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HighPeak Energy, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial and Operating Results

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HighPeak Energy, Inc. (“HighPeak” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: HPK) today announced financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026.

A statement from our President and CEO, Michael Hollis:

The current geopolitical uncertainty and commodity price volatility has encouraged us to remain resolute in delivering on our 2026 core objectives of achieving financial resilience, continuing our maintenance capital program and prioritizing corporate efficiency.

We are starting the year strong, with first quarter operating results outperforming guidance across the board, and I am proud of how our team executed in every area of the business. I would like to point out a few items:

  • Production averaged approximately 46,000 BOE/d, roughly 7.5% above the midpoint of our guided range, with daily oil production 10% higher quarter over quarter. Both strong performance from new wells and continued optimization of our base production contributed to the increase.
  • Lease operating expenses were 17% below our guided range and approximately 22% below fourth quarter levels.
  • Drilling and turn-in-line activity represented about one-third of our planned 2026 program, and capital expenditures were held in line with expectations of less than 30% of full-year capital. We exited the quarter with 18 wells in progress, positioning us well to execute the balance of our annual plan.
  • Generated free cash flow, excluding changes in working capital, of more than $20 million.

We plan to build on the momentum of the first quarter since these results reflect less than one month of elevated oil prices tied to the current situation in the Middle East. While the current situation has created what could become one of the most significant crude oil supply shocks the world has ever seen, HighPeak intends to use every dollar of incremental free cash flow the right way by strengthening our financial foundation. I am confident that the HighPeak team will continue to make steady progress in achieving our core objectives through pursuing a fiscally responsible and disciplined development plan. These stronger prices are helpful, but disciplined execution is what will create lasting value for our stakeholders.

First Quarter 2026 Operational Update

HighPeak’s sales volumes averaged 45.6 MBoe/d during the first quarter of 2026 consisting of approximately 68% crude oil and 84% liquids.

The Company averaged one (1) drilling rig and (1) one frac crew throughout the first quarter, drilled 9 gross (8.9 net) horizontal wells and turned-in-line 12 gross (12.0 net) producing wells. On March 31, 2026, the Company had 18 gross (17.8 net) horizontal wells in progress, including 16 gross (15.9 net) horizontal wells in various stages of completion.

The Company released a drilling rig in late January bringing us to one drilling rig and one frac crew that we plan to run for the majority of 2026.

First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

HighPeak reported a net loss of $127.4 million for the first quarter 2026, or $1.02 per diluted share, and EBITDAX (a non-GAAP financial measure defined and reconciled below) of $133.5 million, or $0.96 per diluted share. Adjusted net loss (a non-GAAP financial measure defined and reconciled below) was $2.7 million, or $0.02 per diluted share.

First quarter 2026 average realized prices were $71.79 per Bbl of crude oil, $17.22 per Bbl of NGL and $1.32 per Mcf of natural gas, resulting in an overall realized price of $52.57 per Boe, or 73% of the weighted average of NYMEX crude oil prices, excluding the effects of derivatives. Including the effects of derivatives, first quarter 2026 average realized prices were $66.06 per Bbl of crude oil, $17.22 per Bbl of NGL and $0.92 per Mcf of natural gas, resulting in an overall realized price of $48.32 per Boe. HighPeak’s cash costs for the first quarter 2026 were $15.81 per Boe, including lease operating costs of $6.53 per Boe, expense workovers of $0.66 per Boe, gathering, processing and transportation expenses of $4.32 per Boe, production and ad valorem taxes of $2.90 per Boe and G&A expenses of $1.40 per Boe. As a result, the Company’s unhedged EBITDAX per Boe was $36.76 per Boe.

HighPeak’s total capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions, for the first quarter were $78.4 million. 

