Chord Energy Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial and Operating Results, Declares Base and Variable Dividends, Issues Second Quarter Outlook and Provides Update on Pending Combination with Enerplus
Chord Energy (CHRD) reported strong first quarter 2024 financial and operational results, exceeding guidance in oil volumes and lease operating expenses, with net cash provided by operating activities of $406.7MM and net income of $199.4MM. They also declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend and issued an outlook. The pending combination with Enerplus is on track, expected to close on May 31, 2024. Chord remains focused on operational efficiency, capital discipline, and shareholder returns.
Chord Energy exceeded guidance in oil volumes and lease operating expenses for the first quarter 2024, with strong operational performance.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $406.7MM, and net income was $199.4MM for the first quarter 2024.
Chord declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend and repurchased shares, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns.
Chord Energy 's cash G&A and cash interest expenses were at the upper end of guidance for the first quarter 2024, potentially impacting profitability.
Chord's updated FY24 guidance reflects lower natural gas volumes and price realizations, which could affect future financial performance.
Insights
Examining Chord Energy's first-quarter performance, several financial metrics stand out. The reported oil volumes at 99.0 MBopd surpassing guidance and a lease operating expense of
The declaration of both base and variable dividends, totaling
From a balance sheet perspective, the absence of revolver borrowings and a cash position of
Looking at Chord Energy from an industry viewpoint, the exceedance of production guidance and reduction of lease operating expenses implies a competitive operational efficiency, possibly translating to a stronger position within the sector. The company's focus on cycle-time improvement suggests a strategic emphasis on streamlining operations which can enhance long-term productivity.
In regards to the impending merger with Enerplus, the anticipated more than
Additionally, the company's emphasis on sustainable practices aligns with increasing sector and investor focus on ESG factors. Given the importance of such factors in investment decision-making today, Chord's commitment may improve its attractiveness to a broader range of investors and potentially lead to a re-rating of its shares in the long run.
Analyzing the shareholder returns, Chord Energy exhibits a commitment to capital return via dividends and share buybacks. The base-plus-variable dividend model aligns with sector trends to offer a fixed income component while allowing shareholders to benefit from operational upside. This approach can be attractive in periods of commodity price volatility as it provides some income predictability while maintaining upside potential.
Regarding the market outlook, the unchanged FY24 guidance in light of current market conditions conveys management confidence in achieving its operational targets. Nevertheless, investors should be aware of commodity price fluctuations, particularly in natural gas, where lower volumes and price realizations are expected. The impending merger with Enerplus should be tracked closely, as the combined entity's fiscal discipline and enhanced scale could redefine its market positioning and investor sentiment.
1Q24 Operational and Financial Highlights:
- Oil volumes of 99.0 MBopd exceeded the high-end of guidance;
- Lease Operating Expense of
$10.39 - Total volumes of 168.4 MBoepd;
- E&P and other CapEx of
$257 $3 - 1Q24 volumes and capital reflect activity acceleration driven by cycle-time improvement, along with strong well performance;
- Net cash provided by operating activities was
$406 $199 - Adjusted EBITDA(1) was
$464 $199 - Chord and Enerplus Corporation ("Enerplus") expect to complete the previously announced transaction to combine on May 31, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. See "Update on Enerplus Combination" below for additional information.
1Q24 Shareholder Return Highlights:
- Return of capital was set at
$153M M, or75% of Adjusted Free Cash Flow (excluding$3 - Share repurchases totaled
$30 $155.20 - Declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of
$2.94
(1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under |
"Chord delivered exceptional operational performance in the first quarter," said Danny Brown, Chord Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The team rebounded quickly from difficult weather conditions in January while improving cycle times in our development program and exhibiting the strongest quarterly safety performance in company history. This improved operational performance, coupled with strong well performance, drove first quarter oil production and free cash flow above expectations. Shareholder returns remain robust, supported by deep, low-cost inventory and excellent capital efficiency."
Mr. Brown continued, "Chord and Enerplus remain on track to combine at the end of the month, creating a premier Williston Basin operator with enhanced scale, significant low-cost inventory, financial strength, and peer-leading shareholder returns. Chord has completed numerous transactions since 2021, and our organization has made integration a core competency. The Chord and Enerplus teams are working diligently to identify incremental synergies and expect to see more than
Update on Enerplus Combination:
Chord and Enerplus continue to make progress on their pending combination in a stock-and-cash transaction and expect the transaction to close on May 31, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired on April 5, 2024, which satisfied one of the conditions to closing.
