(By Oil & Gas 360) – Capital discipline continues to define strategy across the U.S. energy sector.
SM Energy announced an agreement to sell its South Texas assets to Caturus Energy for $950 million, further streamlining its portfolio and reinforcing liquidity. The transaction reflects an industry trend toward concentrating capital in core operating areas while monetizing non-core positions.
Occidental Petroleum reported a strong quarter and highlighted progress on debt reduction following the sale of its OxyChem business. Strengthening the balance sheet remains a priority for the company as it positions itself to manage commodity price volatility while maintaining shareholder returns.
Expand Energy also posted solid fourth-quarter results and outlined plans to increase natural gas production in 2026. The growth target signals confidence in longer-term gas fundamentals, particularly as U.S. LNG export capacity expands and power generation demand remains resilient.
Collectively, the announcements point to a sector focused less on aggressive expansion and more on capital efficiency, balance sheet strength, and selective growth tied to durable demand trends.
In an environment of moderated oil prices and repositioning natural gas markets, operators appear committed to financial resilience and measured execution rather than rapid production growth.
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