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Chord Energy Corp

CHRD
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Business Summary

Chord Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production (E&P) company primarily focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL), and natural gas in the Williston Basin, with limited non-operated interests in the Marcellus Shale. The company's business model is centered on generating strong free cash flow and enhancing return of capital through rigorous capital discipline and efficient operations. As of December 31, 2025, Chord Energy held 1,302,921 net leasehold acres in the Williston Basin, with approximately all of this acreage held by production. The company is actively exploiting resource potential from the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations within this basin.

The company's core business model revolves around the production and sale of crude oil, NGL, and natural gas. Revenue is generated from these commodity sales, with the mix of recurring versus transactional income being largely dependent on market prices and production volumes. Primary customer segments include refiners, marketers, and other purchasers with access to pipeline and rail facilities. Chord Energy manages its commodities marketing activities in-house to optimize price realizations and access a broad array of potential purchasers. The company also engages in third-party purchase and sales transactions to improve price realizations, optimize transportation costs, blend to meet pipeline specifications, or cover production shortfalls.

Chord Energy's operations are primarily concentrated in the Williston Basin, specifically in North Dakota and Montana, targeting the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations. The company is the top producer in the Williston Basin and holds the largest acreage position among operators in the region. This concentration allows for economies of scale, including drilling longer lateral lengths, developing multiple wells from single pads into multiple formations, and utilizing centralized production and fluid handling facilities. As of December 31, 2025, the company had 5,025 gross (3,937.3 net) operated producing wells, with an average working interest of 78% in its operated wells. All completed oil wells are located in the Williston Basin, while all completed gas wells are within its non-operated interests in the Marcellus Shale.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, Chord Energy reported total revenues of $4,877,126 thousand , a decrease from $5,251,082 thousand in the prior year. Crude oil revenues were $3,546,890 thousand , NGL revenues were $138,277 thousand , and natural gas revenues were $211,973 thousand . Purchased oil and gas sales contributed $979,986 thousand . The company's net income for the year was $44,459 thousand , a significant decrease from $848,627 thousand in 2024. Basic earnings per share (EPS) were $0.74 , and diluted EPS were $0.74 . As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents stood at $189,531 thousand . The company had long-term debt of $1,479,581 thousand , with no outstanding borrowings under its Credit Facility, but $32,800 thousand in outstanding letters of credit.

Comparing 2025 to 2024, total revenues decreased by $373,956 thousand . Crude oil revenues decreased by $24,446 thousand , NGL revenues decreased by $23,775 thousand , while natural gas revenues increased by $109,223 thousand . Average daily production increased to 276,620 Boepd in 2025 from 232,737 Boepd in 2024. Lease operating expenses (LOE) increased by $158,202 thousand to $982,610 thousand , and gathering, processing, and transportation (GPT) expenses increased by $23,358 thousand to $290,917 thousand . Production taxes decreased by $41,517 thousand to $291,880 thousand . Depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) increased by $362,395 thousand to $1,470,171 thousand . General and administrative (G&A) expenses decreased by $79,291 thousand to $126,294 thousand . Impairment and exploration expenses saw a substantial increase of $534,391 thousand to $551,412 thousand , primarily due to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $539,324 thousand in 2025.

During 2025, Chord Energy completed the acquisition of certain developed and undeveloped oil and gas assets in the Williston Basin from XTO Energy Inc. for a total cash consideration of $542,198 thousand . The effective date of this acquisition was September 1, 2025, and it was funded with proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Senior Notes and cash on hand. The company also repurchased 3,491,618 shares of common stock for a total cost of $364,500 thousand (excluding accrued excise taxes) under its share repurchase programs. In March 2025, the company paid $409,100 thousand to purchase and satisfy $400,000 thousand of its 6.375% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2026, resulting in a loss on debt extinguishment of $3,494 thousand .

Business Outlook

Management's specific capital expenditure guidance for 2026 is projected to be approximately $1.35 billion to $1.45 billion . The company plans to operate four to five rigs during the majority of 2026 and expects to turn-in-line (TIL) approximately 135 to 165 gross operated wells with an average working interest of approximately 75% . The ultimate amount of capital expenditures may fluctuate based on market conditions and drilling results.