Hedging

Crude oil. As of March 31, 2026 and factoring in derivative instruments entered into subsequent to quarter end, HighPeak had the following outstanding crude oil derivative instruments and the weighted average crude oil prices per barrel (“Bbl”):

Settlement
Month
  Settlement
Year
  Type of
Contract
  Bbls
Per Day
  Index   Swap
Price per
Bbl
    Costless
Collar
Floor
Price per
Bbl
    Costless
Collar
Ceiling
Price per
Bbl
 
Crude Oil:                                          
Apr – Jun   2026   Costless Collar     12,350   WTI Cushing   $     $ 59.87     $ 66.82  
Apr – Jun   2026   Swap     10,000   WTI Cushing   $ 64.91     $     $  
Apr – Jun   2026   Roll Swap     21,725   NYMEX WTI Roll   $ 4.37     $     $  
Apr – Jun   2026   Basis Swap     18,011   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.25     $     $  
Jul – Sep   2026   Costless Collar     12,000   WTI Cushing   $     $ 59.83     $ 66.84  
Jul – Sep   2026   Swap     5,000   WTI Cushing   $ 63.45     $     $  
Jul – Sep   2026   Roll Swap     26,011   NYMEX WTI Roll   $ 4.30     $       $  
Jul – Sep   2026   Basis Swap     23,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.37     $     $  
Oct – Dec   2026   Costless Collar     9,800   WTI Cushing   $     $ 59.80     $ 65.31  
Oct – Dec   2026   Swap     5,000   WTI Cushing   $ 63.45     $     $  
Oct – Dec   2026   Roll Swap     25,000   NYMEX WTI Roll   $ 4.23     $     $  
Oct – Dec   2026   Basis Swap     23,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.37     $     $  
Jan – Mar   2027   Costless Collar     8,900   WTI Cushing   $     $ 59.78     $ 65.24  
Jan – Mar   2027   Swap     4,400   WTI Cushing   $ 62.14     $     $  
Jan – Mar   2027   Basis Swap     10,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.00     $     $  
Apr – Jun   2027   Costless Collar     4,000   WTI Cushing   $     $ 52.00     $ 62.85  
Apr – Jun   2027   Swap     6,470   WTI Cushing   $ 59.61     $     $  
Apr – Jun   2027   Basis Swap     10,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.00     $     $  
Jul – Sep   2027   Swap     8,950   WTI Cushing   $ 61.46     $     $  
Jul – Sep   2027   Basis Swap     10,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.00     $     $  
Oct – Dec   2027   Swap     1,000   WTI Cushing   $ 72.25     $     $  
Oct – Dec   2027   Basis Swap     10,000   Argus WTI Midland   $ 1.00     $     $  


The Company’s crude oil derivative contracts detailed above are based on reported settlement prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange for West Texas Intermediate (“WTI Cushing”) pricing or the basis differential between that and Argus WTI Midland pricing which represents the premium to WTI Cushing.

Natural gas. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had the following outstanding natural gas derivative instruments and the weighted average natural gas prices payable per MMBtu.

Settlement Month   Settlement
Year
  Type of
Contract
  MMBtu
Per Day
  Index   Price per
MMBtu
 
Natural Gas:                          
Apr – Jun   2026   Swap     30,000   HH   $ 4.30  
Jul – Sep   2026   Swap     30,000   HH   $ 4.30  
Oct – Dec   2026   Swap     30,000   HH   $ 4.30  
Jan – Mar   2027   Swap     19,667   HH   $ 4.30  


The Company’s natural gas derivative contracts detailed above are based on reported settlement prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange for Henry Hub (“HH”) pricing.

Conference Call

HighPeak will host a conference call and webcast on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time for investors and analysts to discuss its results for the first quarter of 2026. Conference call participants may register for the call here. Access to the live audio-only webcast and replay of the earnings release conference call may be found here. A live broadcast of the earnings conference call will also be available on the HighPeak Energy website at www.highpeakenergy.com under the “Investors” section of the website. A replay will also be available on the website following the call.

When available, a copy of the Company’s earnings release, investor presentation and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may be found on its website at www.highpeakenergy.com.

Conference Participation

HighPeak Energy will participate in-person at the upcoming Louisiana Energy Conference, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, from May 26th - May 28th, 2026.

About HighPeak Energy, Inc.

