Analysis of Company's Performance:
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, Ranger Oil Corp faced several significant developments. The company acquired Lonestar Resources US Inc. on October 5, 2021, which enabled it to expand its operations. Additionally, they announced a proposed merger with Baytex on February 27, 2023, which is expected to close late in the second quarter of 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Furthermore, the company's share repurchase program was extended from $100 million to $140 million through June 30, 2023. During the fiscal year, Ranger Oil Corp also repurchased shares of its Class A Common Stock worth $75.2 million at an average purchase price of $34.95. Finally, the current financial year saw the company increase its aggregate elected commitment amounts under the Credit Facility from $400 million to $500 million and borrowing base increased to $950 million.
Ranger Oil Corp is an independent oil and gas company focused on onshore development and production of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas. As such, the company is impacted by the volatility of energy supply and demand, which is further exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 global public healthcare crisis coupled with the Russia-Ukraine war and related sanctions, which began in the first quarter of 2022. Higher commodity prices have increased inflation, which has led to increased costs of services, along with certain materials necessary for their operations. The Inflation Reduction Act passed into law in August 2022 and interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve also continue to create pricing and economic volatility in the markets, which could impact Ranger Oil Corp's operations and performance.
Forward-Looking Analysis:
Going ahead, the proposed merger with Baytex is expected to provide Ranger Oil Corp with new opportunities for growth and expansion. This is expected to further diversify their asset base and drive the creation of additional value. The acquisition of Lonestar Resources US Inc. in 2021 is also expected to provide the company with significant operational synergies, including the consolidation of overlapping acreage and assets, along with ancillary facilities.
The impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic on the global energy markets remains an area of concern, which could impact Ranger Oil Corp's performance. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and related sanctions also could have a considerable impact on the company's performance during the current fiscal year. The increasing inflation rates caused by higher commodity prices could lead to additional pressure on the company's margins and profitability. However, the long-term fundamentals of the oil and gas sector remain positive, and the outlook for the industry continues to remain relatively strong.
Furthermore, management's focus on improving the company's leverage and capital structure through additional share repurchases and its proposed merger with Baytex could help position Ranger Oil Corp well for future growth and value creation in the years to come. However, it remains to be seen how these factors will impact the company's future performance, and investors should exercise caution when assessing the risk and potential reward of investing in the energy industry.