Chord Energy Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Annual Report”), as well as the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, regarding our strategic tactics, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words “aim,” “mission,” “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “project,” “plans” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. In particular, the factors discussed below and detailed under “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q could affect our actual results and cause our actual results to differ materially from expectations, estimates, or assumptions expressed in, forecasted in, or implied in such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current belief, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, certain statements incorporated by reference or included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements may include statements about:

• crude oil, NGLs and natural gas realized prices;
• uncertainty regarding the future actions of foreign oil producers and the related impacts such actions have on the balance between the supply of and demand for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas;
• the actions taken by OPEC+ with respect to oil production levels and announcements of potential changes in such levels, including the ability of the OPEC+ countries to agree on and comply with supply limitations;
• war between Russia and Ukraine as well as war between Hamas and Israel, with the potential for escalation of hostilities across the surrounding countries in the Middle East, and their effect on commodity prices;
• general economic conditions;
• inflation rates and the impact of associated monetary policy responses, including increased interest rates;
• logistical challenges and supply chain disruptions;
• our business strategy;
• the geographic concentration of our operations;
• estimated future net reserves and present value thereof;
• timing and amount of future production of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas;
• drilling and completion of wells;
• estimated inventory of wells remaining to be drilled and completed;
• costs of exploiting and developing our properties and conducting other operations;
• availability of drilling, completion and production equipment and materials;
• availability of qualified personnel;
• infrastructure for produced and flowback water gathering and disposal;
• gathering, transportation and marketing of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas in the Williston Basin and other regions in the United States;
• the possible shutdown of the Dakota Access Pipeline;
• the expected timing and closing of the Arrangement (as defined in the “Recent Developments” section of Item 2 below);
• the possibility that required shareholder approvals related to the Arrangement may not be obtained;
• the risk that a condition to closing the Arrangement may not be satisfied;
• the risk that either party may terminate the Arrangement Agreement (as defined in the “Recent Developments” section of Item 2 below) upon the occurrence of certain circumstances or that the closing of the Arrangement might be delayed or not occur at all;
• property acquisitions, including the Arrangement, and divestitures;
• integration and benefits of property acquisitions or the effects of such acquisitions on our cash position and levels of indebtedness, including the Arrangement;
• any litigation relating to the Arrangement;
• the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures;
• availability and terms of capital;
• our financial strategic tactics, budget, projections, execution of business plan and operating results;
• cash flows and liquidity;
• our ability to return capital to shareholders;
• our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards or other tax attributes in future periods;
• our ability to comply with the covenants under our credit agreement and other indebtedness;
• operating hazards, natural disasters, weather-related delays, casualty losses and other matters beyond our control;
• interruptions in service and fluctuations in tariff provisions of third-party connecting pipelines;
• potential effects arising from cybersecurity threats, terrorist attacks and any consequential or other hostilities;
• compliance with, and, changes in environmental, safety and other laws and regulations, including the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022;
• execution of our ESG initiatives;
• effectiveness of risk management activities;
• competition in the oil and gas industry;
• counterparty credit risk;
• incurring environmental liabilities;
• developments in the global economy as well as any public health crisis similar to or caused by a recurrence of the novel COVID-19 pandemic and resulting demand and supply for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas;
• governmental regulation and the taxation of the oil and gas industry;
• developments in crude oil-producing and natural gas-producing countries;
• technology;
• consumer demand and preferences for, and governmental policies encouraging, fossil fuel alternatives;
• the effects of accounting pronouncements issued periodically during the periods covered by forward-looking statements;
• uncertainty regarding future operating results;
• our ability to successfully forecast future operating results and manage activity levels with ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty;
• the impact of disruptions in the financial markets, including any bank failures and the interest rate environment;
• plans, objectives, expectations and intentions contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical; and
• certain factors discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in our 2023 Annual Report and in our other filings with the SEC.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are reasonable, we can give no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. Some of the key factors which could cause actual results to vary from our expectations include changes in crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices, climatic 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 our ability to access them, inflation, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities and uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting our business, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all of which are difficult to predict. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed may not occur. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

Overview

Chord Energy Corporation (together with its consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company”, “Chord”, “we”, “us,” or “our”) is an independent exploration and production (“E&P”) company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, NGL and natural gas in the Williston Basin. Our mission is to responsibly produce hydrocarbons while exercising capital discipline, operating efficiently, improving continuously and providing a rewarding environment for our employees. We are ideally positioned to enhance return of capital and generate strong free cash flow, while being responsible stewards of the communities and environment where we operate.