On April 9, 2024, Chord filed its definitive proxy statement relating to the special meeting of Chord stockholders to consider and vote upon (i) the issuance of shares of Chord common stock in connection with the transaction and (ii) the amendment to its charter to increase the number of authorized shares of Chord common stock from 120,000,000 to 240,000,000. The record date for the Chord stockholders entitled to vote at its special meeting was the close of business on April 8, 2024, and the special meeting is scheduled to be held on May 14, 2024.
On April 25, 2024, Enerplus filed its management information circular relating to the special meeting of Enerplus shareholders to consider and vote upon the transaction. The record date for the Enerplus shareholders entitled to vote at its special meeting was the close of business on April 22, 2024, and the special meeting is scheduled to be held on May 24, 2024.
1Q24 Operational and Financial Update:
The following table presents select Chord standalone 1Q24 operational and financial data compared to guidance released in February 2024:
Metric | 1Q24 Actual | 1Q24 Guidance | ||
Oil volumes (MBopd) | 99.0 | 95.0 – 98.0 | ||
NGL volumes (MBblpd) | 34.4 | 33.0 – 34.0 | ||
Natural gas volumes (MMcfpd) | 209.8 | 217.0 – 223.0 | ||
Total volumes (MBoepd) | 168.4 | 164.2 – 169.2 | ||
Oil discount to WTI ($/Bbl) | ||||
NGL realization (% of WTI) | 20 % | |||
Residue gas realization (% of Henry Hub) | 51 % | |||
LOE ($/Boe) | ||||
Cash GPT ($/Boe)(1) | ||||
Cash G&A ($MM)(1) | ||||
Production Taxes (% of oil, NGL and gas sales) | 8.5 % | |||
E&P & Other CapEx ($MM)(2) | ||||
Cash Interest ($MM)(1) | ||||
Cash Tax (% of Adjusted EBITDA)(3) | 0 % |
___________________ | |
(1) | Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP. |
(2) | Includes |
(3) | Based on |
Chord had 29 gross (23.4 net) operated turn-in-line ("TIL") wells in 1Q24 (
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was
Updated Outlook:
Chord's guidance outlook does not include impacts from the pending combination with Enerplus. Chord expects to update its 2024 guidance following the completion of the transaction.
Chord's FY24 guidance remains largely unchanged relative to the outlook released in February, while 2Q24 guidance reflects the impacts of acceleration driven by cycle-time improvement. FY24 guidance was updated to reflect lower natural gas volumes and price realizations were adjusted to reflect current market conditions. On a standalone basis in 2024, Chord continues to expect to TIL 103 – 113 gross operated wells (approximately two-thirds three-mile laterals). Additionally, Chord expects to generate approximately
The following table presents select Chord standalone operational and financial guidance for 2Q24 and FY24:
Metric | 2Q24 Guidance | Updated FY24 | Original FY24 | |||
Oil volumes (MBopd) | 97.5 – 100.5 | 97.0 – 101.0 | 97.0 – 101.0 | |||
NGL volumes (MBblpd) | 34.0 – 35.0 | 34.0 – 35.0 | 34.0 – 35.0 | |||
Natural gas volumes (MMcfpd) | 219.0 – 225.0 | 214.0 – 220.0 | 217.5 – 223.5 | |||
Total volumes (MBoepd) | 168.0 – 173.0 | 166.7 – 172.7 | 167.3 – 173.3 | |||
Oil premium (discount) to WTI ($/Bbl) | ||||||
NGL realization (% of WTI) | ||||||
Residue gas realization (% of Henry Hub) | ||||||
LOE ($/Boe) | ||||||
Cash GPT ($/Boe)(1) | ||||||
Cash G&A ($MM)(1) | ||||||
Production Taxes (% of oil, NGL and gas sales) | ||||||
E&P & Other CapEx ($MM) | ||||||
Cash Interest ($MM)(1) | ||||||
Cash Tax (% of Adjusted EBITDA)(2) |
___________________ | |
(1) | Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP. |
(2) | Based on |
Select Operational and Financial Data:
The following table presents select operational and financial data for the periods presented:
1Q24 | 1Q23 | ||
Production data: | |||
Crude oil (MBopd) | 99.0 | 95.1 | |
NGLs (MBblpd) | 34.4 | 32.7 | |
Natural gas (MMcfpd) | 209.8 | 221.4 | |
Total production (MBoepd) | 168.4 | 164.7 | |
Percent crude oil | 58.8 % | 57.7 % | |
Average sales prices: | |||
Crude oil, without realized derivatives ($/Bbl) | $ 75.32 | $ 76.04 | |
Differential to NYMEX WTI ($/Bbl) | (1.71) | — | |
Crude oil, with realized derivatives ($/Bbl) | 75.17 | 65.79 | |
Crude oil realized derivatives ($MM) | (1.4) | (87.7) | |
NGL, without realized derivatives ($/Bbl) | 15.09 | 21.13 | |
NGL, with realized derivatives ($/Bbl) | 15.09 | 22.10 | |
NGL realized derivatives ($MM) | — | 2.9 | |
Natural gas, without realized derivatives ($/Mcf) | 1.16 | 2.66 | |
Natural gas, with realized derivatives ($/Mcf) | 1.16 | 2.31 | |
Natural gas realized derivatives ($MM) | — | (7.0) | |
Selected financial data ($MM): | |||
Revenues: | |||
Crude oil revenues | $ 678.9 | $ 650.9 | |
NGL revenues | 47.3 | 62.2 | |
Natural gas revenues | 22.1 | 53.1 | |
Total oil, NGL and natural gas revenues | $ 748.3 | $ 766.2 | |
Cash flows: | |||
Net cash provided by operating activities: | $ 406.7 | $ 468.8 | |
Non-GAAP financial measures(1): | |||
Adjusted EBITDA | $ 464.8 | $ 408.3 | |
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(2) | 199.6 | 198.6 | |
Adjusted Net Income | 218.1 | 194.4 | |
Select operating expenses: | |||
Lease operating expenses ("LOE") | $ 159.2 | $ 153.4 | |
Gathering, processing and transportation expenses ("GPT") | 54.0 | 37.0 | |
Production taxes | 63.9 | 60.5 | |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 168.9 | 133.8 | |
Total select operating expenses | $ 446.0 | $ 384.7 | |
Earnings per share: | |||
Basic earnings per share | $ 4.79 | $ 7.13 | |
Diluted earnings per share | 4.65 | 6.87 | |
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (Non-GAAP)(1) | 5.10 | 4.49 |
___________________ | |
(1) | Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP. |
(2) | 1Q24 Adjusted Free Cash Flow includes |
Capital Expenditures:
The following table presents the Company's total capital expenditures ("CapEx") by category for the period presented:
1Q24 | |
CapEx ($MM): | |
E&P(1) | $ 257.7 |
Other | — |
Total E&P and other CapEx(1) | 257.7 |
Capitalized interest | 0.7 |
Total CapEx | $ 258.4 |
___________________ | |
(1) | 1Q24 includes |
Return of Capital:
Chord declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of
During 1Q24, the Company repurchased 193,269 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of
As of March 31, 2024, the Company had
Balance Sheet and Liquidity:
The following table presents key balance sheet data and liquidity metrics as of March 31, 2024 (in millions):
March 31, 2024 | |
Revolving credit facility(1) | $ 1,000.0 |
Revolver borrowings | $ — |
Senior notes | 400.0 |
Total debt | $ 400.0 |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 296.4 |
Letters of credit | $ 8.9 |
Liquidity | $ 1,287.5 |
___________________ | |
(1) | |
Contact:
Chord Energy Corporation
Bob Bakanauskas, Managing Director, Investor Relations
(281) 404-9600
ir@chordenergy.com
Conference Call Information
Investors, analysts and other interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast:
Date: | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 | |
Time: | 9:00 a.m. Central | |
Live Webcast: |
To join the conference call by phone without operator assistance (including sell-side analysts wishing to ask a question), you may register and enter your phone number at https://emportal.ink/3JrAorT to receive an instant automated call back and be immediately placed into the call.
