GeoPark Exits Vaca Muerta Deal, Focuses on Strategic Growth Plans

GeoPark Limited GPRK recently announced the termination of its previously disclosed agreement with Phoenix Global Resources, which involved acquiring a non-operated working interest in four unconventional blocks in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta. The deal, governed by a FarmOut Agreement, included an “Outside Date” clause that allowed either party to withdraw by May 13, 2025. Phoenix exercised this option, leading to the transaction’s cancellation.Despite the withdrawal, GeoPark remains undeterred and focused on its long-term strategy built around sustainable, profitable growth in Latin America’s energy sector.An Insight Into the Original Vaca Muerta Block Purchase DealIn April 2024, GeoPark made a strategic move by offering to buy a non-operated working interest in Argentina's Neuquen Basin's Vaca Muerta Formation. The acquisition was expected to close in the third quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approval and would add over 5,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to GeoPark’s production. The $200 million deal, with an additional $110-$120 million earmarked for exploration over two years, was decided to be funded through cash, credit facilities and new financing while maintaining a net debt-to-adjusted EBITDA ratio below 1.1x.Staying Aligned With the North Star StrategyGeoPark reaffirmed its commitment to its "North Star" strategic pillars — developing big assets in prolific basins with a disciplined and dependable approach. With $330 million in cash, a net leverage ratio under 1.0x and a hedging program covering 87% of its 2025 volumes, the company is well-positioned to pursue other strategic avenues.GeoPark continues to strengthen its core by maximizing returns from high-value projects in its current portfolio, pursuing inorganic growth through carefully evaluated opportunities within its core geographies and maintaining strategic flexibility, considering options such as share buybacks, debt reduction or dividends based on prevailing market conditions.GPRK’s Zacks Rank and Key PicksHamilton, Bermuda-based GeoPark is an explorer, operator and consolidator of oil and gas. The company operates primarily in Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina. Currently, GPRK has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some top-ranked stocks like Prairie Operating Co. PROP, Global Partners LP GLP and Expand Energy Corporation EXE. While Prairie Operating and Global Partners currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, Expand Energy carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Houston-based Prairie Operating is an independent energy company engaged in the development and acquisition of proven, producing oil and natural gas resources principally in the United States. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PROP’s 2025 earnings indicates 389.05% year-over-year growth.Global Partners is a Delaware limited partnership formed by affiliates of the Slifka family. Global Partners owns, controls or has access to one of the largest terminal networks of refined petroleum products in New England. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GLP’s 2025 earnings indicates 17.84% year-over-year growth.Expand Energy is a leading U.S.-based natural gas producer formed through the merger of Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EXE’s 2025 earnings indicates 444.68% year-over-year growth.5 Stocks Set to DoubleEach was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%.Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor.Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Global Partners LP (GLP): Free Stock Analysis Report Geopark Ltd (GPRK): Free Stock Analysis Report Prairie Operating Co. (PROP): Free Stock Analysis Report Expand Energy Corporation (EXE): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks