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23.01.2024
Callon Petroleum Bond Reacts to APA's $4.5B Buyout
Callon Petroleum Bond Reacts to APA's $4.5B Buyout
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APA Corp.'s $4.5 billion acquisition of Callon Petroleum triggered fluctuations in bond yields within the last month, reflecting the broader impact of major industry consolidations on the financial market.

The CPE 6.375 01-Jul-2026 USD bond (US13123XAZ50) has witnessed a notable change in its yield, experiencing a 54 basis points drop to 6.1% over the past month, along with a 44 basis points decrease in its Z spread, now standing at 226.

Yield curve illustration showing the performance of the CPE bond (US13123XAZ50), with a 6.375% coupon, due on July 1, 2026, in USD.

The catalyst behind the yield movement is APA Corp.'s recent agreement to acquire Callon Petroleum in an all-stock transaction valued at $4.5 billion, including the retirement of Callon's substantial debt, amounting to approximately $1.9 billion. APA Corp. expressed its intent to purchase the shale explorer, with the deal equating to $38.31 per Callon share, a premium of about 14% to Callon's prior close.

APA Corp.'s CEO, John J. Christmann, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition, emphasizing the addition of scale in inventory and activity. The deal is expected to enhance APA's operations in the Permian shale basin, securing approximately 145,000 drilling acres and positioning 64% of APA's production in the United States.

Investors initially responded to the news with Callon's shares rising by 5%, contrasting with a 6.6% drop in APA Corp.'s share price. Analysts attribute the decline in APA's share value to concerns regarding limited synergies and questions about the quality of the drilling acreage acquired.

The acquisition trend in the U.S. oil sector follows a series of blockbuster deals, including Exxon Mobil Corp.'s $60 billion acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources Co. and Chevron Corp.'s $53 billion agreement for Hess Corp. The move by APA Corp. reflects a broader industry strategy of consolidation amid shrinking top-tier production sites and a pursuit of new drilling opportunities.

Callon Petroleum's senior unsecured debt is rated 'BB-' by S&P and Fitch, and 'B2' by Moody's, with APA Corp. currently maintaining a long-term issuer rating of 'BBB-' from Fitch.

About Callon Petroleum

Callon Petroleum Co. is involved in exploring, developing, acquiring, and producing oil and natural gas properties in the United States, with a specific focus on unconventional oil and natural gas reserves in the Permian Basin. The company was established by Sim C. Callon and John S. Callon in 1950 and is based in Houston, TX. Callon Petroleum has a market capitalization of $2.09 billion as of January 22, 2024.

About APA

APA Corp. engages in the exploration of oil and natural gas through its subsidiaries. It produces oil and gas with operations in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom, and exploration activities offshore in Suriname. The company was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. APA has a market capitalization of $9.31 billion as of January 22, 2024.

This article does not constitute investment advice or personal recommendation. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bondfish does not recommend using the data and information provided as the only basis for making any investment decision. You should not make any investment decisions without first conducting your own research and considering your own financial situation.