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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 15, 2024

 

 

EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

 

Oklahoma   001-13726   73-1395733
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
  (Commission File Number)   (IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

6100 North Western Avenue Oklahoma City OK   73118
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(405) 848-8000

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol   Name of each exchange on
which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share   EXE   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Class A Warrants to purchase Common Stock   EXEEW   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Class B Warrants to purchase Common Stock   EXEEZ   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Class C Warrants to purchase Common Stock   EXEEL   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).  
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

Southwestern Merger

 

As previously disclosed, on October 1, 2024, Expand Energy Corporation (formerly known as Chesapeake Energy Corporation), an Oklahoma corporation (the “Company” or “Expand Energy”), completed its previously announced merger with Southwestern Energy Company, a Delaware corporation (“Southwestern”), pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 10, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Southwestern, Hulk Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Hulk LLC Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub LLC”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub Inc. was merged with and into Southwestern (the “First Merger”), with Southwestern continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Immediately following the effective time of the First Merger, the surviving corporation was merged with and into Merger Sub LLC, with Merger Sub LLC continuing as the surviving entity and as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Second Merger”). Following the effective time of the Second Merger, Merger Sub LLC was merged with and into the Company with the Company continuing as the surviving entity (together with the First Merger and the Second Merger, the “Merger”).

 

Financial Statements

 

The following audited consolidated financial statements of Southwestern as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 and the related notes thereto are filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference:

 

·Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting;

·Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm;

·Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2023;

·Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2023;

·Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022;

·Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2023;

·Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2023; and

·Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Attached hereto as Exhibit 23.1 is the consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm of Southwestern, related to the above-referenced audited consolidated financial statements of Southwestern, which are incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statements Nos. 333-282773, 333-253340 and 333-260834 on Form S-8 and the Company’s Registration Statements Nos. 333-263820 and 333-260833 on Form S-3 and filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The reserve audit report prepared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. relating to Southwestern’s estimated quantities of its proved natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil reserves as of December 31, 2023 is filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Attached hereto as Exhibit 23.2 is the consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., the independent petroleum engineering firm of Southwestern, related to the above-referenced report filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

 

 

 

The following unaudited consolidated financial statements of Southwestern as of and for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2024 and the related notes thereto are filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference:

 

·Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023;

·Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023;

·Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023;

·Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023;

·Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, March 31, 2024, June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024; and

·Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements combining the historical consolidated financial statements of Expand Energy and its subsidiaries and Southwestern and its subsidiaries to give effect to the Merger are filed as Exhibit 99.4 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference:

 

·Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024;

·Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023; and

·Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
  Document Description
23.1*   Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm of Southwestern Energy Company.
23.2*   Consent of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., independent petroleum engineering firm of Southwestern Energy Company.
99.1   Southwestern Energy Company Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2023 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and accompanying notes thereto (incorporated by reference to Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-08246, filed by Southwestern Energy Company with the SEC on February 22, 2024).
99.2   Reserve Audit Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., dated February 14, 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 001-08246, filed by Southwestern Energy Company with the SEC on February 22, 2024).
99.3*   Southwestern Energy Company Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and accompanying notes thereto.
99.4*   Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

*Filed herewith.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

  EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION  
     
     
By: /s/ Chris Lacy  
  Chris Lacy  
  Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary  

 

Date: November 15, 2024

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.1

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-263820 and 333-260833) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-282773, 333-253340 and 333-260834) of Expand Energy Corporation of our report dated February 22, 2024 relating to the financial statements of Southwestern Energy Company, which is incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
November 15, 2024

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 23.2

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS AND GEOLOGISTS

 

We hereby consent to the inclusion in or incorporation by reference into the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-263820 and 333-260833) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-282773, 333-253340 and 333-260834) of Expand Energy Corporation of our audit letter, dated February 14, 2024, with respect to estimates of reserves and future net revenues to the Southwestern Energy Company interest, as of December 31, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in this Current Report on Form 8-K. We also hereby consent to all references to our firm or such reports included in or incorporated by reference into such Registration Statements.

 

  NETHERLAND, SEWELL & ASSOCIATES, INC.
     
  By: /s/ Eric J. Stevens                            
    Eric J. Stevens, P.E.
    President and Chief Operating Officer

 

Houston, Texas

November 15, 2024

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY

 

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING NOTES

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations 2
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8
  Note 1. Basis of Presentation 8
  Note 2. Revenue Recognition 9
  Note 3. Cash and Cash Equivalents 11
  Note 4. Natural Gas and Oil Properties 11
  Note 5. Earnings per Share 12
  Note 6. Derivatives and Risk Management 13
  Note 7. Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 18
  Note 8. Fair Value Measurements 18
  Note 9. Debt 20
  Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies 23
  Note 11. Income Taxes 24
  Note 12. Long-Term Incentive Compensation 25
  Note 13. Segment Information 29
  Note 14. New Accounting Pronouncements 31
  Note 15. Subsequent Events 31

 

1

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

  For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions, except share/per share amounts)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Operating Revenues:                    
Gas sales  $475   $627   $1,470   $2,323 
Oil sales   89    94    261    281 
NGL sales   164    169    496    523 
Marketing   485    553    1,488    1,707 
Other           (2)   (4)
   1,213    1,443    3,713    4,830 
Operating Costs and Expenses:                    
Marketing purchases   488    545    1,509    1,693 
Operating expenses   420    444    1,240    1,280 
General and administrative expenses   49    46    150    133 
Merger-related expenses   20        39     
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   208    338    696    979 
Impairments   478        3,202     
Taxes, other than income taxes   17    63    110    189 
   1,680    1,436    6,946    4,274 
Operating Income (Loss)   (467)   7    (3,233)   556 
Interest Expense:                    
Interest on debt   62    61    182    184 
Other interest charges   4    3    9    9 
Interest capitalized   (25)   (28)   (78)   (87)
   41    36    113    106 
                    
Gain on Derivatives   152    93    243    1,811 
Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt               (19)
Other Income (Loss), Net   1    2    (1)   1 
                    
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes   (355)   66    (3,104)   2,243 
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes:                    
Current                
Deferred   (75)   21    (681)   28 
   (75)   21    (681)   28 
Net Income (Loss)  $(280)  $45   $(2,423)  $2,215 
                    
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:                    
Basic  $(0.25)  $0.04   $(2.20)  $2.01 
Diluted  $(0.25)  $0.04   $(2.20)  $2.01 
                    
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:                    
Basic   1,102,844,908    1,101,231,113    1,102,470,380    1,100,895,642 
Diluted   1,102,844,908    1,104,027,634    1,102,470,380    1,102,867,675 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

  For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net income (loss)  $(280)  $45   $(2,423)  $2,215 
Change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities:                    
Amortization of prior service cost and net gain, including gain on settlements and curtailments included in net periodic pension cost               1 
Net actuarial gain (loss) incurred in period           2    (2)
Net tax loss attributable to pension termination               (14)
Total change in value of pension and postretirement liabilities           2    (15)
Comprehensive income (loss)  $(280)  $45   $(2,421)  $2,200 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
         
   (in millions) 
ASSETS    
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $126   $21 
Accounts receivable, net   472    680 
Derivative assets   279    614 
Other current assets   150    100 
Total current assets   1,027    1,415 
Natural gas and oil properties, using the full cost method, including $1,881 million as of September 30, 2024 and $2,075 million as of December 31, 2023 excluded from amortization   39,072    37,772 
Other   583    566 
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization   (32,337)   (28,425)
Total property and equipment, net   7,318    9,913 
Operating lease assets   126    154 
Long-term derivative assets   44    175 
Deferred tax assets   924    238 
Other long-term assets   83    96 
Total long-term assets   1,177    663 
TOTAL ASSETS  $9,522   $11,991 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Current portion of long-term debt  $389   $ 
Accounts payable   1,143    1,384 
Taxes payable   96    128 
Interest payable   26    77 
Derivative liabilities   57    79 
Current operating lease liabilities   39    44 
Other current liabilities   29    17 
Total current liabilities   1,779    1,729 
Long-term debt   3,922    3,947 
Long-term operating lease liabilities   87    107 
Long-term derivative liabilities   40    100 
Other long-term liabilities   207    220 
Total long-term liabilities   4,256    4,374 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)          
Equity:          
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 2,500,000,000 shares authorized; issued 1,164,596,399 shares as of September 30, 2024 and 1,163,077,745 shares as of December 31, 2023   12    12 
Additional paid-in capital   7,208    7,188 
Accumulated deficit   (3,405)   (982)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1)   (3)
Common stock in treasury, 61,614,693 shares as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023   (327)   (327)
Total equity   3,487    5,888 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  $9,522   $11,991 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

(Unaudited)

 

  For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:          
Net income (loss)  $(2,423)  $2,215 
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   696    979 
Amortization of debt issuance costs   5    5 
Impairments   3,202     
Deferred income taxes   (681)   28 
(Gain) loss on derivatives, unsettled   384    (1,562)
Stock-based compensation   14    7 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt       19 
Other   4    3 
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   209    799 
Accounts payable   (161)   (362)
Taxes payable   (32)   (2)
Interest payable   (30)   (33)
Inventories   (10)   (15)
Other assets and liabilities   (58)   (42)
Net cash provided by operating activities   1,119    2,039 
          
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:          
Capital investments   (1,349)   (1,833)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment   4    123 
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,345)   (1,710)
          
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:          
Payments on long-term debt       (437)
Payments on revolving credit facility   (2,104)   (3,044)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility   2,467    3,182 
Change in bank drafts outstanding   (27)   (50)
Cash paid for tax withholding   (5)   (4)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   331    (353)
          
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   105    (24)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   21    50 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period  $126   $26 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

5

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

   Common Stock  Additional     Accumulated
Other
  Common Stock in
Treasury
     
   Shares
Issued
   Amount  Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Shares   Amount   Total 
                             
   (in millions, except share amounts) 
Balance at December 31, 2023   1,163,077,745   $12  $7,188  $(982) $        (3)  61,614,693   $(327)  $5,888 
Comprehensive loss:                                    
Net loss             (1,535)             (1,535)
Other comprehensive income                2           2 
Total comprehensive loss                           (1,533)
Stock-based compensation          10                 10 
Restricted units vested   2,108,403       6                 6 
Tax withholding – stock compensation   (726,549)      (5)                (5)
Balance at March 31, 2024   1,164,459,599   $12  $7,199  $(2,517) $(1)  61,614,693   $(327)  $4,366 
Comprehensive loss:                                    
Net loss             (608)             (608)
Other comprehensive income                            
Total comprehensive loss                           (608)
Stock-based compensation          7                 7 
Issuance of restricted stock   136,800                         
Balance at June 30, 2024   1,164,596,399   $12  $7,206  $(3,125) $(1)  61,614,693   $(327)  $3,765 
Comprehensive loss:                                    
Net loss             (280)             (280)
Other comprehensive income                            
Total comprehensive loss                           (280)
Stock-based compensation          2                 2 
Balance at September 30, 2024   1,164,596,399   $12  $7,208  $(3,405) $(1)  61,614,693   $(327)  $3,487 

 

6

 

 

   Common Stock  Additional      Accumulated
Other
  Common Stock in
Treasury
     
   Shares
Issued
   Amount  Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
   Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
  Shares  Amount   Total 
                             