You may also use the following dial-in information to join the conference call by phone with operator assistance:
Dial-in: | 1-800-836-8184 | |
Intl. Dial-in: | 1-646-357-8785 | |
Conference ID: | 34205 |
A recording of the conference call will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. Central on the day of the call and will be available until Wednesday, May 15, 2024 by dialing:
Replay dial-in: | 1-888-660-6345 |
Intl. replay: | 1-646-517-4150 |
Replay access: | 34205 # |
The call will also be available for replay for approximately 30 days at https://www.chordenergy.com
No Offer or Solicitation
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the pending arrangement between Chord and Enerplus (the "Arrangement") or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
Important Additional Information
In connection with the Arrangement, Chord and Enerplus have filed, or intend to file, materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and on SEDAR+, as applicable. Chord filed a definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A (the "Proxy Statement") with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies to obtain Chord stockholder approval of the Arrangement, and Enerplus filed an information circular and proxy statement (the "Circular") with the TSX and on SEDAR+ in connection with the solicitation of proxies to obtain Enerplus shareholder approval of the Arrangement. Chord has also mailed the Proxy Statement to the stockholders of Chord. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement, the Circular or for any other document that Chord or Enerplus may file with the SEC or on SEDAR+ and/or send to Chord stockholders and/or Enerplus' shareholders in connection with the Arrangement. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF CHORD AND ENERPLUS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE CIRCULAR, RESPECTIVELY, AS EACH MAY BE AMENDED OR SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED BY CHORD AND/OR ENERPLUS WITH THE SEC OR ON SEDAR+, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT CHORD, ENERPLUS, THE ARRANGEMENT, THE RISKS RELATED THERETO AND RELATED MATTERS.
Stockholders of Chord and shareholders of Enerplus are able to obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement and the Circular, as each may be amended from time to time, and other relevant documents filed by Chord and/or Enerplus with the SEC or on SEDAR+ (when they become available) through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, as applicable. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Chord are available free of charge from Chord's website at www.chordenergy.com under the "Investors" tab or by contacting Chord's Investor Relations Department at (281) 404-9600 or ir@chordenergy.com. Copies of documents filed with the SEC or on SEDAR+ by Enerplus are available free of charge from Enerplus' website at www.enerplus.com under the "Investors" tab or by contacting Enerplus' Investor Relations Department at (403) 298-1707.
Participants in the Solicitation
Chord, Enerplus and their respective directors and certain of their executive officers and other members of management and employees may be deemed, under SEC rules, to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Chord's stockholders and Enerplus' shareholders in connection with the Arrangement. Information regarding the executive officers and directors of Chord is included in its definitive proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting under the headings "Item 1 – Election of Directors," "Executive Officers," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Executive Compensation Matters" and "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management," which was filed with the SEC on March 19, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ixviewer/ix.html?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1486159/000148615923000007/chrd-20230316.htm. Information regarding the directors and certain executive officers of Enerplus is included in its information circular and proxy statement for its 2024 annual meeting under the headings "Director Compensation" and "Executive Compensation", which was filed on SEDAR+ on April 4, 2024 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1126874/000110465923041270/tm235372d3_ex99-2.htm. Additional information regarding the persons who may be deemed participants and their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Proxy Statement and the Circular, and may be set forth in other materials when they are filed with the SEC or on SEDAR+ in connection with the Arrangement. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described in the paragraphs above.
Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Statements
Certain statements in this document concerning the proposed Arrangement, including any statements regarding the expected timetable for completing the Arrangement, the results, effects, benefits and synergies of the Arrangement, future opportunities for the combined company, future financial performance and condition, guidance and any other statements regarding Chord's or Enerplus' future expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, financial conditions, assumptions or future events or performance that are not historical facts are "forward-looking" statements based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical facts. The words "anticipate," "believe," "ensure," "expect," "if," "intend," "estimate," "probable," "project," "forecasts," "predict," "outlook," "aim," "will," "could," "should," "would," "potential," "may," "might," "anticipate," "likely" "plan," "positioned," "strategy," and similar expressions or other words of similar meaning, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Chord's or Enerplus' plans and expectations with respect to the proposed Arrangement and the anticipated impact of the proposed Arrangement on the combined company's results of operations, financial position, growth opportunities and competitive position, including maintaining current Chord and Enerplus management, strategies and plans and integration. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, including, but not limited to, the possibility that shareholders of Enerplus may not approve the Arrangement or stockholders of Chord may not approve the issuance of new shares of Chord common stock in the Arrangement; the risk that any other condition to closing may not be satisfied; that either party may terminate the Arrangement Agreement or that the closing might be delayed or not occur at all; the risk that the Arrangement Agreement is terminated and either Chord or Enerplus is required to pay a termination fee to the other party; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships of Chord or Enerplus, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the Arrangement; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; the ultimate timing, outcome and results of integrating the operations of Chord and Enerplus; the effects of the business combination of Chord and Enerplus, including the combined company's future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans; the ability of the combined company to realize anticipated synergies in the timeframe expected or at all; changes in capital markets and the ability of the combined company to finance operations in the manner expected; the risk that Chord or Enerplus may not receive the required regulatory approval of the Arrangement; the risk of any litigation relating to the proposed Arrangement; the risk of changes in governmental regulations or enforcement practices; the effects of commodity prices; the risks of oil and gas activities; and the fact that operating costs and business disruption may be greater than expected following the public announcement or consummation of the Arrangement. Expectations regarding business outlook, including changes in revenue, pricing, capital expenditures, cash flow generation, strategies for the combined company's operations, oil and natural gas market conditions, legal, economic and regulatory conditions, and environmental matters are only forecasts regarding these matters.
Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in the Proxy Statement, Chord's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC and available from Chord's website at www.chordenergy.com under the "Investors" tab, and in other documents Chord files with the SEC and in the Circular and Enerplus' annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is on file with the SEC and on SEDAR+ and available from Enerplus' website at www.enerplus.com under the "Investors" tab, and in other documents Enerplus files with the SEC or on SEDAR+.
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and are based on information available at that time. Neither Chord nor Enerplus assumes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by applicable securities laws. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements.
About Chord Energy
Chord Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production company with quality and sustainable long-lived assets in the Williston Basin. The Company is uniquely positioned with a best-in-class balance sheet and is focused on rigorous capital discipline and generating free cash flow by operating efficiently, safely and responsibly to develop its unconventional onshore oil-rich resources in the continental
Chord Energy Corporation Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (In thousands, except share data) | |||
March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | ||
ASSETS | |||
Current assets | |||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ 296,354 | $ 317,998 | |
Accounts receivable, net | 982,062 | 943,114 | |
Inventory | 78,118 | 72,565 | |
Prepaid expenses | 30,135 | 42,450 | |
Derivative instruments | 26,540 | 37,369 | |
Other current assets | 2,033 | 11,055 | |
Total current assets | 1,415,242 | 1,424,551 | |
Property, plant and equipment | |||
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method) | 6,575,306 | 6,320,243 | |
Other property and equipment | 49,087 | 49,051 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization | (1,218,284) | (1,054,616) | |
Total property, plant and equipment, net | 5,406,109 | 5,314,678 | |
Derivative instruments | 22,231 | 22,526 | |
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 114,181 | 100,172 | |
Long-term inventory | 28,360 | 22,936 | |
Operating right-of-use assets | 19,218 | 21,343 | |
Other assets | 20,173 | 19,944 | |
Total assets | $ 7,025,514 | $ 6,926,150 | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | |||
Current liabilities | |||
Accounts payable | $ 39,511 | $ 34,453 | |
Revenues and production taxes payable | 592,888 | 604,704 | |
Accrued liabilities | 545,820 | 493,381 | |
Accrued interest payable | 8,532 | 2,157 | |
Derivative instruments | 19,523 | 14,209 | |
Advances from joint interest partners | 2,484 | 2,381 | |
Current operating lease liabilities | 13,691 | 13,258 | |
Other current liabilities | 22,671 | 916 | |
Total current liabilities | 1,245,120 | 1,165,459 | |
Long-term debt | 396,324 | 395,902 | |
Deferred tax liabilities | 122,288 | 95,322 | |
Asset retirement obligations | 155,696 | 155,040 | |
Derivative instruments | 3,022 | 717 | |
Operating lease liabilities | 15,993 | 18,667 | |
Other liabilities | 11,893 | 18,419 | |
Total liabilities | 1,950,336 | 1,849,526 | |
Commitments and contingencies | |||
Stockholders' equity | |||
Common stock, issued and 41,551,082 shares outstanding at March 31, 2024; and 120,000,000 shares authorized, 45,032,537 shares issued and 41,249,658 shares outstanding at December 31, 2023 | 459 | 456 | |
Treasury stock, at cost: 3,976,148 shares at March 31, 2024 and 3,782,879 shares at December 31, 2023 | (523,288) | (493,289) | |
Additional paid-in capital | 3,575,557 | 3,608,819 | |
Retained earnings | 2,022,450 | 1,960,638 | |
Total stockholders' equity | 5,075,178 | 5,076,624 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ 7,025,514 | $ 6,926,150 | |
Chord Energy Corporation Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (In thousands, except per share data) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
Revenues | |||
Oil, NGL and gas revenues | $ 748,162 | $ 766,200 | |
Purchased oil and gas sales | 337,098 | 130,317 | |
Total revenues | 1,085,260 | 896,517 | |
Operating expenses | |||
Lease operating expenses | 159,206 | 153,408 | |
Gathering, processing and transportation expenses | 53,984 | 37,015 | |
Purchased oil and gas expenses | 335,762 | 129,593 | |
Production taxes | 63,911 | 60,517 | |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 168,894 | 133,791 | |
General and administrative expenses | 25,712 | 32,484 | |