Market Conditions and Commodity Prices

Our revenue, profitability and ability to return cash to shareholders depend substantially on factors beyond our control, such as economic, political and regulatory developments as well as competition from other sources of energy. Prices for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas have experienced significant fluctuations in recent years and may continue to fluctuate widely in the future due to a combination of macro-economic factors that impact the supply and demand for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas.

While we are unable to predict future commodity prices, we do not believe that an impairment of our oil and gas properties is reasonably likely to occur in the near future at current price levels; however, we would evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our oil and gas properties as a result of a future material or extended decline in the price of crude oil, NGLs or natural gas or a material increase in the costs of labor, materials or services.

In an effort to improve price realizations from the sale of our crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, we manage our commodities marketing activities in-house, which enables us to market and sell our crude oil, NGLs and natural gas to a broader array of potential purchasers. We enter into crude oil, NGL and natural gas sales contracts with purchasers who have access to transportation capacity, utilize derivative financial instruments to manage our commodity price risk and enter into physical delivery contracts to manage our price differentials. Due to the availability of other markets and pipeline connections, we do not believe that the loss of any single customer would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash flows.

Additionally, we sell a significant amount of our crude oil production through gathering systems connected to multiple pipeline and rail facilities. These gathering systems, which originate at the wellhead, reduce the need to transport barrels by truck from the wellhead, helping remove trucks from local highways and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As of March 31, 2024, substantially all of our gross operated crude oil and natural gas production were connected to gathering systems.

Recent Developments

Pending Acquisition

On February 21, 2024, we entered into an arrangement agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement ”) with Enerplus Corporation, a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada (“Enerplus”), and Spark Acquisition ULC, an unlimited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, pursuant to which, among other things, we have agreed to acquire Enerplus in a stock-and-cash transaction (such transaction, the “Arrangement”), subject to satisfaction of certain closing conditions. The transaction will be effected by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) (the “Plan of Arrangement”).

Enerplus is an independent North American oil and gas exploration and production company. We believe that the combination of Chord and Enerplus will provide improving returns, capital efficiency, low-cost inventory, and a peer-leading balance sheet, all of which support sustainable free cash flow generation and meaningful shareholder returns. Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, among other things, Enerplus shareholders will receive 0.10125 shares of Chord common stock and $1.84 in cash in exchange for each common share of Enerplus they own at closing. The transaction is expected to close on May 31, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.

Results of Operations

Operational and Financial Highlights

• Production volumes averaged 168,424 Boepd (59% oil), including crude oil volumes of 99,036 Bopd in the first quarter of 2024.
• E&P and other capital expenditures (excluding capitalized interest) were $257.7 million in the first quarter of 2024.
• Lease operating expenses (“LOE”) were $10.39 Boe in the first quarter of 2024.
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $406.7 million, and net income was $199.4 million in the first quarter of 2024.

Shareholder Return Highlights

• Paid $3.25 per share base-plus-variable cash dividend on March 19, 2024.
• Repurchased $30.0 million of common stock in the first quarter of 2024 with $653.0 million remaining under our $750 million share repurchase program.
• Declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of $2.94 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on June 5, 2024 to shareholders of record as of May 22, 2024.

Revenues

Our crude oil, NGL and natural gas revenues are derived from the sale of crude oil, NGL and natural gas production. These revenues do not include the effects of derivative instruments and may vary significantly from period to period as a result of changes in volumes of production sold or changes in commodity prices. Our purchased oil and gas sales are derived from the sale of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas purchased through our marketing activities primarily to optimize transportation costs, for blending to meet pipeline specifications or to cover production shortfalls. Revenues and expenses from crude oil, NGL and natural gas sales and purchases are generally recorded on a gross basis, as we act as a principal in these transactions by assuming control of the purchased crude oil or natural gas before it is transferred to the counterparty. In certain cases, we enter into sales and purchases with the same counterparty in contemplation of one another, and these transactions are recorded on a net basis.

The following table summarizes our revenues, production and average realized prices for the periods presented:

(1) The effect of derivative settlements includes the gains or losses on commodity derivatives for contracts ending in the periods presented. Our commodity derivatives do not qualify for or were not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes.

Three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to three months ended December 31, 2023

Crude oil revenues. Our crude oil revenues decreased $82.4 million to $678.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Our crude oil revenues decreased $57.4 million due to lower crude oil production volumes sold quarter over quarter driven by inclement weather conditions in the first quarter of 2024 and $25.0 million due to lower crude oil realized prices. Average crude oil sales prices, without derivative settlements, decreased by $2.56 per barrel quarter over quarter to an average of $75.32 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to a decrease in NYMEX WTI and lower price differentials.

NGL revenues. Our NGL revenues increased $1.4 million to $47.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Our NGL revenues increased $7.0 million due to higher NGL realized prices, partially offset by $5.6 million due to lower volumes sold quarter over quarter driven by inclement weather conditions in the first quarter of 2024. Average NGL sales prices, without derivative settlements, increased by $2.00 per barrel quarter over quarter to an average of $15.09 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to higher index prices at the Conway hub in Kansas.

Natural gas revenues. Our natural gas revenues decreased $1.0 million to $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Our natural gas revenues decreased $3.1 million due to decreased volumes sold quarter over quarter, partially offset by $2.2 million due to higher realized natural gas prices. Average natural gas sales prices, without derivative settlements, increased by $0.10 per Mcf quarter over quarter to $1.16 per Mcf for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to higher index prices.

Purchased oil and gas sales. Purchased oil and gas sales increased $202.6 million to $337.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in volumes of crude oil purchased and subsequently sold.

Three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2023

Crude oil revenues. Our crude oil revenues increased $27.9 million to $678.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our crude oil revenues increased $34.1 million due to higher crude oil production volumes sold period over period due to more wells TIL’d during the last twelve months, partially offset by a decrease of $6.2 million due to lower crude oil realized prices. Average crude oil sales prices, without derivative settlements, decreased by $0.72 per barrel period over period to an average of $75.32 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2024 driven by lower price differentials.

NGL revenues. Our NGL revenues decreased $15.0 million to $47.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. This decrease was primarily driven by a $17.8 million decrease due to lower NGL realized prices, partially offset by a $2.8 million increase due to higher production volumes sold period over period. Average NGL sales prices, without derivative settlements, decreased by $6.04 per barrel period over period to an average of $15.09 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to the impact of incurring a fixed fee for the majority of our NGL marketing contracts beginning in the second quarter of 2023.

Natural gas revenues. Our natural gas revenues decreased $31.0 million to $22.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to lower realized gas prices. Average natural gas sales prices, without derivative settlements, decreased by $1.50 per Mcf period over period to $1.16 per Mcf for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to the impact of incurring a fixed fee for the majority of our natural gas marketing contracts beginning in the second quarter of 2023, coupled with lower index prices.

Purchased oil and gas sales. Purchased oil and gas sales increased $206.8 million to $337.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in the volume of crude oil purchased and subsequently sold.

Expenses and other income (expense)

The following table summarizes our operating expenses and other income (expense) for the periods presented:

(In thousands, except per Boe of production data)

Three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to three months ended December 31, 2023

Lease operating expenses. LOE decreased $10.7 million to $159.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to lower fixed and variable costs driven by a decrease in production volumes quarter over quarter. LOE per Boe increased $0.34 per Boe to $10.39 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to lower production volumes quarter over quarter.

Gathering, processing and transportation expenses. GPT expenses increased $6.5 million to $54.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. GPT increased primarily due to a $7.0 million higher loss attributable to the change in fair value of certain derivative transportation contracts quarter over quarter. GPT expenses per Boe increased $0.71 per Boe to $3.52 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to the increase described above.

Purchased oil and gas expenses. Purchased oil and gas expenses increased $201.9 million to $335.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 driven by an increase in the volume of crude oil purchased quarter over quarter.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) expense remained relatively consistent for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. Depletion expense decreased $0.7 million, driven by a decrease of $15.3 million due to lower production volumes quarter over quarter, mostly offset by an increase of $14.6 million due to a higher depletion rate quarter over quarter. The depletion rate increased $0.95 per Boe quarter over quarter to $10.62 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased $0.2 million to $25.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to an increase in merger-related costs quarter over quarter of $8.1 million due to the Arrangement, mostly offset by a decrease of $5.3 million due to lower current expected credit losses and a decrease in stock-based compensation costs of $4.1 million due to the vesting of certain equity-based compensation awards during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Exploration and impairment. Exploration and impairment expenses increased $4.1 million to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023 primarily as a result of a lower of cost or net realizable value write down of oil-in-tank inventory during the three months ended March 31, 2024. There were no impairment expenses recorded during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Derivative instruments. We recorded a $27.6 million net loss on derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which was comprised of a net loss of $31.0 million associated with our contracts to manage commodity price risk, partially offset by an unrealized gain of $3.4 million associated with a contract that includes contingent consideration. The net loss of $31.0 million on commodity derivative contracts included an unrealized loss of $29.6 million related to the change in fair value of our commodity derivative contracts and a realized loss of $1.4 million on settled commodity derivative contracts. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $51.9 million net gain on derivative instruments, which primarily included a gain of $52.3 million associated with our contracts to manage commodity price risk. The net gain of $52.3 million on commodity derivative contracts included an unrealized gain of $102.8 million related to the change in fair value of our commodity derivative contracts, partially offset by a realized loss of $50.5 million on settled commodity derivative contracts.

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate. We recorded a $16.3 million gain related to our investment in Energy Transfer LP (“Energy Transfer”) for the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily due to an unrealized gain of $14.0 million as a result of an increase in the fair value of the investment during the period, coupled with a gain of $2.3 million for a cash distribution received from Energy Transfer. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, we recorded a $0.1 million loss on our investment in Energy Transfer due to an unrealized loss of $2.4 million as a result of a decrease in the fair value of the investment during the period, offset by a gain of $2.3 million for a cash distribution received from Energy Transfer.

Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was relatively consistent with the effective tax rate for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Our income tax expense was recorded at 22.4% and 22.6% of pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

Three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to three months ended March 31, 2023

Lease operating expenses. LOE increased $5.8 million to $159.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. LOE increased primarily due to $11.7 million of higher fixed and variable costs driven by an increase in well count and production volumes period over period, partially offset by a decrease in workover costs of $5.0 million. LOE per Boe increased $0.04 per Boe period over period to $10.39 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to higher costs described above.

Gathering, processing and transportation expenses. GPT expenses increased $17.0 million to $54.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 due to an increase of $14.4 million due to a higher loss attributable to the change in fair value of certain derivative transportation contracts period over period. GPT expenses per Boe increased $1.02 per Boe period over period to $3.52 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024 due to the increase described above.

Purchased oil and gas expenses. Purchased oil and gas expenses increased $206.2 million to $335.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to an increase in the volume of crude oil purchased.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. DD&A expense increased $35.1 million to $168.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 primarily due to an increase of $28.7 million driven by a higher depletion rate period over period and $4.4 million due to higher production volumes. The depletion rate increased $1.87 per Boe period over period to $10.62 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

General and administrative expenses. G&A expenses decreased $6.8 million to $25.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. This decrease was due to a decrease in stock-based compensation costs of $7.1 million due to the vesting for certain equity-based compensation awards during the three months ended December 31, 2023, as well as higher credits of $4.4 million related to billable overhead. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in merger-related costs of $5.3 million related to the Arrangement.

Exploration and impairment. Exploration and impairment expenses decreased $18.7 million to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.9 million associated with a lower of cost or net realizable value write down of oil-in-tank inventory. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, impairment expenses totaled $23.3 million, which was primarily comprised of $17.5 million associated with the write-down of the right-of-use asset for our Denver office lease and $5.8 million associated with a lower of cost or net realizable value write down of oil-in-tank inventory.

Derivative instruments. We recorded a $27.6 million net loss on derivative instruments for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which was comprised of a net loss of $31.0 million associated with our contracts to manage commodity price risk, partially offset by an unrealized gain of $3.4 million associated with a contract that includes contingent consideration. The net loss of $31.0 million on commodity derivative contracts included an unrealized loss of $29.6 million related to the change in fair value of our commodity derivative contracts and a realized loss of $1.4 million on settled commodity derivative contracts. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a $66.9 million net gain on derivative instruments, which was primarily due to a net gain of $65.8 million associated with our contracts to manage commodity price risk that was comprised of an unrealized gain of $157.7 million related to the change in fair value of our commodity derivative contracts, partially offset by a realized loss of $91.9 million on settled commodity derivative contracts.

Investment in unconsolidated affiliate. We recorded a $16.3 million gain related to our investment in Energy Transfer for the three months ended March 31, 2024, which primarily included an unrealized gain of $14.0 million as a result of an increase in the fair value of the investment during the period, coupled with a gain of $2.3 million for a cash distribution received from Energy Transfer. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, we recorded a net loss of $2.2 million primarily due to a loss of $5.7 million as a result of a decrease in the fair value of the investment during the period, partially offset by a gain of $3.0 million for a cash distribution received from Energy Transfer.

Income tax expense. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was recorded at 22.4% of pre-tax income as compared to 23.6% of pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in our effective tax rate period over period was primarily due to the impact of equity-based compensation windfalls.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of March 31, 2024, we had $1.3 billion of liquidity available, including $296.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $991.1 million of aggregate unused borrowing capacity available under our Credit Facility (defined below). Our primary sources of liquidity are from cash on hand, cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility. Our primary liquidity requirements are for capital expenditures for the development of oil and gas properties, dividend payments, share repurchases and working capital requirements.

Capital availability will be affected by prevailing conditions in our industry, the global economy, the global banking and financial markets, stakeholder scrutiny of ESG matters and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The U.S. Federal Reserve’s increases in interest rates and the potential for such rates to increase further or to remain elevated for an extended period of time have created additional economic uncertainty. Although we are unable to predict future interest rates, this disruption to the broader economy and financial markets may reduce our ability to access capital or result in such capital being available on less favorable terms, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. We believe, however, we have adequate liquidity to fund our capital expenditures and meet our contractual obligations during the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.

Our cash flows depend on many factors, including the price of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas and the success of our development and exploration activities as well as future acquisitions. We actively manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations by executing derivative transactions to mitigate the impact of changes in crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices on our production, which mitigates our exposure to crude oil, NGL and natural gas price declines; however, these transactions may also limit our cash flow in periods of rising crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices.

Commodity derivative contracts. As of March 31, 2024, our commodity derivative contracts cover 5,770 MBbls of our crude oil production for 2024, 3,552 MBbls of our crude oil production and 651,600 MMBtu of our natural gas production for 2025 and 270 MBbls of our crude oil production for 2026. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for additional information.

In April 2024, we entered into new commodity derivative contracts to manage risks related to changes in crude oil prices. The following table summarizes these commodity derivative contracts:

We also have contracts which include provisions for the delivery, transport or purchase of a minimum volume of crude oil, NGLs, natural gas and water within specified time frames, the majority of which are five years or less. Under the terms of these contracts, if we fail to deliver, transport or purchase the committed volumes we will be required to pay a deficiency payment for the volumes not tendered over the duration of the contract. We believe that for the substantial majority of these agreements our future production will be adequate to meet our delivery commitments or that we will be able to purchase sufficient volumes of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas from third parties to satisfy our minimum volume commitments. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 17—Commitments and Contingencies” for additional information on our volume delivery commitments.

Our material cash requirements from known obligations include repayment of outstanding borrowings and interest payment obligations related to our long-term debt, obligations to plug, abandon and remediate our oil and gas properties at the end of their productive lives, payment of income taxes, obligations associated with outstanding commodity derivative contracts that settle in a loss position, obligations to pay dividends on vested equity awards that include dividend equivalent rights and obligations associated with our leases. In addition, we have announced a return of capital plan pursuant to which we intend to return capital to stockholders through a mix of base and variable dividend payouts, supplemented by opportunistic share repurchases. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility (defined below) as of March 31, 2024; however, on a quarterly basis, we pay a commitment fee on the average amount of borrowing base capacity not utilized during the quarter and fees calculated on the average amount of letter of credit balances outstanding during the quarter.

Merger-related costs. In connection with the Arrangement, we incurred certain costs for advisory, legal and other third-party fees which were recorded to G&A expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we incurred merger-related costs of $8.1 million primarily related to legal and advisory services.

Revolving credit facility. We have a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a borrowing base of $2.5 billion and elected commitments of $1.0 billion that is due July 1, 2027. As of March 31, 2024, we had no borrowings outstanding and $8.9 million of outstanding letters of credit, resulting in an unused borrowing capacity of $991.1 million. Additionally, we are permitted to incur term loans in addition to the revolving loans provided under the amended and restated credit agreement. We were in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Facility as of March 31, 2024. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 11—Long-Term Debt” for additional information.

We are expected to complete our semi-annual borrowing base redetermination in the second quarter of 2024.

Senior unsecured notes. As of March 31, 2024, we had $400.0 million of 6.375% senior unsecured notes outstanding (the “Senior Notes”) that mature on June 1, 2026. Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 11—Long-Term Debt” for additional information.

Cash Flows

Our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 are presented below:

(In thousands)

Cash flows provided by operating activities

Our net cash flows from operating activities are primarily impacted by commodity prices, production volumes, operating costs and G&A expenses. Net cash provided by operating activities was $406.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities of $62.1 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease in oil, NGL and gas revenues and a decrease in our working capital as well as increases in LOE, GPT expenses and merger-related costs. See “Results of Operations” above for additional information.

Working Capital. Our working capital is primarily impacted due to the factors discussed above, coupled with the timing of cash receipts and disbursements. Changes in working capital (as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows) decreased net cash flows from operating activities by $9.8 million and $1.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Changes in working capital associated with our capital expenditure activities and settlement of outstanding commodity derivative instruments impact our cash flows from investing activities.

The Credit Facility includes a requirement that we maintain a Current Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of no less than 1.0 to 1.0 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter. For purposes of the Current Ratio, the Credit Facility’s definition of total current assets includes unused commitments under the Credit Facility, which were $991.1 million as of March 31, 2024, and excludes current hedge assets, which were $26.5 million as of March 31, 2024. For purposes of the Current Ratio, the Credit Facility’s definition of total current liabilities excludes current hedge liabilities, which were $19.5 million as of March 31, 2024.

Cash flows used in investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $204.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities of $36.7 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily due to a decrease of $79.6 million used to settle outstanding commodity derivative contracts and the receipt of the 2023 contingent consideration earn-out payment of $25.0 million in the first quarter of 2024. The decrease was partially offset by an increase of $49.8 million of capital expenditures incurred to develop our oil and gas properties during the three months ended March 31, 2024 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Cash flows used in financing activities

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash used in financing activities of $223.5 million was primarily attributable to dividends paid to shareholders of $152.4 million, income tax withholdings on vested equity-based compensation awards of $46.1 million and payments of $32.0 million to repurchase our common stock, partially offset by proceeds of $7.4 million from the exercise of outstanding warrants. Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $228.1 million was primarily attributable to dividends paid to shareholders of $202.5 million, payments of $15.0 million to repurchase our common stock and payments of $10.3 million for income tax withholdings on vested equity-based compensation awards.

Capital Expenditures

Expenditures for the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties are the primary use of our capital resources. Our capital expenditures are summarized in the following table:

(In thousands)

(1) Other capital expenditures includes items such as infrastructure capital, administrative capital and capitalized interest. Capitalized interest totaled $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

(2) Total capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 includes approximately $3.9 million related to non-operated divested assets that are expected to be reimbursed.

(3) Total capital expenditures reflected in the table above differs from the amounts shown in the statements of cash flows in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements because amounts reflected in the table include changes in accrued liabilities from the previous reporting period for capital expenditures, while the amounts presented in the statements of cash flows are presented on a cash basis.

Dividends

On May 7, 2024, we declared a base-plus-variable cash dividend of $2.94 per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on June 5, 2024 to shareholders of record as of May 22, 2024. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity” for additional information.

See “Part II. Item 7.—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Recent Developments—Return of Capital Plan” in our 2023 Annual Report for additional information regarding our strategy on future dividend payments. Future dividend payments will depend on the Company’s earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applicable to the payment of dividends and other considerations that the Board of Directors deems relevant.

Share Repurchase Program

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we repurchased 193,269 shares of common stock at a weighted average price of $155.20 per common share for a total cost of $30.0 million, under our $750 million share repurchase program. As of March 31, 2024, there was $653.0 million of capacity remaining under our $750 million share repurchase program.

We repurchased 110,667 shares of common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2023 under the previous share repurchase program, which was replaced by our current $750 million share repurchase program.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 5—Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on our derivative instruments and their related fair value measurements. See also “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” below.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

There have been no material changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates from those disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report.

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, including commodity price risk, interest rate risk, counterparty and customer risk and inflation risk. We address these risks through a program of risk management, including the use of derivative instruments.

The primary objective of the following information is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risk. The term “market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices and interest rates. The disclosures are not meant to be precise indicators of expected future losses, but rather indicators of reasonably possible losses. This forward-looking information provides indicators of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. All of our market risk derivative instruments were entered into for hedging purposes, rather than for speculative trading. The following market risk disclosures should be read in conjunction with the quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk contained in our 2023 Annual Report, as well as with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Commodity price exposure risk. We are exposed to market risk as the prices of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including changes in supply and demand and the macroeconomic environment, all of which are typically beyond our control. The markets for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas have been volatile, especially over the last several years, and these prices will likely continue to be volatile in the future. To partially reduce price risk caused by these market fluctuations, we have entered into derivative instruments in the past and expect to enter into derivative instruments in the future to cover a portion of our future production. In addition, entering into derivative instruments could limit the benefit we would receive from increases in the prices for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas. We recognize all derivative instruments at fair value. The credit standing of our counterparties is analyzed and factored into the fair value amounts recognized on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Derivative assets and liabilities arising from our derivative contracts with the same counterparty are also reported on a net basis, as all counterparty contracts provide for net settlement. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 5—Fair Value Measurements” and “Note 6—Derivative Instruments” for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

The fair value of our unrealized crude oil derivative positions at March 31, 2024 was a net liability position of $22.0 million. A 10% increase in crude oil prices would increase the fair value of this unrealized derivative liability position by approximately $47.1 million, while a 10% decrease in crude oil prices would decrease the fair value of this unrealized derivative liability position by approximately $39.3 million. The fair value of our unrealized natural gas derivative positions at March 31, 2024 was a net asset position of $0.4 million. A 10% increase in natural gas prices would decrease the fair value of this unrealized derivative asset position by approximately $0.2 million, while a 10% decrease in natural gas prices would increase the fair value of this unrealized derivative asset position by approximately $0.2 million. See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Conditions and Commodity Prices,” for further discussion on the commodity price environment. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 6—Derivative Instruments” for additional information regarding our derivative instruments.

