U.S. oil producers issued record equity in 2016 and increased investment in the final quarter (3/29/2017)

A group of 44 U.S. onshore-focused oil producers issued a record amount of equity in 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2016, capital expenditure for these companies was $4.9 billion (72%) higher than in the fourth quarter of 2015. This increase in investment spending was the first year-over-year increase since the fourth quarter of 2014 and largest annual increase for any quarter since at least the first quarter of 2012. Quarterly financial statements from these producers also show an overall improvement in their financial situation compared with early 2016 and all of 2015. Company announcements and continued increases in the number of active oil rigs suggest U.S. oil production companies are increasing capital expenditure in 2017. ... More »