Can Devon Energy Unlock Value Through Strategic Debt Reduction?

Devon Energy’s DVN ongoing debt reduction strengthens its financial position and enhances financial flexibility. As the companies operating in the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry are impacted by cyclical commodity prices and capital-intensive operations, maintaining a healthy balance sheet is essential. Devon’s planned debt reduction not only lowers its financial leverage but also builds resilience to navigate oil and gas price volatility more effectively.
 
In July 2024, Devon announced plans to reduce its outstanding debt by $2.5 billion and $500 million has been retired. Devon plans to accelerate the retirement of its $485 million senior notes maturing in December 2025. The planned debt reduction will lower Devon’s annual interest payment burden by $100 million.
 
Lowering debt reduces interest expenses, improving Devon’s free cash flow profile. The savings generated can be redeployed toward new drilling projects, shareholder distributions or strategic acquisitions, thereby compounding returns. With a reduced debt burden, Devon gains the flexibility to sustain capital investments in core assets, maintaining its competitive edge while strengthening production and efficiency.
 
Lower debt enhances credit ratings, reduces refinancing risks and provides greater financial optionality for growth initiatives. Investors are expected to reward Devon’s disciplined approach, as it ensures a balance between growth, shareholder returns and financial stability.

Courtesy of Devon’s planned debt reduction, its total debt to capital is pegged at 36.73%, lower than the industry average of 49.06%. This indicates Devon is using much less debt than its peers to operate the business.

Oil and Gas Companies Gain From Debt Reduction

Debt reduction increases the financial flexibility of oil and gas companies by cutting interest expenses, boosting cash flow, improving creditworthiness and funding growth while effectively managing market volatility.

Debt reduction has proven beneficial for several oil and gas companies beyond Devon. Occidental Petroleum OXY lowered its debt after the Anadarko acquisition, reducing interest costs and improving financial flexibility. Likewise, ConocoPhillips COP prioritized debt repayment, which strengthened its balance sheet. Both companies demonstrate how strategic deleveraging supports long-term growth, stability and resilience amid commodity price fluctuations.

DVN’s Price Performance

Devon’s shares have gained 11.1% in the past three months compared with the industry’s rise of 0.5%.

DVN Stock Returns Better Than Industry

Devon’s return on equity (“ROE”) was better than the industry average in the trailing 12 months. ROE of DVN was 18.59% compared with the industry average of 15.88%. 

DVN’s Shares Trading at a Discount

Devon’s shares are inexpensive on a relative basis, with its current trailing 12-month Enterprise Value/Earnings before Interest Tax Depreciation and Amortization (EV/EBITDA TTM) being 3.83X compared with the industry average of 10.98X.

DVN’s Zacks Rank

DVN currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

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