A major growth area for Chord Energy is the continued development and exploitation of its Williston Basin acreage. The company believes its large project inventory of potential drilling locations, the majority of which are operated, will provide significant free cash flow generation. The focus on the Williston Basin is driven by its high oil content, multiple producing horizons, and substantial resource potential, allowing for efficient drilling of long laterals and multiple wells from single pads. The 2025 Williston Basin Acquisition from XTO Energy Inc. for $542.2 million further expanded the company's developed and undeveloped oil and gas assets in this key basin, contributing to its project inventory.

The company's operational outlook emphasizes continuous improvement in operations and overall cost structure. The magnitude and concentration of its acreage in the Williston Basin are expected to enable economies of scale, such as longer lateral lengths for developmental wells, drilling multiple wells from single pads into multiple formations, and utilizing centralized production and fluid handling facilities, which should reduce rig mobilization time and costs. The technical team leverages digital well log, seismic, completion, production, and other subsurface information to optimize reservoir performance and employs leading drilling and completion techniques.

Regarding capital allocation, Chord Energy's strategy is focused on maximizing returns through a strong capital allocation framework that balances stockholder returns and reinvestment. The company has a base cash dividend of $1.30 per share per quarter ($5.20 per share annualized) and a $1.0 billion share repurchase program authorized in August 2025, with $952.2 million remaining as of December 31, 2025. The company plans to return a certain percentage of adjusted free cash flow (Adjusted FCF) each quarter, with the targeted percentage based on projected leverage: 75%+ of Adjusted FCF if leverage is below 0.5x, 50%+ if leverage is below 1.0x, and base dividend+ if leverage is greater than 1.0x.

Management explicitly flagged several structural headwinds and execution risks. Geopolitical tensions and conflicts, such as those in the Red Sea Region and the wider Middle East, are expected to create heightened volatility in crude oil, NGL, and natural gas prices. The actions of OPEC+ members regarding production levels significantly impact oil prices, and there is no assurance they will continue to support and stabilize prices. Changes in U.S. trade policy, including tariffs and trade agreements, could also impact financial results. The potential for a shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a specific concern, as it could weaken Williston Basin crude oil prices materially, although the company has alternative outlets. The development of proved undeveloped (PUD) reserves may take longer and require higher capital expenditures than anticipated, and delays could lead to reclassification of proved reserves as unproved.

Geographic, regulatory, and macro factors are also identified as constraints. The company's operations are substantially concentrated in the Williston Basin, making it vulnerable to regional economic impacts, transportation capacity constraints, and specific governmental regulations. Operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation are subject to various federal, state, local, and tribal regulations, which may increase costs. The ongoing litigation regarding the ownership of minerals beneath the Missouri River riverbed on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation creates uncertainty. Environmental regulations, particularly those related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hydraulic fracturing, and endangered species, could increase operating costs, restrict drilling, and reduce demand for products. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) imposed a methane emissions fee, though the Trump Administration rescinded the methane charge rule in March 2025. However, new or more stringent federal, state, or local legal restrictions on hydraulic fracturing could increase compliance costs and reduce production.

Risk Factors

Chord Energy faces material risks including heightened volatility in crude oil, NGL, and natural gas prices due to global geopolitical tensions, such as conflicts in the Red Sea Region and the wider Middle East, and the unpredictable actions of OPEC+ regarding production levels. Adverse developments in financial markets, including bank failures, elevated interest rates, or U.S. government shutdowns, could negatively impact liquidity and access to capital. The company's substantial concentration of operations in the Williston Basin makes it vulnerable to regional economic downturns, transportation capacity constraints, and specific local regulations, including those on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and potential DAPL shutdowns. Drilling and production activities are inherently high-risk, with uncertainties in commercially viable yields and the application of horizontal drilling techniques. Regulatory risks are significant, encompassing federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety laws, particularly those related to hydraulic fracturing, GHG emissions, and endangered species, which could lead to increased costs, operational delays, or restrictions. Changes in U.S. trade policy, including tariffs, also pose a risk to financial results. The company is exposed to counterparty credit risk from receivables and derivative arrangements, though it mitigates this by dealing with high credit-quality financial institutions. Inflationary pressures on labor, materials, and services could negatively impact profitability. Cybersecurity threats and the failure to effectively integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence also present operational and reputational risks.