Exploration and impairment | 6,154 | 24,864 | |
Total operating expenses | 813,623 | 571,672 | |
Gain on sale of assets, net | 1,302 | 1,227 | |
Operating income | 272,939 | 326,072 | |
Other income (expense) | |||
Net gain (loss) on derivative instruments | (27,577) | 66,934 | |
Net gain (loss) from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 16,296 | (2,216) | |
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest | (7,592) | (7,135) | |
Other income, net | 2,826 | 5,193 | |
Total other income (expense), net | (16,047) | 62,776 | |
Income before income taxes | 256,892 | 388,848 | |
Income tax expense | (57,539) | (91,849) | |
Net income | $ 199,353 | $ 296,999 | |
Earnings per share: | |||
Basic | $ 4.79 | $ 7.13 | |
Diluted | $ 4.65 | $ 6.87 | |
Weighted average shares outstanding: | |||
Basic | 41,468 | 41,568 | |
Diluted | 42,747 | 43,149 | |
Chord Energy Corporation Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (In thousands) | |||
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||
Net income | $ 199,353 | $ 296,999 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 168,894 | 133,791 | |
Gain on sale of assets | (1,302) | (1,227) | |
Impairment | 3,919 | 23,304 | |
Deferred income taxes | 26,966 | 73,923 | |
Net (gain) loss from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | (16,296) | 2,216 | |
Net (gain) loss on derivative instruments | 27,577 | (66,934) | |
Equity-based compensation expenses | 4,771 | 11,854 | |
Deferred financing costs amortization and other | 2,663 | (3,791) | |
Working capital and other changes: | |||
Change in accounts receivable, net | (62,081) | (14,657) | |
Change in inventory | (9,471) | (12,753) | |
Change in prepaid expenses | (291) | 1,211 | |
Change in accounts payable, interest payable and accrued liabilities | 29,147 | 8,176 | |
Change in other assets and liabilities, net | 32,849 | 16,699 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 406,698 | 468,811 | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||
Capital expenditures | (222,149) | (172,328) | |
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (334) | — | |
Proceeds from divestitures, net of cash divested | 2,371 | 7,034 | |
Derivative settlements | (12,062) | (91,656) | |
Proceeds from sale of investment in unconsolidated affiliate | — | 12,347 | |
Contingent consideration received | 25,000 | — | |
Distributions from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 2,287 | 3,015 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | (204,887) | (241,588) | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||
Purchases of treasury stock | (31,999) | (15,003) | |
Tax withholding on vesting of equity-based awards | (46,051) | (10,300) | |
Dividends paid | (152,389) | (202,473) | |
Payments on finance lease liabilities | (386) | (388) | |
Proceeds from warrants exercised | 7,370 | 90 | |
Net cash used in financing activities | (223,455) | (228,074) | |
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (21,644) | (851) | |
Cash and cash equivalents: | |||
Beginning of period | 317,998 | 593,151 | |
End of period | $ 296,354 | $ 592,300 | |
Supplemental non-cash transactions: | |||
Change in accrued capital expenditures | $ 25,312 | $ 46,097 | |
Change in asset retirement obligations | 973 | 234 | |
Dividends payable | 17,587 | 15,798 | |
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The following are non-GAAP financial measures not prepared in accordance with GAAP that are used by management and external users of the Company's financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. The Company believes that the foregoing are useful supplemental measures that provide an indication of the results generated by the Company's principal business activities. However, these measures are not recognized by GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. Therefore, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other issuers. From time to time, the Company provides forward-looking forecasts of these measures; however, the Company is unable to provide a quantitative reconciliation of the forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable forward-looking GAAP measures because management cannot reliably quantify certain of the necessary components of such forward-looking GAAP measures. The reconciling items in future periods could be significant. To see how the Company reconciles its historical presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures, please visit the Investors—Documents & Disclosures—Non-GAAP Reconciliation page on the Company's website at https://ir.chordenergy.com/non-gaap.