HighPeak Energy, Inc. is a publicly traded independent crude oil and natural gas company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional crude oil and natural gas reserves in the Midland Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit our website at www.highpeakenergy.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. When used in this document, the words “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “continue,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “future,” “potential,” “estimate” or the negative of such terms and similar expressions as they relate to HighPeak Energy, Inc. (“HighPeak Energy” or the “Company”) are intended to identify forward-looking statements, which are generally not historical in nature. The forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections about the Company and the industry in which the Company operates. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made, they involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, in many cases, beyond the Company's control. For example, the Company’s review of strategic alternatives may not result in a sale of the Company, a recommendation that a transaction occur or result in a completed transaction, and any transaction that occurs may not increase shareholder value, in each case as a result of such risks and uncertainties.

These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the results of the strategic review being undertaken by the Company’s Board and the interest of prospective counterparties, the Company’s ability to realize the results contemplated by its 2026 guidance, volatility of commodity prices, political instability or armed conflicts in crude or natural gas producing regions such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East, product supply and demand, the impact of a widespread outbreak of an illness, such as the coronavirus disease pandemic, on global and U.S. economic activity, competition, OPEC+ policy decisions, potential new trade policies, such as tariffs, could adversely affect the Company’s operations, business and profitability, inflationary pressures on costs of oilfield goods, services and personnel, the ability to obtain environmental and other permits and the timing thereof, other government regulation or action, the ability to obtain approvals from third parties and negotiate agreements with third parties on mutually acceptable terms, litigation, the costs and results of drilling and operations, availability of equipment, services, resources and personnel required to perform the Company's drilling and operating activities, access to and availability of transportation, processing, fractionation, refining and storage facilities, HighPeak Energy's ability to replace reserves, implement its business plans or complete its development activities as scheduled, access to and cost of capital, the financial strength of counterparties to any credit facility and derivative contracts entered into by HighPeak Energy, if any, and purchasers of HighPeak Energy's oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas production, uncertainties about estimates of reserves, identification of drilling locations and the ability to add proved reserves in the future, the assumptions underlying forecasts, including forecasts of production, expenses, cash flow from sales of oil and gas and tax rates, quality of technical data, environmental and weather risks, including the possible impacts of climate change, cybersecurity risks and acts of war or terrorism. These and other risks are described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no duty to publicly update these statements except as required by law.

Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of hydrocarbons that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reserve engineers. Reserves estimates included herein may not be indicative of the level of reserves or PV-10 value of oil and natural gas production in the future. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions could impact HighPeak’s strategy and change the schedule of any further production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

Use of Projections

The financial, operational, industry and market projections, estimates and targets in this press release and in the Company’s guidance (including production, operating expenses and capital expenditures in future periods) are based on assumptions that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The assumptions and estimates underlying the projected, expected or target results are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the financial, operational, industry and market projections, estimates and targets, including assumptions, risks and uncertainties described in “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above. These projections are speculative by their nature and, accordingly, are subject to significant risk of not being actually realized by the Company. Projected results of the Company for 2026 are particularly speculative and subject to change. Actual results may vary materially from the current projections, including for reasons beyond the Company’s control. The projections are based on current expectations and available information as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no duty to publicly update these projections except as required by law.

Drilling Locations

The Company has estimated its drilling locations based on well spacing assumptions and upon the evaluation of its drilling results and those of other operators in its area, combined with its interpretation of available geologic and engineering data. The drilling locations actually drilled on the Company’s properties will depend on the availability of capital, regulatory approvals, commodity prices, costs, actual drilling results and other factors. Any drilling activities conducted on these identified locations may not be successful and may not result in additional proved reserves. Further, to the extent the drilling locations are associated with acreage that expires, the Company would lose its right to develop the related locations.