   (in millions, except share amounts) 
Balance at December 31, 2022   1,161,545,588   $12  $7,172  $(2,539)  $ 6   61,614,693  $(327)  $4,324 
Comprehensive loss:                                    
Net income             1,939              1,939 
Other comprehensive loss                 (15)         (15)
Total comprehensive income                           1,924 
Stock-based compensation          2                 2 
Restricted units vested   1,999,039       8                 8 
Tax withholding – stock compensation   (662,163)      (4)                (4)
Balance at March 31, 2023   1,162,882,464   $12  $7,178  $(600)  $(9)  61,614,693  $(327)  $6,254 
Comprehensive income:                                    
Net income             231              231 
Other comprehensive income                            
Total comprehensive income                           231 
Stock-based compensation          4                 4 
Issuance of restricted stock   188,382                         
Restricted stock units vested   9,968                         
Tax withholding – stock compensation   (3,069)                        
Balance at June 30, 2023   1,163,077,745   $12  $7,182  $(369)  $(9)  61,614,693  $(327)  $6,489 
Comprehensive income:                                    
Net income             45              45 
Other comprehensive income                            
Total comprehensive income                           45 
Stock-based compensation          3                 3 
Balance at September 30, 2023   1,163,077,745   $12  $7,185  $(324)  $(9)  61,614,693  $(327)  $6,537 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

7

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Nature of Operations

 

Southwestern Energy Company (including its subsidiaries, collectively “Southwestern” or the “Company”) is an independent energy company engaged in natural gas, oil and NGLs development, exploration and production (“E&P”). The Company is also focused on creating and capturing additional value through its marketing business (“Marketing”). Southwestern conducts most of its business through subsidiaries and operates principally in two segments: E&P and Marketing.

 

E&P. Southwestern’s primary business is the development and production of natural gas as well as associated NGLs and oil, with ongoing operations focused on the development of unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Louisiana. The Company’s operations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, herein referred to as “Appalachia,” are primarily focused on the Marcellus Shale, the Utica and the Upper Devonian unconventional natural gas and liquids reservoirs. The Company’s operations in Louisiana, herein referred to as “Haynesville,” are primarily focused on the Haynesville and Bossier natural gas reservoirs (“Haynesville and Bossier Shales”). The Company also operates drilling rigs and provides certain oilfield products and services, principally serving the Company’s E&P operations through vertical integration.

 

Marketing. Southwestern’s marketing activities capture opportunities that arise through the marketing and transportation of natural gas, oil and NGLs primarily produced in its E&P operations.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Certain information relating to the Company’s organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been appropriately condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The consolidated financial statements contained in this report include all normal and recurring material adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. It is recommended that these consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (“2023 Annual Report”).

 

The Company’s significant accounting policies, which have been reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”), are summarized in Note 1 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2023 Annual Report.

 

Merger of the Company with Chesapeake Energy Corporation

 

On January 10, 2024, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Chesapeake Energy Corporation, an Oklahoma corporation (“Chesapeake”), Hulk Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake (“Merger Sub”) and Hulk LLC Sub, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake (“LLC Sub” and together with Merger Sub, the Company and Chesapeake, the “Parties”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company continuing as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake (the “Surviving Corporation”). Immediately following the time the Merger becomes effective (the “Effective Time”), the Surviving Corporation will be merged with and into LLC Sub, with LLC Sub continuing as the surviving entity and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Chesapeake.

 

8

 

 

On June 18, 2024, the shareholders of both the Company and Chesapeake approved the proposed Merger at their respective special meetings of shareholders. On October 1, 2024, the Company completed the Merger and Chesapeake changed its name to Expand Energy Corporation (“Expand Energy”). Immediately following the effective time of the Merger, the surviving corporation was merged with and into Merger Sub LLC, with Merger Sub LLC continuing as the surviving entity and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Expand Energy (the “Second Merger”). Following the effective time of the Second Merger, Merger Sub LLC was merged with and into Expand Energy with Expand Energy continuing as the surviving entity (the “Third Merger”).

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company incurred approximately $20 million and $39 million, respectively, in merger-related expenses, mostly comprised of professional fees, associated with the Merger.

 

(2) REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Revenues from Contracts with Customers

 

Natural gas and liquids.  Natural gas, oil and NGL sales are recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer at a designated delivery point. The pricing provisions of the Company’s contracts are primarily tied to a market index with certain adjustments based on factors such as delivery, quality of the product and prevailing supply and demand conditions in the geographic areas in which the Company operates. Under the Company’s sales contracts, the delivery of each unit of natural gas, oil and NGLs represents a separate performance obligation, and revenue is recognized at the point in time when the performance obligations are fulfilled. There is no significant financing component to the Company’s revenues as payment terms are typically within 30 to 60 days of control transfer. Furthermore, consideration from a customer corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date. As a result, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount for which the Company has a right to invoice and has not disclosed information regarding its remaining performance obligations.

 

The Company records revenue from its natural gas and liquids production in the amount of its net revenue interest in sales from its properties. Accordingly, natural gas and liquid sales are not recognized for deliveries in excess of the Company’s net revenue interest, while natural gas and liquid sales are recognized for any under-delivered volumes.

 

Marketing.  The Company, through its marketing affiliate, generally markets natural gas, oil and NGLs for its affiliated E&P companies as well as other joint owners who choose to market with the Company. In addition, the Company markets some products purchased from third parties. Marketing revenues for natural gas, oil and NGL sales are recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer at a designated delivery point. The pricing provisions of the Company’s contracts are primarily tied to market indices with certain adjustments based on factors such as delivery, quality of the product and prevailing supply and demand conditions. Under the Company’s marketing contracts, the delivery of each unit of natural gas, oil and NGLs represents a separate performance obligation, and revenue is recognized at the point in time when the performance obligations are fulfilled. Customers are invoiced and revenues are recorded each month as natural gas, oil and NGLs are delivered, and payment terms are typically within 30 to 60 days of control transfer. Furthermore, consideration from a customer corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the Company’s performance completed to date.  As a result, the Company recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company has a right to invoice and has not disclosed information regarding its remaining performance obligations.

 

9

 

 

Disaggregation of Revenues

 

The Company presents a disaggregation of E&P revenues by product on the consolidated statements of operations net of intersegment revenues. The following table reconciles operating revenues as presented on the consolidated statements of operations to the operating revenues by segment:

 

(in millions)  E&P   Marketing   Intersegment
Revenues
   Total 
Three months ended September 30, 2024                    
Gas sales  $461   $   $14   $475 
Oil sales   88        1    89 
NGL sales   164            164 
Marketing       1,183    (698)   485 
Total  $713   $1,183   $(683)  $1,213 
                     
(in millions)                    
Three months ended September 30, 2023                    
Gas sales  $610   $   $17   $627 
Oil sales   93        1    94 
NGL sales   170        (1)   169 
Marketing       1,379    (826)   553 
Total  $873   $1,379   $(809)  $1,443 
                 
(in millions)  E&P   Marketing   Intersegment
Revenues
   Total 
Nine months ended September 30, 2024                    
Gas sales  $1,427   $   $43   $1,470 
Oil sales   258        3    261 
NGL sales   496            496 
Marketing       3,617    (2,129)   1,488 
Other (1)   (2)           (2)
Total  $2,179   $3,617   $(2,083)  $3,713 
                     
(in millions)                    
Nine months ended September 30, 2023                    
Gas sales  $2,281   $   $42   $2,323 
Oil sales   278        3    281 
NGL sales   524        (1)   523 
Marketing       4,651    (2,944)   1,707 
Other (1)   (4)           (4)
Total  $3,079   $4,651   $(2,900)  $4,830 

 

(1)For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, other E&P revenues consist primarily of losses on purchaser imbalances associated with natural gas and certain NGLs.

 

Associated E&P revenues are also disaggregated for analysis on a geographic basis by the core areas in which the Company operates, which are Appalachia and Haynesville.

 

   For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Appalachia  $476   $500   $1,454   $1,891 
Haynesville   237    373    725    1,188 
Total  $713   $873   $2,179   $3,079 

 

10

 

 

Receivables from Contracts with Customers

 

The following table reconciles the Company’s receivables from contracts with customers to consolidated accounts receivable as presented on the consolidated balance sheet:

 

(in millions)  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
Receivables from contracts with customers  $421   $622 
Other accounts receivable   51    58 
Total accounts receivable  $472   $680 

 

Amounts recognized against the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to receivables arising from contracts with customers were not significant for both the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and year ended December 31, 2023. The Company has no contract assets or contract liabilities associated with its revenues from contracts with customers.

 

(3) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

The following table presents a summary of cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

(in millions)  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
Cash  $2   $1 
Marketable securities (1)   124    20 
Total  $126   $21 

 

(1)Typically consists of government stable value money market funds.

 

(4) NATURAL GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES

 

The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for costs related to the development, exploration and acquisition of natural gas and oil properties. Under this method, all such costs (productive and nonproductive), including salaries, benefits and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities, are capitalized on a country-by-country basis and amortized over the estimated lives of the properties using the units-of-production method. These capitalized costs are subject to a ceiling test that limits such pooled costs, net of applicable deferred taxes, to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved natural gas, oil and NGL reserves discounted at 10% (standardized measure). Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash expense. The expense may not be reversed in future periods, even though higher natural gas, oil and NGL prices may subsequently increase the ceiling. Companies using the full cost method are required to use the average quoted price from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months, including the impact of derivatives designated for hedge accounting, to calculate the ceiling value of their reserves. The Company had no hedge positions that were designated for hedge accounting as of September 30, 2024. Prices used to calculate the ceiling value of reserves were as follows:

 

   September 30, 2024   September 30, 2023 
Natural gas (per MMBtu)  $2.21   $3.42 
Oil (per Bbl)  $78.64   $78.54 
NGLs (per Bbl)  $21.40   $22.24 

 

Using the average quoted prices above, adjusted for market differentials, the Company’s net book value of its United States natural gas and oil properties exceeded the ceiling amount at September 30, 2024, resulting in an impairment of $478 million. In the first half of 2024, the Company’s net book value of its United States natural gas and oil properties exceeded the ceiling by approximately $2,724 million and resulted in non-cash ceiling test impairments. Decreases in market prices as well as changes in production rates, levels of reserves, evaluation of costs excluded from amortization, future development costs and production costs could result in future non-cash ceiling test impairments to the Company’s natural gas and oil properties.

 

In June 2023, the Company sold non-core natural gas and oil properties in Appalachia for approximately $123 million in cash. The cash proceeds were used to pay down the Company’s revolving credit facility and were recorded as a reduction to its natural gas and oil properties.

 

11

 

 

(5) EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reportable period. The diluted earnings per share calculation adds to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding: the incremental shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options, the vesting of unvested restricted shares of common stock, restricted stock units and performance units. An antidilutive impact is an increase in earnings per share or a reduction in net loss per share resulting from the conversion, exercise or contingent issuance of certain securities.