Cash GPT
The Company defines Cash GPT as total GPT expenses less non-cash valuation charges on pipeline imbalances and non-cash mark-to-market adjustments on transportation contracts accounted for as derivative instruments. Cash GPT is not a measure of GPT expenses as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Cash GPT provides useful additional information to investors and analysts to assess the cash costs incurred to market and transport the Company's commodities from the wellhead to delivery points for sale without regard to the change in value of its pipeline imbalances, which vary monthly based on commodity prices, and without regard to the non-cash mark-to-market adjustments on transportation contracts classified as derivative instruments.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of GPT expenses to the non-GAAP financial measure of Cash GPT for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | |||
GPT | $ 53,984 | $ 37,015 | |
Pipeline imbalances | (194) | (6,005) | |
Gain (loss) on derivative transportation contracts | (3,229) | 11,157 | |
Cash GPT | $ 50,561 | $ 42,167 | |
Cash G&A
The Company defines Cash G&A as total G&A expenses less G&A expenses directly attributable to certain merger and acquisition activity, non-cash equity-based compensation expenses, G&A expenses attributable to shared service allocations and other non-cash charges. Cash G&A is not a measure of G&A expenses as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Cash G&A provides useful additional information to investors and analysts to assess the Company's operating costs in comparison to peers without regard to the aforementioned charges, which can vary substantially from company to company.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of G&A expenses to the non-GAAP financial measure of Cash G&A for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | |||
General and administrative expenses | $ 25,712 | $ 32,484 | |
Merger costs(1) | (8,107) | (2,793) | |
Equity-based compensation expenses | (4,771) | (11,854) | |
Other non-cash adjustments | 1,660 | 411 | |
Cash G&A | $ 14,494 | $ 18,248 | |
___________________ | |
(1) | Includes costs directly attributable to the arrangement with Enerplus for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the costs directly attributable to the merger of equals with Whiting for the three months ended March 31, 2023. |
Cash Interest
The Company defines Cash Interest as interest expense plus capitalized interest less amortization and write-offs of deferred financing costs. Cash Interest is not a measure of interest expense as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Cash Interest provides useful additional information to investors and analysts for assessing the interest charges incurred on the Company's debt to finance its operating activities and the Company's ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of interest expense to the non-GAAP financial measure of Cash Interest for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | |||
Interest expense | $ 7,592 | $ 7,135 | |
Capitalized interest | 710 | 1,421 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | (892) | (1,198) | |
Cash Interest | $ 7,410 | $ 7,358 | |
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow
The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A"), merger costs, exploration expenses and impairment expenses and other similar non-cash or non-recurring charges. The Company defines Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA less Cash Interest and E&P and other capital expenditures (excluding capitalized interest and acquisition capital).
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are not measures of net income or cash flows from operating activities as determined by GAAP. Management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow provides useful additional information to investors and analysts for assessing the Company's results of operations, financial performance, ability to generate cash from its business operations without regard to its financing methods or capital structure and the Company's ability to maintain compliance with its debt covenants.
