Range Resources (NYSE:RRC) is an independent producer of natural gas and natural gas liquids based in Fort Worth, Texas. Following a difficult 2015, Range shares rallied from depressed levels, thanks to the successful completion of non-core asset sales, long-term debt reduction and an improving natural gas outlook. In a surprise move, Range announced its intention to acquire natural gas producer Memorial Resources (MRD) in mid-May in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.4 billion. Unlike many exploration & production (E&P) companies, Range has been extremely protective of its equity over the years and has generally not been acquisitive in the recent past. The Memorial purchase accomplishes a number of important objectives for Range, including further de-leveraging the company’s balance sheet as well as geographic diversity via an asset with an attractive return profile. While we remain favorably inclined toward the transaction, we took the opportunity to lighten our position in the low-$40s during the quarter as Range’s discount to our estimate of value narrowed.
From Weitz Value Fund's Value second quarter 2016 commentary.