 

The following table presents the computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

  For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions, except share/per share amounts)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Net income (loss)  $(280)  $45   $(2,423)  $2,215 
                    
Number of common shares:                    
Weighted average outstanding   1,102,844,908    1,101,231,113    1,102,470,380    1,100,895,642 
Effect of issuance of non-vested restricted common stock       932,868        839,031 
Effect of issuance of non-vested restricted units       1,689,617        1,133,002 
Effect of issuance of non-vested performance units       174,036         
Weighted average and dilutive outstanding   1,102,844,908    1,104,027,634    1,102,470,380    1,102,867,675 
                    
Earnings (loss) per common share                    
Basic  $(0.25)  $0.04   $(2.20)  $2.01 
Diluted  $(0.25)  $0.04   $(2.20)  $2.01 

 

The following table presents the common stock shares equivalent excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, as they would have had an antidilutive effect:

 

  For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Unexercised stock options       820,138    152,653    835,362 
Unvested restricted common stock   979,158        1,004,979    54,989 
Restricted units   3,773,958    224,726    3,281,528    652,089 
Performance units   719,312        664,247    764,916 
Total   5,472,428    1,044,864    5,103,407    2,307,356 

 

12

 

 

(6) DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

 

The Company is exposed to volatility in market prices and basis differentials for natural gas, oil and NGLs which impacts the predictability of its cash flows related to the sale of those commodities. These risks are managed by the Company’s use of certain derivative financial instruments. As of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company’s derivative financial instruments consisted of fixed price swaps, two-way costless collars, three-way costless collars, basis swaps, and options (calls and puts). A description of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is provided below:

 

Fixed price swaps If the Company sells a fixed price swap, the Company receives a fixed price for the contract, and pays a floating market price to the counterparty.  If the Company purchases a fixed price swap, the Company receives a floating market price for the contract and pays a fixed price to the counterparty.
  
Two-way costless collars Arrangements that contain a fixed floor price (“purchased put option”) and a fixed ceiling price (“sold call option”) based on an index price which, in aggregate, have no net cost.  At the contract settlement date, (1) if the index price is higher than the ceiling price, the Company pays the counterparty the difference between the index price and ceiling price, (2) if the index price is between the floor and ceiling prices, no payments are due from either party, and (3) if the index price is below the floor price, the Company will receive the difference between the floor price and the index price.
  
Three-way costless collars Arrangements that contain a purchased put option, a sold call option and a sold put option based on an index price that, in aggregate, have no net cost.  At the contract settlement date, (1) if the index price is higher than the sold call strike price, the Company pays the counterparty the difference between the index price and sold call strike price, (2) if the index price is between the purchased put strike price and the sold call strike price, no payments are due from either party, (3) if the index price is between the sold put strike price and the purchased put strike price, the Company will receive the difference between the purchased put strike price and the index price, and (4) if the index price is below the sold put strike price, the Company will receive the difference between the purchased put strike price and the sold put strike price.
  
Basis swaps Arrangements that guarantee a price differential for natural gas from a specified delivery point.  If the Company sells a basis swap, the Company receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract.  If the Company purchases a basis swap, the Company pays the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract.
  
Options (Calls and Puts) The Company purchases and sells options in exchange for premiums.  If the Company purchases a call option, the Company receives from the counterparty the excess (if any) of the market price over the strike price of the call option at the time of settlement, but if the market price is below the call’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.  If the Company sells a call option, the Company pays the counterparty the excess (if any) of the market price over the strike price of the call option at the time of settlement, but if the market price is below the call’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.  If the Company purchases a put option, the Company receives from the counterparty the excess (if any) of the strike price over the market price of the put option at the time of settlement, but if the market price is above the put’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.  If the Company sells a put option, the Company pays the counterparty the excess (if any) of the strike price over the market price of the put option at the time of settlement, but if the market price is above the put’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.

 

The Company chooses counterparties for its derivative instruments that it believes are creditworthy at the time the transactions are entered into, and the Company actively monitors the credit ratings and credit default swap rates of these counterparties where applicable. However, there can be no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations to the Company. The Company presents its derivative positions on a gross basis and does not net the asset and liability positions.

 

13

 

 

The following tables provide information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and that are used to protect the Company’s exposure. None of the financial instruments below are designated for hedge accounting treatment. The tables present the notional amount, the weighted average contract prices and the fair value by expected maturity dates as of September 30, 2024:

 

Financial Protection on Production
      Weighted Average Price per MMBtu     
  Volume
(Bcf)
   Swaps   Sold Puts   Purchased
Puts
   Sold Calls   Basis
Differential
   Fair Value at
September 30, 2024
(in millions)
 
Natural Gas                                   
2024                                   
Fixed price swaps   134   $3.60   $   $   $   $   $86 
Two-way costless collars   11            3.07    3.53        2 
Three-way costless collars   21        2.50    3.25    4.24        8 
Total   166                            $96 
2025                                   
Fixed price swaps   128   $3.54   $   $   $   $   $20 
Two-way costless collars   73            3.50    5.40        36 
Three-way costless collars   161        2.59    3.66    5.88        71 
Total   362                            $127 
                                    
Basis Swaps                                   
2024   25   $   $   $   $   $(0.72)  $3 
2025   9                    (0.64)   2 
Total   34                            $5 

 

14

 

 

      Weighted Average Strike Price per Bbl     
   Volume
(MBbls)
   Swaps   Sold Puts   Purchased
Puts
   Sold Calls   Fair Value at
September 30, 2024
(in millions)
 
Oil                              
2024                              
Fixed price swaps   179   $71.92   $   $   $   $1 
Two-way costless collars   92            70.00    88.56     
Three-way costless collars   313        57.94    67.94    88.97    1 
Total   584                       $2 
2025                              
Fixed price swaps   41   $77.66   $   $   $   $ 
Three-way costless collars   1,324        58.96    68.96    92.73    5 
Total   1,365                       $5 
2026                              
Three-way costless collars   225        60.00    70.00    83.32     
                               
Ethane                              
2024                              
Fixed price swaps   2,015   $9.65   $   $   $   $1 
2025                              
Fixed price swaps   3,650   $10.36   $   $   $   $3 
                               
Propane                              
2024                              
Fixed price swaps   1,564   $31.15   $   $   $   $1 
2025                              
Fixed price swaps   2,253   $30.87   $   $   $   $2 
                               
