Diversified Energy picks up first-ever operated drilling rig in Oklahoma, upgrades 2026 outlook

Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE:DEC, NYSE:DEC, FRA:DG20) CEO Rusty Hutson Jr. tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion that the company is picking up its first-ever operated drilling rig, launching a development program in Oklahoma. Hutson said the company has over 450 drilling locations that are economic at $65 oil and describes it as 20 years' worth of drilling runway. The company has upgraded its 2026 outlook following recent acquisitions, including the Camino transaction, which closed in July. Hutson said that deal has strengthened Diversified's geographical concentration in Oklahoma, with operating efficiencies already coming through across the portfolio. Hutson explained that the operated drilling program is designed to offset the company's decline rates, which he describes as the lowest in the industry at around 10 percent. He said the company will continue its existing non-operated drilling partnerships with Mewbourne in Oklahoma and Continental in the Permian alongside the new program. On the acquisition outlook, Hutson said the market is very hot and that Diversified will continue to pursue opportunities in markets where it already operates. He emphasised that cash flow remains the central measure behind every acquisition and every drilling decision the company makes. Read Proactive's Editorial Policy here: https://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/pages/editorialPolicy #DiversifiedEnergy #DEC #oilandgas #naturalgas #Oklahoma #energystocks #dividendstocks #smallcapstocks #UKstocks #investing