Compared with 2014, the last time oil prices surged to the triple digits, the top 50 US oil and gas companies analyzed by EY more than tripled their earnings last year, according to EY’s annual E&P benchmarking study and earnings analysis. And improved efficiency of exploration and production operations and a commitment to capital discipline are allowing for continued shareholder value.

Patrick Jelinek, EY’s oil and gas leader for the Americas, and Bruce On, EY’s West region energy strategy and transactions leader, joined the podcast to offer some context on the payouts shareholders saw last year, expectations for the future and how US producers are navigating both market and political realities.

Stick around for Starr Spencer with the Market Minute, a look at near-term oil market drivers.