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Data
(In thousands)
         
    March 31, 2026   December 31, 2025
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 95,827     $ 162,075  
Accounts receivable     98,503       55,546  
Derivative instruments     7,808       29,574  
Prepaid expenses     5,596       5,054  
Inventory     4,362       7,648  
Total current assets     212,096       259,897  
Crude oil and natural gas properties, using the successful efforts method of accounting:            
Proved properties     4,555,956       4,477,368  
Unproved properties     59,242       59,285  
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization     (1,719,167 )     (1,606,217 )
Total crude oil and natural gas properties, net     2,896,031       2,930,436  
Other property and equipment, net     3,070       3,012  
Derivative instruments           4,197  
Other noncurrent assets     15,423       16,172  
Total assets   $ 3,126,620     $ 3,213,714  
             
Current liabilities:            
Current portion of long-term debt   $ 90,000     $ 60,000  
Derivative instruments     98,795       380  
Accounts payable – trade     51,198       84,313  
Revenues and royalties payable     30,771       30,665  
Accrued capital expenditures     16,660       30,921  
Derivative settlements payable     16,022        
Other accrued liabilities     12,621       20,927  
Operating leases     661       845  
Advances from joint interest owners     357       2,205  
Total current liabilities     317,085       230,256  
Noncurrent liabilities:            
Long-term debt, net     1,097,596       1,132,807  
Deferred income taxes     211,985       239,636  
Asset retirement obligations     16,336       15,944  
Derivative instruments     15,536       360  
Operating leases     96       142  
             
Stockholders’ equity            
Common stock     13       13  
Additional paid-in capital     1,162,872       1,162,007  
Retained earnings     305,101       432,549  
Total stockholders’ equity     1,467,986       1,594,569  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,126,620     $ 3,213,714  
             


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
     
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
    2026
  2025
Operating revenues:                
Crude oil sales   $ 199,155     $ 246,424  
NGL and natural gas sales     16,730       25,887  
Total operating revenues     215,885       272,311  
Operating costs and expenses:                
Crude oil and natural gas production     29,524       35,562  
Gathering, processing and transportation     17,733       14,863  
Production and ad valorem taxes     11,900       15,152  
Exploration and abandonments     742       264  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization     113,014       109,325  
Accretion of discount     295       244  
General and administrative     5,745       6,345  
Stock-based compensation     865       177  
Total operating costs and expenses     179,818       181,932  
Other expense     50        
Income from operations     36,017       90,379  
Interest and other income     949       810  
Interest expense     (35,038 )     (36,988 )
Loss on derivative instruments, net     (157,027 )     (7,927 )
(Loss) income before income taxes     (155,099 )     46,274  
Provision for income taxes     (27,651 )     9,939  
Net (loss) income   $ (127,448 )   $ 36,335  
(Loss) earnings per share:                
Basic net (loss) income   $ (1.02 )   $ 0.26  
Diluted net (loss) income   $ (1.02 )   $ 0.26  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:                
Basic     125,265       123,913  
Diluted     125,265       127,213  
                 
Dividends declared per share   $     $ 0.04  
                 


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
             
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2026   2025
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
Net (loss) income   $ (127,448 )   $ 36,335  
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operations:            
Provision for deferred income taxes     (27,651 )     9,939  
Loss on derivative instruments     157,027       7,927  
Cash paid on settlement of derivative instruments     (17,473 )     (3,071 )
Amortization of debt issuance costs     884       2,034  
Amortization of discounts on long-term debt           2,426  
Stock-based compensation expense     865       177  
Accretion expense     295       244  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization     113,014       109,325  
Exploration and abandonment expense     457       4  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:            
Accounts receivable     (42,957 )     6,886  
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other assets     2,594       (1,314 )
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities     (5,406 )     (13,860 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     54,201       157,052  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:            
Additions to crude oil and natural gas properties     (78,779 )     (179,819 )
Changes in working capital associated with crude oil and natural gas property additions     (35,326 )     25,172  
Acquisitions of crude oil and natural gas properties     (127 )     (2,517 )
Proceeds from sales of properties           570  
Other property additions     (122 )      
Net cash used in investing activities     (114,354 )     (156,594 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:            
Borrowings under Term Loan Credit Agreement     (6,095 )      
Repayments under Term Loan Credit Agreement           (30,000 )
Dividends paid           (4,957 )
Dividend equivalents paid           (531 )
Net cash used in financing activities     (6,095 )     (35,488 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (66,248 )     (35,030 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period     162,075       86,649  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 95,827     $ 51,619  
             


