Enverus: Indicators to Quantify Rebounding Shale Industry Go Beyond Just the Rig Count

byEnverus

Austin, TX (June 9, 2020) – Enverus, the leading oil & gas SaaS and data analytics company, has released its latest FundamentalEdge report that explores the ongoing supply response to demand destruction caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this report, Enverus presents several additional indicators—beyond the traditional rig count—that are required to successfully quantify today’s worldwide oil & gas production decline and shifting energy markets.

For years, the rig count has been one of the most relied upon indicators of expected supply in the oil & gas industry. But rapidly improving efficiencies—especially in horizontal drilling technology—have dampened its direct correlation with supply volumes. The May rig count fell by 670, or 66%, since the March crash in oil prices. While this significant decline implies a dramatic drop in current production, it doesn’t tell the full story impacting shale oil & gas development, says Enverus.

“There’s no doubt the rig count has been an important tool to measure the health of the oil and gas industry,” says Rob McBride, senior director of Strategy and Analytics at Enverus. “However, with horizontal drilling, improved efficiencies, and advanced drilling plans, we’re seeing a different story being told beneath the surface. For example, determining which wells have been shut-in and taken offline, wells that have been drilled but not completed (DUCs), and pipeline data are just a few of the factors that aren’t detected by the rig count. And you need to look at everything to capture a complete view.”

“It’s also a rapidly changing market,” continued McBride. “Dramatic shifts like those witnessed in March, April, and May felt like they have no end for some, but in just the last few weeks, we’ve seen some COVID-19 restrictions lifted and the traditional summer travel period has begun. Habits and consumption have changed, and we may be seeing the next wave, in terms of demand. Additionally, a drop in crude oil prices means the loss of associated gas, which will inevitably result in a change for natural gas prices to meet U.S. demand, particularly in the upcoming winter months when demand peaks. Those signals can’t possibly be reflected in the rig count alone. Our latest report quantifies these changes to capture our new outlook for oil and gas.”

Members of the media can download a preview of the full report, 2020 Production: Shut-ins, DUCS, or contact Jon Haubert to schedule an interview with one of Enverus’ expert analysts.

Visit enverus.com/managing-the-energy-market to stay informed of the latest market conditions.

About Enverus
Enverus is the leading data, software, and insights company focused on the energy industry. Through its SaaS platform, Enverus provides innovative technologies and predictive/prescriptive analytics, empowering customers to navigate the future. Enverus’ solutions deliver value across upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, enabling the industry to be more collaborative, efficient and competitive. With more than 1,300 employees across the globe, the Company’s solutions are sold to more than 6,000 customers across 50 countries. Enverus is a portfolio company of Genstar Capital and brings together the technology of Drillinginfo, RS Energy Group, PLS, 1Derrick, MineralSoft, Midland Map Co., Oil-Law Records, MarketView, DataGenic Group, PRT, Oildex, Cortex, Red Dog Systems, and RigData as one company. Creating the future of energy together. Learn more at www.enverus.com.

Picture of Enverus

Enverus

Energy’s most trusted SaaS platform — creating intelligent connections that uncover insights and opportunities to deliver extraordinary outcomes.

Related News

U.S. upstream M&A reached $12.6 billion in 3Q26 before accelerating with another $18 billion in October. Enverus Intelligence® Research examines the trends driving dealmaking, from emerging Permian intervals and Eagle Ford redevelopment to growing international demand for U.S. natural gas.
Newsroom
Financial Services, Operators
ByJon Haubert

U.S. upstream M&A reached $12.6 billion in 3Q26 before accelerating with another $18 billion in October. Enverus Intelligence® Research examines the trends driving dealmaking, from emerging Permian intervals and Eagle Ford redevelopment to growing international demand for U.S. natural gas.

EQT Builds an Appalachian Super Producer with $13.8B Range Buy
Newsroom
Analyst Takes, Financial Services+1
  • Operators
ByAndrew Dittmar

EQT’s nearly $14 billion acquisition of Range Resources creates America’s largest natural gas producer, combining scale, premium inventory and infrastructure to compete in an increasingly complex North American gas market.

EIR’s model shows powered-land can rise more than 20-fold in value as data center sites reach energization
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Explore Enverus Intelligence® Research’s six-stage powered-land valuation framework, including how utility power commitments and development risks shape site value as projects advance toward energization.

Transmission upgrade timelines vary more than 3x across owners
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds transmission upgrade timelines vary more than threefold by owner across four U.S. power markets, highlighting delivery risks for large-load projects.

U.S. power grid set for 1,080 GW generation expansion by 2050
Newsroom
Financial Services, Renewable Developers
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research projects 1,080 GW of new U.S. power capacity through 2050, led by 376 GW of battery storage as grid reliability shapes the energy mix.

Established operators lead ERCOT large-load queue
Newsroom
Financial Services, Power & Renewables
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds that 81% of identified hyperscaler capacity is classified as ERCOT base-load, compared with 31% for new entrants, highlighting differences in transmission readiness.

Declining oil inventories signal continued market tightness through 2027
Newsroom
Trading & Risk
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research forecasts declining global oil inventories through 2027 despite improving Strait of Hormuz flows, supporting its $100/bbl Brent outlook.

Anadarko Basin offers leading economics as inventory expands
Newsroom
Financial Services, Operators
ByJon Haubert

Enverus Intelligence® Research finds the Anadarko Basin leads major Lower 48 plays on full-cycle economics at $60/bbl, with expanding inventory, growing private-operator participation and production expected to rise through 2030.

Oil sands M&A returns with Cenovus’ Athabasca purchase
Newsroom
Analyst Takes, Financial Services+1
  • Operators
ByMichael Berger

Cenovus Energy's acquisition of Athabasca Oil marks a major oil sands M&A transaction. Analysis from Enverus Intelligence® Research highlights rising asset valuations, limited acquisition targets and the growing premium placed on long-life Canadian oil sands resource.

Find Out How Enverus Can Help Your Business
Subscribe to the Energy Blog

A weekly update on the latest “no-fluff” insight and analysis of the energy industry.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Let’s get started!

We’ll follow up right away to show you a quick product tour.

Get Started

Sign up for our Blog

Ready to Subscribe?

Ready to Get Started?