The following table presents reconciliations of the GAAP financial measures of net income and net cash provided by operating activities to the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | |||
Net income | $ 199,353 | $ 296,999 | |
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest | 7,592 | 7,135 | |
Income tax expense | 57,539 | 91,849 | |
Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 168,894 | 133,791 | |
Merger costs(1) | 8,107 | 2,793 | |
Exploration and impairment expenses | 6,154 | 24,864 | |
Gain on sale of assets | (1,302) | (1,227) | |
Net (gain) loss on derivative instruments | 27,577 | (66,934) | |
Realized loss on commodity price derivative contracts | (1,361) | (91,858) | |
Net (gain) loss from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | (16,296) | 2,216 | |
Distributions from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 2,287 | 3,015 | |
Equity-based compensation expenses | 4,771 | 11,854 | |
Other non-cash adjustments | 1,464 | (6,213) | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 464,779 | 408,284 | |
Cash Interest | (7,410) | (7,358) | |
E&P and other capital expenditures | (257,748) | (202,296) | |
Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ 199,621 | $ 198,630 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 406,698 | $ 468,811 | |
Changes in working capital | 9,847 | 1,324 | |
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest | 7,592 | 7,135 | |
Current income tax expense | 30,573 | 17,927 | |
Merger costs(1) | 8,107 | 2,793 | |
Exploration expenses | 2,235 | 1,559 | |
Realized loss on commodity price derivative contracts | (1,361) | (91,858) | |
Distributions from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 2,287 | 3,015 | |
Deferred financing costs amortization and other | (2,663) | 3,791 | |
Other non-cash adjustments | 1,464 | (6,213) | |
Adjusted EBITDA | 464,779 | 408,284 | |
Cash Interest | (7,410) | (7,358) | |
E&P and other capital expenditures(2) | (257,748) | (202,296) | |
Adjusted Free Cash Flow | $ 199,621 | $ 198,630 | |
___________________ | |
(1) | Includes costs directly attributable to the arrangement with Enerplus for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the costs directly attributable to the merger of equals with Whiting for the three months ended March 31, 2023. |
(2) | The three months ended March 31, 2024 includes |
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures that are used by management and external users of the Company's financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. The Company defines Adjusted Net Income as net income after adjusting for (1) the impact of certain non-cash items, including non-cash changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, non-cash changes in the fair value of the Company's investment in an unconsolidated affiliate, impairment and other similar non-cash charges, (2) merger costs and (3) the impact of taxes based on the Company's effective tax rate applicable to those adjusting items in the same period. Adjusted Net Income is not a measure of net income as determined by GAAP.
The Company calculates earnings per share under the two-class method in accordance with GAAP. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that computes earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share is calculated as (i) Adjusted Net Income (ii) less distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities (iii) divided by the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding for the periods presented.
The following table presents reconciliations of the GAAP financial measure of net income to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted Net Income and the GAAP financial measure of diluted earnings per share to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
(In thousands) | |||
Net income | $ 199,353 | $ 296,999 | |
Net (gain) loss on derivative instruments | 27,577 | (66,934) | |
Realized loss on commodity price derivative contracts | (1,361) | (91,858) | |
Net (gain) from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | (16,296) | 2,216 | |
Distributions from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 2,287 | 3,015 | |
Impairment | 3,919 | 23,304 | |
Merger costs(1) | 8,107 | 2,793 | |
Gain on sale of assets | (1,302) | (1,227) | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 892 | 1,198 | |
Other non-cash adjustments | 1,464 | (6,213) | |
Tax impact(2) | (5,664) | 31,583 | |
Adjusted net income | 218,976 | 194,876 | |
Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | (856) | (467) | |
Adjusted net income attributable to common stockholders | $ 218,120 | $ 194,409 | |
Diluted earnings per share | 4.66 | 6.87 | |
Net (gain) loss on derivative instruments | 0.65 | (1.55) | |
Realized loss on commodity price derivative contracts | (0.03) | (2.13) | |
Net (gain) from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | (0.38) | 0.05 | |
Distributions from investment in unconsolidated affiliate | 0.05 | 0.07 | |
Impairment | 0.09 | 0.54 | |
Merger costs(1) | 0.19 | 0.06 | |
Gain on sale of assets | (0.03) | (0.03) | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 0.02 | 0.03 | |
Other non-cash adjustments | 0.03 | (0.14) | |
Tax impact(2) | (0.13) | 0.73 | |
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share | 5.12 | 4.50 | |
Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities | (0.02) | (0.01) | |
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share | $ 5.10 | $ 4.49 | |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 42,747 | 43,149 | |
Effective tax rate applicable to adjustment items(2) | 22.4 % | 23.6 % | |
_____________________ | |
(1) | Includes costs directly attributable to the arrangement with Enerplus for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and the costs directly attributable to the merger of equals with Whiting for the three months ended March 31, 2023. |
(2) | The tax impact is computed utilizing the Company's effective tax rate applicable to the adjustments for certain non-cash and non-recurring items. |
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SOURCE Chord Energy Corp.
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