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Summary Operating Highlights
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2026   2025
Average Daily Sales Volumes:            
Crude oil (Bbls)     30,826       38,222  
NGLs (Bbls)     7,403       7,724  
Natural gas (Mcf)     44,402       43,096  
Total (Boe)     45,629       53,128  
             
Average Realized Prices (excluding effects of derivatives):            
Crude oil per Bbl   $ 71.79     $ 71.64  
NGL per Bbl   $ 17.22     $ 24.21  
Natural gas per Mcf   $ 1.32     $ 2.34  
Total per Boe   $ 52.57     $ 56.95  
             
Margin Data ($ per Boe, excluding effects of derivatives):            
Average price   $ 52.57     $ 56.95  
Lease operating costs     (6.53 )     (6.61 )
Expense workovers     (0.66 )     (0.83 )
Gathering, processing & transportation expenses     (4.32 )     (3.11 )
Production and ad valorem taxes     (2.90 )     (3.17 )
General & administrative expenses     (1.40 )     (1.33 )
    $ 36.76     $ 41.90  
             


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Earnings Per Share Details
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2026   2025
Net (loss) income as reported   $ (127,448 )   $ 36,335  
Participating basic earnings           (3,542 )
Basic (losses) earnings attributable to common shareholders     (127,448 )     32,793  
Reallocation of participating earnings           47  
Diluted net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders   $ (127,448 )   $ 32,840  
             
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     125,265       123,913  
Dilutive warrants and unvested stock options           1,146  
Dilutive unvested restricted stock           2,154  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     125,265       127,213  
             
Net (loss) income per share attributable to common shareholders:            
Basic   $ (1.02 )   $ 0.26  
Diluted   $ (1.02 )   $ 0.26  
             


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Reconciliation of Net Income to EBITDAX, Discretionary Cash Flow and Net Cash Provided by Operations
(in thousands)
           
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2026   2025
Net (loss) income   $ (127,448 )   $ 36,335  
Interest expense     35,038       36,988  
Interest and other income     (949 )     (810 )
Provision for income taxes     (27,651 )     9,939  
Depletion, depreciation and amortization     113,014       109,325  
Accretion of discount     295       244  
Exploration and abandonment expense     742       264  
Stock based compensation     865       177  
Derivative related noncash activity     139,554       4,856  
Other expense     50        
EBITDAX     133,510       197,318  
Cash interest expense     (34,154 )     (32,528 )
Other (a)     614       550  
Discretionary cash flow     99,970       165,340  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities     (45,769 )     (8,288 )
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 54,201     $ 157,052  
             
(a) includes interest and other income net of current tax expense, other expense and operating portion of exploration and abandonment expenses.
 


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Reconciliation of Net Cash Provided by Operations and Free Cash Flow
(in thousands)
     
    Three Months Ended March 31,
    2026     2025  
Net cash provided by operating activities   $ 54,201     $ 157,052  
Add back net change in operating assets and liabilities     45,769       8,288  
Discretionary cash flow     99,970       165,340  
Additions to crude oil and natural gas properties     (78,779 )     (179,819 )
Free cash flow before changes in working capital associated with oil and gas property additions     21,191       (14,479 )
Changes in working capital associated with oil and gas property additions     (35,326 )     25,172  
Free cash flow   $ (14,135 )   $ 10,693  
                 


HighPeak Energy, Inc.
Unaudited Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted Net Loss
(in thousands, except per share data)
     
    Three Months Ended March 31, 2026
    Amounts   Amounts per Diluted Share
Net loss   $ (127,448 )   $ (1.02 )
Noncash derivative loss, net     157,027       1.26  
Stock-based compensation     865       0.01  
Other expense     50       0.00  
Income tax adjustment for above items*     (33,168 )     (0.27 )
Adjusted net loss   $ (2,674 )   $ (0.02 )
             
* Assuming a 21% tax rate            


Investor Contact:

Ryan Hightower
Executive Vice President
817.850.9204
rhightower@highpeakenergy.com

Source: HighPeak Energy, Inc.


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