CHRD Chord Energy Corporation

HOUSTON, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chord Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHRD) ("Chord", "Chord Energy" or the "Company") today reported financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2023 and announced its 2024 outlook.

Operational and Financial Highlights:

• Oil volumes of 106.2 MBopd and total volumes of 183.8 MBoepd in 4Q23 both exceeded the high-end of guidance. FY23 oil volumes were 99.8 MBopd with total volumes of 173.4 MBoepd;
• E&P and other CapEx of $208.8MM in 4Q23 (including $3.5MM of reimbursed capital for divested non-operated assets) and $922.3MM in FY23 (including $14.5MM of reimbursed capital for divested non-operated assets) exceeded the high-end of guidance;
• 2023 volumes and capital reflect activity acceleration and higher working interest in operated wells, along with mild 4Q23 weather, lower downtime and strong well performance;
• 12 gross (9 net) operated turn-in-line ("TIL") wells in 4Q23 (~80% three-mile). Reached total depth on all three-mile cleanouts in 4Q23;
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $543.3MM and net income was $301.6MM in 4Q23; and
• Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was $480.9MM and Adjusted Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾ was $247.4MM.

Shareholder Return Highlights:

• 4Q23 return of capital was set at $188MM, or 75% of Adjusted Free Cash Flow (excluding the $3.5MM of reimbursed capital);
• Share repurchases totaled $82.8MM (weighted average price of $162.20 per share), including $53.0MM attributable to 4Q23 return of capital;
• Declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of $3.25 per share of common stock. See "Return of Capital" below for additional information; and
• Return of capital paid in FY23 was approximately $646MM.

2024 Outlook Highlights:

• E&P and other CapEx between $905MM – $945MM (~80% drilling and completions);
• TIL 103 – 113 gross operated wells;
• Holding oil volumes flat between 97 – 101 MBopd; and
• Adjusted Free Cash Flow⁽¹⁾ of approximately $875MM at $79/Bbl WTI and $2.50/MMBtu Henry Hub using midpoint guidance.

^{(1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").}

"Chord closed 2023 on sound footing by executing on its program and delivering strong volume growth in the second half of the year," said Danny Brown, Chord Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer. "2023 was a pivotal year for the Company as three-mile wells were approximately 50% of the mix, and execution and well performance continue to meet or exceed expectations. Chord's deep inventory generates compelling economics and allows for low reinvestment rates, robust free cash flow and attractive return of capital. In 2023, Chord returned $646MM to shareholders through a mix of base and variable dividends supplemented by opportunistic share repurchases."

Danny Brown continued, "As we look to this year, given the progress made and success achieved on extended laterals in 2023, three-mile wells will approximate two-thirds of the 2024 program. The Chord team will remain focused on driving continuous improvement and better efficiency throughout the organization. Our low-cost inventory, capital efficient development program and strong balance sheet continue to support sustainable free cash flow generation and high shareholder returns. At Chord, we remain excited about the oil and gas industry, the benefits we bring to the world, and are focused on sustainable value creation through responsible operations."

4Q23 Operational and Financial Update:

The following table presents select 4Q23 operational and financial data compared to guidance released in November 2023:

During the three months ended December 31, 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $543.3MM and net income was $301.6MM ($6.93/diluted share). Adjusted EBITDA was $480.9MM, Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $247.4MM and Adjusted Net Income was $228.0MM ($5.25/diluted share). Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Net Income are non-GAAP financial measures. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measures under GAAP.

Estimated Net Proved Reserves:

During 2023, the Company added 78.6 million barrels of oil equivalent ("MMBoe") of net proved reserves as a result of successful drilling in the Williston Basin and 18.8 MMBoe from the purchase of reserves in place associated with the XTO bolt-on acquisition in June 2023. Chord's estimated net proved reserves at December 31, 2023 were 636.2 MMBoe and consisted of 368.4 million barrels ("MMBbl") of crude oil, 138.2 MMBbl of NGLs and 777.9 billion cubic feet ("Bcf") of natural gas. The Company's estimated net proved reserves and PV-10 do not include probable or possible reserves and were determined using the preceding 12-month unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month index prices for crude oil and natural gas, which were held constant throughout the life of the properties. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the unweighted arithmetic average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior 12 months were $78.22 per Bbl for crude oil and $2.64 per MMBtu for natural gas. These prices were adjusted for quality, energy content, transportation fees and market differentials. The information in the following table does not give any effect to or reflect our commodity derivatives. Future operating costs, production taxes, plugging and abandonment costs and capital costs were based on current costs as of year end. The Company's estimated net proved reserves and related PV-10 at December 31, 2023 were based on reports independently prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., the Company's independent reserve engineers.

The table below summarizes the Company's estimated net proved reserves and related PV-10 at December 31, 2023:

2024 Outlook:

Chord constructed its 2024 program to focus on capital efficiency and maximizing cash flow generation with a low reinvestment rate. The 2024 reinvestment rate is expected to be approximately 50%. Chord expects to generate approximately $1.9B of Adjusted EBITDA and $875MM of Adjusted Free Cash Flow ($79/Bbl WTI and $2.50/MMBtu Henry Hub) in 2024. 

