Civitas Resources, Inc. (CIVI) is currently rated BB+ by
Fitch Ratings. This rating was affirmed on July 24, 2025, with a Stable outlook. The rating reflects the company's increased production scale and diversification following acquisitions, its strong free cash flow, low leverage, and supportive hedging strategy. However, concerns remain regarding regulatory risks in Colorado and a limited track record operating at its current scale.
Here's a breakdown of the rating and its implications:
- BB+ Rating:
This is a non-investment grade rating, also known as "junk" or "high-yield". It indicates a higher risk of default compared to investment-grade ratings, but also suggests the potential for higher returns.
- Stable Outlook:
A stable outlook means that Fitch doesn't anticipate any significant changes to the rating in the near future.
- Fitch's Reasoning:
The rating is based on Civitas' successful integration of its Permian acquisitions, which have increased production and diversified the company's operations beyond the DJ Basin. Fitch Ratings considers the company's strong free cash flow, low leverage, and hedging strategy as positive factors supporting the rating.
- Rating Concerns:
Fitch Ratings notes that regulatory risks in Colorado and the company's relatively short operating history at its current scale are potential concerns.
- Other Ratings:
In addition to the Long-Term IDR, Fitch Ratings also assigns a BB+ rating with a Recovery Rating of RR4 to Civitas' senior unsecured notes and a BBB-/RR1 rating to its senior secured RBL.
- International bonds: Civitas Resources, 8.75% 1jul2031, USD (USU1638HAB34)