Normal Butane                              
2024                              
Fixed price swaps   359   $39.42   $   $   $   $(1)
2025                              
Fixed price swaps   548   $35.28   $   $   $   $(1)
                               
Natural Gasoline                              
2024                              
Fixed price swaps   405   $61.45   $   $   $   $ 
2025                              
Fixed price swaps   821   $56.89   $   $   $   $(1)

 

Other Derivative Contracts

 

   Volume
(Bcf)
   Weighted Average
Strike Price per
MMBtu
   Fair Value at
September 30, 2024
(in millions)
 
Call Options – Natural Gas (Net)               
2024   18   $6.00   $ 
2025   73    7.00    (4)
2026   73    7.00    (9)
Total   164        $(13)

 

At September 30, 2024, the net fair value of the Company’s financial instruments was a $226 million asset. See Note 8 for additional details regarding the Company’s fair value measurements of its derivatives position.

 

15

 

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had no positions designated for hedge accounting treatment. Gains and losses on derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting treatment, or do not meet hedge accounting requirements, are recorded as a component of gain (loss) on derivatives on the consolidated statements of operations. Accordingly, the gain (loss) on derivatives component of the statement of operations reflects the gains and losses on both settled and unsettled derivatives. Only the settled gains and losses are included in the Company’s realized commodity price calculations.

 

The balance sheet classification of the assets and liabilities related to derivative financial instruments are summarized below as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:

 

Derivative Assets           
      Fair Value 
(in millions)  Balance Sheet Classification  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:             
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Derivative assets  $121   $466 
Fixed price swaps – oil  Derivative assets   1    1 
Fixed price swaps – ethane  Derivative assets   4    9 
Fixed price swaps – propane  Derivative assets   4    12 
Fixed price swaps – normal butane  Derivative assets       1 
Fixed price swaps – natural gasoline  Derivative assets   1    2 
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Derivative assets   37    36 
Two-way costless collars – oil  Derivative assets       3 
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Derivative assets   97    62 
Three-way costless collars – oil  Derivative assets   9    1 
Basis swaps – natural gas  Derivative assets   5    14 
Put options – natural gas  Derivative assets       8 
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Other long-term assets   2     
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Other long-term assets   10    46 
Two-way costless collars – oil  Other long-term assets        
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Other long-term assets   26    116 
Three-way costless collars – oil  Other long-term assets   5    10 
Basis swaps – natural gas  Other long-term assets   1    4 
Total derivative assets     $323   $791 

 

Derivative Liabilities 

 

      Fair Value 
(in millions)  Balance Sheet Classification  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:             
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Derivative liabilities  $   11   $18 
Fixed price swaps – oil  Derivative liabilities       2 
Fixed price swaps – propane  Derivative liabilities   1    1 
Fixed price swaps – normal butane  Derivative liabilities   2     
Fixed price swaps – natural gasoline  Derivative liabilities   2     
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Derivative liabilities   5    14 
Two-way costless collars – oil  Derivative liabilities       1 
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Derivative liabilities   30    27 
Three-way costless collars – oil  Derivative liabilities   4    1 
Basis swaps – natural gas  Derivative liabilities   1    6 
Call options – natural gas  Derivative liabilities   1    1 
Put options – natural gas  Derivative liabilities       8 
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Long-term derivative liabilities   6     
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Long-term derivative liabilities   4    15 
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Long-term derivative liabilities   14    60 
Three-way costless collars – oil  Long-term derivative liabilities   4    8 
Call options – natural gas  Long-term derivative liabilities   12    17 
Total derivative liabilities     $97   $179 

 

16

 

 

Net Derivative Position

 

(in millions)  September 30, 2024   December 31, 2023 
Net current derivative asset  $222   $536 
Net long-term derivative asset   4    76 
Non-performance risk adjustment       (2)
Net total derivative asset  $226   $610 

 

The following tables summarize the before-tax effect of the Company’s derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

Unsettled Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Earnings

 

   Consolidated Statement of
Operations Classification of Gain
  For the three months
ended September 30,
   For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Derivative Instrument   (Loss) on Derivatives, Unsettled  2024   2023   2024   2023 
                    
      (in millions) 
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives  $(100)  $28   $(342)  $965 
Fixed price swaps – oil  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   6    (29)   2    (7)
Fixed price swaps – ethane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives       (5)   (5)   (5)
Fixed price swaps – propane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   20    (37)   (8)   (8)
Fixed price swaps – normal butane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   1    (6)   (3)   1 
Fixed price swaps – natural gasoline  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   8    (9)   (3)   (2)
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   1    3    (15)   233 
Two-way costless collars – oil  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives       (4)   (2)   (3)
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   (2)   20    (12)   310 
Three-way costless collars – oil  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   7    (1)   4    20 
Basis swaps – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   (11)   (43)   (7)   25 
Call options – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   1    14    5    41 
Sold put options - natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives           8     
Purchased put options – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives           (8)   (4)
Total gain (loss) on unsettled derivatives     $(69)  $(69)  $(386)  $1,566 

 

Settled Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Earnings (1) 

 

   Consolidated Statement of
Operations Classification of Gain
  For the three months
ended September 30,
   For the nine months
ended September 30,
 
Derivative Instrument  (Loss) on Derivatives, Settled  2024   2023   2024   2023 
                    
      (in millions) 
Fixed price swaps – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives  $193   $112   $565   $227 
Fixed price swaps – oil  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   (1)   (11)   (9)   (18)
Fixed price swaps – ethane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   7    (3)   14    3 
Fixed price swaps – propane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   1    9    (1)   21 
Fixed price swaps – normal butane  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   (1)   1    (1)   2 
Fixed price swaps – natural gasoline  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives           (3)   1 
Two-way costless collars – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   10    13    32    44 
Three-way costless collars – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   15    1    44    (15)
Three-way costless collars – oil  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives       (7)       (20)
Basis swaps – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives   (3)   47    (14)   11 
Call options – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives               (7)
Sold put options - natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives           (10)    
Purchased put options – natural gas  Gain (Loss) on Derivatives           10     
Total gain on settled derivatives     $221   $162   $627   $249 
                        
Total gain on derivatives (2)     $152   $93   $243   $1,811 

 

(1)The Company calculates gain (loss) on derivatives, settled, as the summation of gains and losses on positions that settled within the period.

