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Diversified Energy Company (DEC)
NYSE:DEC

Diversified Energy Company (DEC) AI Stock Analysis

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DEC

Diversified Energy Company

(NYSE:DEC)

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Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$15.50
▲(9.54% Upside)
The score is supported by strong cash generation and a very positive earnings-call update (record EBITDA/FCF, debt reduction, and large shareholder returns). Offsetting this is weaker reported profitability and a highly leveraged capital structure, while technicals are moderately constructive and valuation is helped by the high dividend but constrained by negative earnings.
Positive Factors
Strong Financial Performance
The significant growth in EBITDA and cash flow indicates robust operational efficiency and profitability, enhancing long-term financial stability.
Significant Debt Reduction
Reducing debt levels strengthens the balance sheet, lowers financial risk, and increases the company's financial flexibility for future investments.
Innovative Well Retirement Fund
This initiative enhances the company's sustainability profile and may serve as a model for regulatory compliance in other states, supporting long-term operational viability.
Negative Factors
Declining Revenue
A decline in revenue suggests challenges in market demand or competitive positioning, potentially impacting future growth and profitability.
High Leverage
High leverage can constrain financial flexibility and increase vulnerability to economic downturns, affecting long-term sustainability.
Negative Net Income
Ongoing net losses highlight operational inefficiencies and may hinder the company's ability to reinvest in growth and innovation.

Diversified Energy Company (DEC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Diversified Energy Company Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDiversified Energy Company PLC operates as an independent owner and operator of producing natural gas and oil wells primarily in the Appalachian Basin of the United States. The company is involved in the production, marketing, and transportation of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, and condensates. Its assets consist of natural gas wells and gathering systems located in the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. The company was formerly known as Diversified Gas & Oil PLC and changed its name to Diversified Energy Company PLC in May 2021. Diversified Energy Company PLC was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
How the Company Makes Money

Diversified Energy Company Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 03, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 24, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant achievements in financial performance, strategic acquisitions, and shareholder returns, alongside innovative strategies for asset management and market expansion. However, concerns about undervalued shares and market headwinds were noted.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Performance
Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter reached a record $286 million with an EBITDA margin of 66%. Year-over-year growth in EBITDA and cash flow nearly doubled.
Significant Debt Reduction
In the first three quarters of 2025, debt principal was reduced by approximately $203 million. The overall leverage improved by 20% since year-end 2024, achieving a leverage ratio within the target level of 2x to 2.5x net debt to EBITDA.
Successful Acquisition Strategy
The acquisitions of Maverick Natural Resources and Canvas Energy significantly transformed and strengthened the company, contributing to increased financial guidance and operational leverage.
Record Shareholder Returns
Approximately $146 million returned to shareholders through dividends and strategic share repurchases, representing about 15% of current market capitalization.
Increased Market Presence
Moving primary equity listing to the New York Stock Exchange and redomiciling to a U.S. corporate entity to enhance trading liquidity and increase exposure to U.S. investors.
Innovative Well Retirement Fund
Launched a first-of-its-kind agreement with West Virginia to provide financial assurance for the retirement of all Diversified wells in the state, potentially setting a blueprint for other states.
Negative Updates
Undervalued Share Price
Management expressed disappointment with current share prices, which are perceived as not reflecting the company's true value.
Market Headwinds
Mentioned macro headwinds impacting share valuation, including the allocation of investment funds to high-valued companies.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of 2025, Diversified Energy reported a remarkable year-over-year growth in EBITDA and cash flow, nearly doubling both metrics. The company executed a systematic debt reduction of approximately $203 million in the first three quarters and returned about $146 million to shareholders, which represents around 15% of its current market cap. Diversified's daily production exit rate for September was approximately 1.14 Bcf per day, with an average quarterly production of over 1.13 Bcf per day. The adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter reached $286 million, boasting a 66% EBITDA margin, while free cash flow stood at $144 million. With net debt at $2.5 billion, the leverage ratio improved by 20% since the end of 2024, achieving a target range of 2x to 2.5x net debt to EBITDA. The company also announced plans to move its primary equity listing to the New York Stock Exchange, which is anticipated to commence trading on November 24.

Diversified Energy Company Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Free cash flow is strong and improving (2024 FCF ~$294M, up ~84.7% YoY), but the overall profile is weighed down by sharply weaker profitability (2024 net margin -11.1%, operating profit negative) and a highly leveraged balance sheet (debt-to-equity 3.84 in 2024, with historical strain including negative equity in 2022).
Income Statement
Revenue grew 13.6% in 2024, but profitability deteriorated sharply: net margin fell to -11.1% (from an unusually strong 2023) and operating profit turned negative again. Gross margin also compressed meaningfully in 2024 versus prior years, pointing to weaker pricing/cost dynamics and more volatile earnings quality across the cycle.
Balance Sheet
Leverage is high and rising: debt-to-equity increased to 3.84 in 2024 (from 2.23 in 2023), with total debt of ~$1.74B versus equity of ~$0.45B. While equity is positive in 2024, the capital structure has shown strain historically (including negative equity in 2022), and returns to shareholders are currently negative due to losses.
Cash Flow
Cash generation is a clear strength: 2024 operating cash flow was ~$346M and free cash flow was ~$294M, with free cash flow up ~84.7% year over year. Despite accounting losses in 2024, free cash flow remained solid, helping support debt service and reinvestment; however, cash flow coverage of reported earnings has been uneven over time, reflecting volatility in the underlying business.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.18B794.84M868.26M1.92B977.04M408.69M
Gross Profit369.35M109.45M203.16M1.25B515.35M87.44M
EBITDA309.84M170.18M1.36B-476.50M-332.69M23.27M
Net Income-137.81M-88.27M758.02M-625.41M-325.21M-23.47M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.66B4.00B3.47B3.83B3.49B2.29B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments23.74M5.99M3.75M7.33M12.56M1.38M
Total Debt2.76B1.74B1.31B1.47B1.04B736.12M
Total Liabilities4.94B3.54B2.88B3.97B2.83B1.40B
Stockholders Equity716.18M452.68M585.81M-152.69M647.41M886.66M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow455.13M293.56M335.88M301.69M270.01M216.86M
Operating Cash Flow448.99M345.66M410.13M387.76M320.18M241.71M
Investing Cash Flow-357.08M-272.92M-239.37M-386.46M-625.87M-256.86M
Financing Cash Flow96.37M-70.51M-174.34M-6.54M316.87M15.76M

Diversified Energy Company Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$2.13B12.347.95%8.18%1.51%-78.38%
66
Neutral
$976.67M12.36986.82%7.51%-14.84%-16.23%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
64
Neutral
$1.45B4.73%13.84%-2.71%-113.80%
62
Neutral
$1.13B-5.32-22.53%8.02%
61
Neutral
$1.11B20.6014.72%12.53%-12.51%-59.55%
61
Neutral
$263.81M-959.32-10.79%-99.78%-103.13%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DEC
Diversified Energy Company
14.15
-1.06
-6.98%
DMLP
Dorchester Minerals
22.90
-7.69
-25.14%
NOG
Northern Oil And Gas
21.68
-15.68
-41.97%
SJT
San Juan Basin Royalty
5.66
1.40
32.86%
SBR
Sabine Royalty
66.99
7.23
12.10%
KRP
Kimbell Royalty Partners
11.82
-2.39
-16.82%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 04, 2026