Introduction
Scale-driven consolidation is coming to the Permian, possibly the only shale play that really matters over the long haul. That kind of an inflammatory statement will probably draw sharp rebukes in the comments section, but the "tale of the tape" tells all.
EIA-Drilling Productivity Report-Jan, 2020
Two quick points about the chart above before we move on. Permian wells are oilier and more prolific than other plays. The Appalachian basin is gassier than other plays. Currently, gas is being flared in historic proportions, driving down prices for the commodity. As I noted in a