 

(2)Total gain on derivatives includes non-performance risk adjustments of $2 million in gains and $4 million in losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. There were no non-performance risk adjustments made for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.

 

17

 

 

Total Gain on Derivatives Recognized in Earnings 

 

   For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
   2024   2023   2024   2023 
                 
   (in millions) 
Total gain (loss) on unsettled derivatives  $(69)  $(69)  $(386)  $1,566 
Total gain on settled derivatives   221    162    627    249 
Non-performance risk adjustment           2    (4)
Total gain on derivatives  $152   $93   $243   $1,811 

 

(7) RECLASSIFICATIONS FROM ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

The following tables detail the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

 

(in millions)  Other
Postretirement
   Foreign
Currency
   Total 
Beginning balance December 31, 2023  $11   $(14)  $(3)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications            
Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (1)   2        2 
Net current-period other comprehensive income   2        2 
Ending balance September 30, 2024  $13   $(14)  $(1)

 

(1)Includes a $2 million actuarial gain related to the other postretirement plan.

 

(8) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

 

   September 30, 2024     December 31, 2023  
(in millions)   Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
    Carrying
Amount
    Fair
Value
 
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 126     $ 126     $ 21     $ 21  
2022 revolving credit facility due April 2027     583       583       220       220  
Senior notes (1)     3,743       3,699       3,743       3,626  
Derivative instruments, net     226       226       610       610  

 

(1)Excludes unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discounts.

 

The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the tables below, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels:

 

Level 1 valuations - Consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority.

 

Level 2 valuations - Consist of quoted market information for the calculation of fair market value.

 

Level 3 valuations - Consist of internal estimates and have the lowest priority.

 

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The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, including marketable securities, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short-term nature. For debt and derivative instruments, the following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value:

 

Debt: The fair values of the Company’s senior notes are based on the market value of the Company’s publicly traded debt as determined based on the market prices of the Company’s senior notes. The fair values of the Company’s senior notes are considered to be a Level 1 measurement as these are actively traded in the market. The carrying value of the borrowings under the Company’s 2022 credit facility (as defined in Note 9 below), to the extent utilized, approximates fair value because the interest rates are variable and reflective of market rates. The Company considers the fair value of its 2022 credit facility to be a Level 1 measurement on the fair value hierarchy.

 

Derivative Instruments: The Company measures the fair value of its derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limited to, the contractual price of the underlying position, current market prices, natural gas and liquids forward curves, discount rates for a similar duration of each outstanding position, volatility factors and non-performance risk. Non-performance risk considers the effect of the Company’s credit standing on the fair value of derivative liabilities and the effect of counterparty credit standing on the fair value of derivative assets. Both inputs to the model are based on published credit default swap rates and the duration of each outstanding derivative position. The Company’s net derivative position was a net asset as of September 30, 2024 and as of December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the impact of the non-performance risk on the fair value of the Company’s net derivative position resulted in a reduction to the net asset of $2 million.

 

The Company has classified its derivative instruments into levels depending upon the data utilized to determine their fair values. The Company’s fixed price swaps (Level 2) are estimated using third-party discounted cash flow calculations using the New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) futures index for natural gas and oil derivatives and Oil Price Information Service (“OPIS”) for ethane and propane derivatives.

 

The Company’s call and put options, two-way costless collars and three-way costless collars (Level 2) are valued using the Black-Scholes model, an industry standard option valuation model that takes into account inputs such as contract terms, including maturity, and market parameters, including assumptions of the NYMEX and OPIS futures index, interest rates, volatility and credit worthiness.  Inputs to the Black-Scholes model, including the volatility input, are obtained from a third-party pricing source, with independent verification of the most significant inputs on a monthly basis.  An increase (decrease) in volatility would result in an increase (decrease) in fair value measurement, respectively.

 

The Company’s basis swaps (Level 2) are estimated using third-party calculations based upon forward commodity price curves.

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

 

   September 30, 2024 
   Fair Value Measurements Using:     
(in millions)  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Assets
(Liabilities) at
Fair Value
 
Assets                    
Fixed price swaps  $   $133   $   $133 
Two-way costless collars       47        47 
Three-way costless collars       137        137 
Basis swaps       6        6 
Liabilities                    
Fixed price swaps       (22)       (22)
Two-way costless collars       (9)       (9)
Three-way costless collars       (52)       (52)
Basis swaps       (1)       (1)
Call options       (13)       (13)
Total  $   $226   $   $226 

 

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   December 31, 2023 
   Fair Value Measurements Using:     
(in millions)  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
   Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
   Assets
(Liabilities) at
Fair Value
 
Assets                    
Fixed price swaps  $   $491   $   $491 
Two-way costless collars       85        85 
Three-way costless collars       189        189 
Basis swaps       18        18 
Purchase Put - Natural Gas       8        8 
Liabilities                    
Fixed price swaps       (21)       (21)
Two-way costless collars       (30)       (30)
Three-way costless collars       (96)       (96)
Basis swaps       (6)       (6)
Call options       (18)       (18)
Put options       (8)       (8)
Total (1)  $   $612   $   $612 

 

(1)Excludes a net reduction to the asset fair value of $2 million related to estimated non-performance risk.

