current inventory of drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs) is sufficient for the year's completion schedule and that the Middle Spraberry will contribute significantly more to 2025 reserves than it did in 2024. Regarding production, Hollis reiterated that output will be lumpy quarter-to-quarter and directed investors to the full-year guidance as the most reliable indicator.