In addition, in connection with the 2021 divestiture of oil and gas properties in the Texas region of in the Permian Basin, we are entitled to receive up to three earn-out payments of $25.0 million per year for each of 2023, 2024 and 2025 if the average daily settlement price of NYMEX WTI crude oil exceeds $60 per barrel for such year. If the NYMEX WTI crude oil price for calendar year 2023 or 2024 is less than $45 per barrel, then each calendar year thereafter our right to receive any remaining earn-out payments is terminated. As of March 31, 2024, the fair value of this contingent consideration was $46.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we received $25.0 million related to the 2023 earn-out payment. See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 6—Derivative Instruments” for additional information.

Interest rate risk. At March 31, 2024, we had $400.0 million of senior unsecured notes at a fixed interest rate of 6.375% per annum. At March 31, 2024, we had no borrowings and $8.9 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to varying rates of interest based on (i) the total outstanding borrowings (including the value of all outstanding letters of credit) in relation to the borrowing base and (ii) whether the loan is a Term SOFR Loan or an ABR Loan (each as defined in the amended and restated credit agreement). See “Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 11—Long-Term Debt” for additional information on the interest incurred on the Credit Facility.

We do not currently, but may in the future, utilize interest rate derivatives to mitigate interest rate exposure in an attempt to reduce interest rate expense related to debt issued under the Credit Facility. Interest rate derivatives would be used solely to modify interest rate exposure and not to modify the overall leverage of the debt portfolio.

Counterparty and customer credit risk. Joint interest receivables arise from billing entities which own partial interest in the wells we operate. These entities participate in our wells primarily based on their ownership in leases on which we choose to drill. We have limited ability to control participation in our wells. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, our credit losses on joint interest receivables were immaterial. We are also subject to credit risk due to the concentration of our crude oil, NGL and natural gas receivables with several significant customers. The inability or failure of our significant customers to meet their obligations to us, or their insolvency or liquidation, may adversely affect our financial position and related financial results.

We monitor our exposure to counterparties on crude oil, NGL and natural gas sales primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements and payment history. We extend credit terms based on our evaluation of each counterparty’s credit worthiness. We have not generally required our counterparties to provide collateral to secure crude oil, NGL and natural gas sales receivables owed to us. Historically, our credit losses on crude oil, NGL and natural gas sales receivables have been immaterial.

In addition, our crude oil, NGL and natural gas derivative arrangements expose us to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. However, in order to mitigate the risk of nonperformance, we only enter into derivative contracts with counterparties that are high credit-quality financial institutions. All of the counterparties on our derivative instruments currently in place are lenders under the Credit Facility with investment grade ratings. We are likely to enter into any future derivative instruments with these or other lenders under the Credit Facility, which also carry investment grade ratings. This risk is also managed by spreading our derivative exposure across several institutions and limiting the volumes placed under individual contracts. Furthermore, the agreements with each of the counterparties on our derivative instruments contain netting provisions. As a result of these netting provisions, our maximum amount of loss due to credit risk is limited to the net amounts due to and from the counterparties under the derivative contracts.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), our principal executive officer, and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), our principal financial officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of March 31, 2024. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2024.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on, our internal control over financial reporting.

Our business faces many risks. Any of the risks discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and our other SEC filings could have a material impact on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations.

For a discussion of our potential risks and uncertainties, see the information in “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2023 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those described in our 2023 Annual Report, except as described below.

The SEC’s Final Rules on The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures could result in increased compliance risks and costs.

The SEC released its final rule on climate-related disclosures on March 6, 2024, requiring the disclosure of certain climate-related risks, management and governance practices, and financial impacts, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Large accelerated filers will be required to incorporate the applicable climate-related disclosures into their filings beginning in fiscal year 2025, with additional requirements relating to the disclosure of Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, if material, and attestation reports for certain large accelerated filers subsequently phasing in. Refer to “Item 1. Business—Regulation—Environmental and occupational health and safety regulation” in our 2023 Annual Report for prior discussion of the SEC’s then-proposed rule. While we are still assessing our obligations under the rule, complying with such obligations may result in increased costs and SEC or investor scrutiny of our disclosures. The SEC has paused implementation of the final rule pending the resolution of consolidated legal challenges that are currently proceeding before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. The outcome of this litigation may reduce or expand our obligations under the final rule.