Hess Corp. Lowers 2016 Capital And Exploratory Expenditures

(RTTNews) - Hess Corp. (HES) announced a 2016 E&P capital and exploratory budget of $2.4 billion, a 40 percent reduction from its 2015 actual spend of $4.0 billion and approximately 20 percent below preliminary 2016 guidance of $2.9-$3.1 billion provided in October.

Greg Hill, President and COO, said: "We take a long term view to managing our business and we will continue to invest in our growth projects and prospects, including exploration and appraisal activities. However, in response to the current low oil price environment, we have significantly decreased our 2016 capital and exploratory expenditures and we plan to reduce activity at all of our producing assets. Moreover, we will continue to pursue further cost reductions and efficiency gains across our portfolio."

The company estimates net production to average between 330,000 and 350,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2016. Bakken net production is forecast to average between 95,000 and 105,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2016. The production forecasts are unchanged from preliminary guidance provided in October.