Management Priorities

Management's message to shareholders emphasizes a mission to responsibly produce hydrocarbons while exercising capital discipline, operating efficiently, improving continuously, and providing a rewarding environment for employees. The company is focused on generating strong free cash flow and enhancing return of capital, while being responsible stewards of the communities and environment where they operate. Key strategic priorities include maximizing returns through efficient execution of development programs and optimized capital allocation, maintaining financial strength to navigate challenging environments, and a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement in ESG practices. Management has authorized a base cash dividend of $1.30 per share per quarter ($5.20 per share annualized) and a $1.0 billion share repurchase program, with $952.2 million remaining as of December 31, 2025. They expect to return a certain percentage of adjusted free cash flow each quarter, targeting 75%+ below 0.5x leverage, 50%+ below 1.0x leverage, and base dividend+ above 1.0x leverage. The planned 2026 capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $1.35 billion to $1.45 billion , with plans to TIL approximately 135 to 165 gross operated wells .

View Source Annual Report on SEC.gov ↗

References

  1. [1] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  2. [2] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  3. [3] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  4. [4] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  5. [5] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  6. [6] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  7. [7] Item 7, MD&A — Net Income
  8. [8] Item 7, MD&A — Net Income
  9. [9] Item 8, Consolidated Statements of Operations — Earnings per share (Note 17): Basic
  10. [10] Item 8, Consolidated Statements of Operations — Earnings per share (Note 17): Diluted
  11. [11] Item 8, Consolidated Balance Sheets — Cash and cash equivalents
  12. [12] Item 8, Consolidated Balance Sheets — Long-term debt
  13. [13] Item 7, MD&A — Long-term debt
  14. [14] Item 7, MD&A — Revenues
  15. [15] Item 7, MD&A — Crude oil revenues
  16. [16] Item 7, MD&A — NGL revenues
  17. [17] Item 7, MD&A — Natural gas revenues
  18. [18] Item 7, MD&A — Production data
  19. [19] Item 7, MD&A — Production data
  20. [20] Item 7, MD&A — Lease operating expenses
  21. [21] Item 7, MD&A — Lease operating expenses
  22. [22] Item 7, MD&A — Gathering, processing and transportation expenses
  23. [23] Item 7, MD&A — Gathering, processing and transportation expenses
  24. [24] Item 7, MD&A — Production taxes
  25. [25] Item 7, MD&A — Production taxes
  26. [26] Item 7, MD&A — Depreciation, depletion and amortization
  27. [27] Item 7, MD&A — Depreciation, depletion and amortization
  28. [28] Item 7, MD&A — General and administrative expenses
  29. [29] Item 7, MD&A — General and administrative expenses
  30. [30] Item 7, MD&A — Impairment and exploration expenses
  31. [31] Item 7, MD&A — Impairment and exploration expenses
  32. [32] Item 7, MD&A — Impairment and exploration expenses
  33. [33] Item 9, Acquisitions — 2025 Acquisition
  34. [34] Item 5, Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
  35. [35] Item 7, MD&A — Share Repurchase Program
  36. [36] Item 7, MD&A — Loss on debt extinguishment
  37. [37] Item 7, MD&A — Loss on debt extinguishment
  38. [38] Item 7, MD&A — Loss on debt extinguishment
  39. [39] Item 7, MD&A — Capital expenditures
  40. [40] Item 7, MD&A — Capital expenditures
  41. [41] Item 7, MD&A — Capital expenditures
  42. [42] Item 7, MD&A — Williston Basin Acquisition
  43. [43] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  44. [44] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  45. [45] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  46. [46] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  47. [47] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  48. [48] Item 1, Business — Business Strategy
  49. [49] Item 7, MD&A — Capital expenditures
  50. [50] Item 7, MD&A — Capital expenditures

Analysis on 5/20/2026