Highlights of the 2024 plan include:

• E&P and other CapEx is expected to total approximately $905MM – $945MM. Approximately 80% of E&P and other CapEx is expected to be invested in drilling and completions;
• Chord plans to TIL 103 – 113 gross operated wells (approximately two-thirds 3-mile laterals) in 2024 with an average working interest of approximately 75%. Chord plans to TIL 26 – 30 gross operated wells in 1Q24; and
• 1Q24 volumes were impacted by downtime and deferred activity in January resulting from winter storms in North Dakota. Inclusive of downtime impacts from the January winter storms, 1Q24 oil volumes are expected to be 95 MBopd – 98 MBopd. FY24 oil volumes are expected to be 97 - 101 MBopd, with volumes highest in the second-half of 2024. Midpoint FY24 oil volumes of 99 MBopd are unchanged from the soft guidance announced during our 3Q23 earnings call, despite January winter storms.

The following table presents select operational and financial guidance for 1Q24 and FY24:

Select Operational and Financial Data:

The following table presents select operational and financial data for the periods presented:

Capital Expenditures:

The following table presents the Company's total capital expenditures ("CapEx") by category for the period presented:

Return of Capital:

Chord declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of $3.25 per share of common stock, including a base dividend of $1.25 per share of common stock and a variable dividend of $2.00 per share of common stock. The dividends will be payable on March 19, 2024 to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2024. Details regarding the calculation of the variable dividend can be found in the Company's most recent investor presentation located on its website at https://ir.chordenergy.com/presentations.

In addition, during 4Q23 the Company repurchased 510,471 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $162.20 per share totaling $82.8MM. These share repurchases included $53.0MM attributable to 4Q23 return of capital and $29.8MM attributable to cash proceeds from warrants exercised.

Hedging Update:

The following table presents the Company's hedge portfolio as of February 20, 2024:

Balance Sheet and Liquidity:

The following table presents key balance sheet data and liquidity metrics as of December 31, 2023 (in millions):

ESG Highlights:

• Strong gas capture in FY23;
• Chord has endorsed the World Bank Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative; and
• Chord released its 2022 Sustainability Report in September 2023, which highlights Chord's commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility and corporate governance. Chord remains committed to delivering affordable and reliable energy in a sustainable and responsible manner. The report can be accessed at www.chordenergy.com/sustainability/

Contact:

Chord Energy Corporation
Danny Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Lou, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Bob Bakanauskas, Managing Director, Investor Relations
(281) 404-9600
ir@chordenergy.com

Conference Call Information

Chord's fourth quarter 2023 earnings conference call originally scheduled for February 22, 2024 has been cancelled and replaced with a conference call today, February 21, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Central. Conference call information for the February 21, 2024 event is provided below.

Investors, analysts and other interested parties are invited to listen to the 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/42KxiYW 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:

A recording of the conference call will be available until Thursday, February 28, 2024 by dialing:

The call will also be available for replay for approximately 30 days at https://www.chordenergy.com and https://www.enerplus.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that Chord expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including any statements regarding the benefits and synergies of the Whiting merger, future opportunities for Chord, future financial performance and condition, guidance and statements regarding Chord's expectations, beliefs, plans, financial condition, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance 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 statements regarding Chord's plans and expectations with respect to the return of capital plan, production levels and reinvestment rates, anticipated financial and operating results and other guidance and the effects, benefits and synergies of the Whiting merger. 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 statements are based on certain assumptions made by Chord based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Chord, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the ultimate results of integrating the operations of Chord, the effects of the business combination on Chord, including Chord's future financial condition, results of operations, strategy and plans, the ability of Chord to realize the anticipated benefits or synergies of the merger in the timeframe expected or at all, changes in crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices, war between Russia and Ukraine and the potential for escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas and surrounding countries in the Middle East and their effect on commodity prices, inflation rates and the impact of associated monetary policy responses, including increased interest rates, developments in the global economy, the impact of pandemics such as COVID-19, weather and environmental conditions, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as Chord's ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, the availability of midstream service providers, uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting Chord's business and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in Chord's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and Chord undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements. Additional information concerning other risk factors is also contained in Chord's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other SEC filings.

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 United States. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.chordenergy.com.

Comparability of Financial Statements

The results reported for the year ended December 31, 2023 reflect the consolidated results of Chord, while the results reported for the year ended December 31, 2022 reflect the consolidated results of legacy Oasis for the period from January 1 to June 30, 2022 and the consolidated results of Chord from July 1 to December 31, 2022, unless otherwise noted.

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:

Cash G&A

The Company defines Cash G&A as total G&A expenses less G&A expenses directly attributable to the merger of equals with Whiting, 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:

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:

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 EBITDA from continuing operations as Adjusted EBITDA less Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations. The Company defines Adjusted Free Cash Flow as Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations 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 including non-controlling interests 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:

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Chord and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Attributable to Chord Per Share

Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Chord and Adjusted Diluted Earnings Attributable to Chord 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 Attributable to Chord as net income attributable to Chord 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 Attributable to Chord 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 Attributable to Chord Per Share is calculated as (i) Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Chord (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 attributable to Chord to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted Net Income Attributable to Chord and the GAAP financial measure of diluted earnings attributable to Chord per share to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted Diluted Earnings Attributable to Chord Per Share for the periods presented:

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SOURCE Chord Energy Corp.