Shale play benchmarking for investment prioritization

ADI Analytics benchmarked leading unconventional oil and shale gas plays across North America to help an oil major prioritize near- and medium-term investment opportunities.

The client

A major oil and gas company evaluating investment opportunities in shale plays.

The situation

The client needed a systematic benchmarking approach to identify and prioritize shale plays based on production outlook, economics, supply chain, regulatory dynamics, and competitive intensity.

ADI’s contributions

Contribution icon 1

Metric development

Identified and defined over a dozen benchmarking metrics in consultation with the client.

Contribution icon 2

Benchmarking framework

Developed a structured framework covering production forecasts, breakeven costs, rig productivity, midstream infrastructure, regulatory pressure, and competition.

Contribution icon 3

Shale play profiling

Developed short profiles for eight leading shale plays in the U.S. and Canada, including outlooks through 2020 and 2025.

Contribution icon 4

Investment prioritization tool

Recommended best investment opportunities using a customized benchmarking tool weighted according to client priorities.

Key outcomes

  • ADI’s work provided the client with a clear, data-driven ranking of shale plays to inform near- and medium-term investment decisions.
Customer Results
ADI Analytics did an incredible job developing a thesis for our investments in the Marcellus. Highly-reliable source for insight on the shale gas and energy and chemical industries.
Bill Hall Director, Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Industry experience

Assessment and identification of promising shale gas plays

An E&P company sought to strategically diversify its portfolio by assessing and identifying high-potential unconventional resources. The client A Canadian exploration and production (E&P) company looking to expand beyond its conventional oil and gas reserves. The situation The client wanted to enter the unconventional resources market, which was, at the time, characterized by high costs […]

Read now

Shale gas strategy development for E&P player

ADI Analytics supported a leading exploration and production (E&P) independent in developing its shale gas strategy, including organizational design, process development, and opportunity evaluation. The client A leading independent E&P company pursuing entry into shale gas. The situation The client needed to establish a strategic foundation, processes, and organization to enter and scale up operations […]

Read now

Asset valuation for African oil and gas company

ADI Analytics supported an African oil and gas company in valuing its upstream assets and developing an informed investment strategy. The client An African oil and gas company evaluating upstream asset investment and development options. The situation The client needed valuation support and strategic guidance to assess its asset portfolio and determine a viable investment […]

Read now

Assessing artificial lift methods for U.S. oil plays

ADI Analytics analyzed gas lift solutions for an independent artificial lift firm, assessing technology, market potential, and adoption trends to guide its strategic growth. The client Independent artificial lift service company The situation The client, an independent artificial lift service company, required a comprehensive assessment of their gas lift technology to evaluate its market position, […]

Read now

Benchmarking corporate functions

ADI Analytics conducted a benchmarking study of corporate functions such as sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and government affairs for a mid-sized oil and gas company. The client A mid-sized oil and gas company seeking to strengthen key corporate functions. The situation The client needed a comparative analysis of its performance across core corporate functions […]

Read now

Upstream portfolio review for national oil company

ADI Analytics led a two-phase project to support a national oil company’s review of its upstream portfolio, covering conventional, unconventional, offshore, and oil sands assets. The client A national oil company reviewing and reshaping its upstream asset portfolio. The situation The client needed a structured approach to evaluate existing assets, define a target portfolio under […]

Read now

More insights

Browse all insights
CMR Newsletter banner
News Icon News

Newsletter: EU CBAM, MDI growth, and other chemical insights

In the July 2026 edition, we examine how carbon regulation, portfolio optimization, and emerging technologies are reshaping the chemical industry. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is increasing cost pressure on emissions-intensive imports and accelerating the shift toward lower-carbon supply chains, while evolving chemical regulations continue to influence compliance and sustainability strategies. Meanwhile, investments, […]

Read now
ADI Newsletter banner
News Icon News

Utility capital projects & 2026 energy trends

Utility capital projects are facing mounting delays and cost pressures in 2026, even as AI-driven demand fuels record capex. Meanwhile, the upstream oil and gas market is stabilizing around a normalizing shale cost curve, bulk liquid storage operators are shifting toward capability-driven growth, and the energy transition is exposing critical minerals bottlenecks that are pushing […]

Read now
Browse all insights