Company: ACTG
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form Type: 10-K
Source: 0000934549-25-000004
Chunk: 30

Company: ACACIA RESEARCH CORP
Filing Date: 2025-03-17
Form: 10-K
Item: Item 1
Chunk 30
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 assets. Benchmark had not adopted a long-term development plan as of  December 31, 2024 or 2023 and, in accordance with SEC rules, its undrilled assets could not be classified as having proved undeveloped reserves for such periods. As a result, Benchmark’s estimated net proved reserves at  December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist entirely of proved developed reserves.

With respect to its non-operated assets, Benchmark engages in oil and natural gas development by participating on a proportionate basis alongside third-party interests in wells drilled and completed in spacing units that include its acreage. Benchmark relies on the operator of its non-operated assets to propose, permit and initiate the drilling and completion of wells. The Company and Benchmark assess each drilling and completion opportunity on a case-by-case basis and participate in wells that are expected to meet a desired rate of return based upon estimates of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves, anticipated oil and natural gas prices, the expertise of the operator, and the anticipated completed well cost from each project, as well as other factors.

Marketing and Customers

Benchmark generally utilizes external third-party marketing agencies to manage its commodities marketing activities for its operated production, and relies on its operating partners to market and sell oil and natural gas produced from wells in which it has a non-operated interest. In connection with such activities, its operators coordinate the transportation of its oil and natural gas production from its wells to appropriate pipelines pursuant to arrangements that they negotiate and maintain with various parties purchasing the production. We understand that Benchmark’s operating partners generally sell its production to a variety of purchasers at prevailing market prices under separately negotiated contracts. The price at which Benchmark’s production is sold is generally tied to the spot market for oil or natural gas. The price at which Benchmark’s oil production is sold typically reflects a discount to the WTI benchmark price. This differential primarily represents the transportation costs in moving the oil from wellhead to refinery and will fluctuate based on availability of pipeline, rail and other transportation methods. The price at which our natural gas production is sold may reflect either a discount or premium to the NYMEX benchmark price.

Seasonality

Generally, but not always, the demand and price levels for natural gas increase during winter and decrease during summer. To lessen seasonal demand fluctuations, pipelines, utilities, local distribution companies and industrial users utilize natural gas storage facilities and forward purchase some of their anticipated winter requirements during the summer. However, increased summertime demand for electricity can place increased demand on storage volumes. Demand for oil