 

(9) DEBT

 

The components of debt as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:

 

   September 30, 2024 
(in millions)  Debt Instrument   Unamortized
Issuance Expense
   Unamortized
Debt
Premium/Discount
   Total 
Current portion of long-term debt:                               
4.95% Senior Notes due January 2025 (1)  $389   $   $   $389 
Total current portion of long-term debt  $389   $   $   $389 
                     
Long-term debt:                    
Variable rate (6.94% at September 30, 2024) 2022 revolving credit facility, due April 2027  $583   $(2)   $   $583 
8.375% Senior Notes due September 2028   304    (3)       301 
5.375% Senior Notes due February 2029   700    (4)   16    712 
5.375% Senior Notes due March 2030   1,200    (12)       1,188 
4.75% Senior Notes due February 2032   1,150    (12)       1,138 
Total long-term debt  $3,937   $(31)  $16   $3,922 
                     
Total debt  $4,326   $(31)  $16   $4,311 

 

   December 31, 2023 
(in millions)  Debt Instrument   Unamortized
Issuance Expense
   Unamortized
Debt
Premium/Discount
   Total 
Variable rate (7.20% at December 31, 2023) 2022 revolving credit facility, due April 2027  $220   $(2)   $   $220 
4.95% Senior Notes due January 2025 (1)   389            389 
8.375% Senior Notes due September 2028   304    (3)       301 
5.375% Senior Notes due February 2029   700    (5)   18    713 
5.375% Senior Notes due March 2030   1,200    (13)       1,187 
4.75% Senior Notes due February 2032   1,150    (13)       1,137 
Total debt  $3,963   $(34)  $18   $3,947 

 

(1)Effective in July 2018, the interest rate was 6.20% for the 2025 Notes, reflecting a net downgrade in the Company’s bond ratings since their issuance. On April 7, 2020, S&P downgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB-, which had the effect of increasing the interest rate on the 2025 Notes to 6.45% following the July 23, 2020 interest payment due date. The first coupon payment to the bondholders at the higher interest rate was paid in January 2021. On September 1, 2021, S&P upgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB, and on January 6, 2022, S&P further upgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB+, which decreased the interest rate on the 2025 Notes to 5.95% beginning with coupon payments paid after January 2022. On May 31, 2022, Moody’s upgraded the Company’s bond rating to Ba1, which decreased the interest rate on the 2025 Notes from 5.95% to 5.70% for coupon payments paid after July 2022.

 

(2)At September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, unamortized issuance expense of $12 million and $15 million, respectively, associated with the 2022 credit facility (as defined below) was classified as other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

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The following is a summary of scheduled debt maturities by year as of September 30, 2024:

 

(in millions)    
2024  $ 
2025   389 
2026    
2027   583 
2028   304 
Thereafter   3,050 
   $4,326 

 

Credit Facilities

 

2022 Credit Facility

 

On April 8, 2022, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement that replaces its previous credit facility, that as amended, has a maturity date of April 2027 (the “2022 credit facility”). As of September 30, 2024, the 2022 credit facility has an aggregate maximum revolving credit amount and borrowing base of $3.5 billion and elected five-year revolving commitments of $2.0 billion (the “Five-Year Tranche”). The borrowing base is subject to redetermination at least twice a year, which typically occurs in April and October, and is secured by substantially all of the assets owned by the Company and its subsidiaries. On March 29, 2024, the Company’s borrowing base was reaffirmed at $3.5 billion and the Five-Year Tranche was reaffirmed at $2.0 billion with a maturity date of April 8, 2027.

 

Effective August 4, 2022, the Company elected to temporarily increase commitments under the 2022 credit facility by $500 million (the “Short-Term Tranche”) as a temporary working capital liquidity resource. The Company had no borrowings under the Short-Term Tranche which expired on April 30, 2023 and was not renewed.

 

The Company may utilize the 2022 credit facility in the form of loans and letters of credit. Loans under the Five-Year Tranche of the 2022 credit facility are subject to varying rates of interest based on whether the loan is a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) loan or an alternate base rate loan. Term SOFR loans bear interest at term SOFR plus an applicable rate ranging from 1.75% to 2.75% based on the Company’s utilization of the Five-Year Tranche of the 2022 credit facility, plus a 0.10% credit spread adjustment. Base rate loans bear interest at a base rate per year equal to the greatest of: (i) the prime rate; (ii) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50%; and (iii) the adjusted term SOFR rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.00%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.75%, depending on the percentage of the commitments utilized. Commitment fees on unused commitment amounts under the Five-Year Tranche of the 2022 credit facility range between 0.375% to 0.50%, depending on the percentage of the commitments utilized.

 

The 2022 credit facility contains customary representations and warranties and covenants including, among others, the following:

 

·a prohibition against incurring debt, subject to permitted exceptions;

 

·a restriction on creating liens on assets, subject to permitted exceptions;

 

·restrictions on mergers and asset dispositions;

 

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·restrictions on use of proceeds, investments, declaring dividends, repurchasing junior debt, transactions with affiliates, or change of principal business; and

 

·maintenance of the following financial covenants, commencing with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022:

 

1.Minimum current ratio of no less than 1.00 to 1.00, whereby current ratio is defined as the Company’s consolidated current assets (including unused commitments under the credit agreement, but excluding non-cash derivative assets) to consolidated current liabilities (excluding non-cash derivative obligations and current maturities of long-term debt).

 

2.Maximum total net leverage ratio of no greater than, with respect to the prior four fiscal quarters ending on or after March 31, 2022, 4.00 to 1.00.  Total net leverage ratio is defined as total debt less cash on hand (up to the lesser of 10% of credit limit or $150 million) divided by consolidated EBITDAX for the last four consecutive quarters.  Consolidated EBITDAX, as defined in the credit agreement governing the Company’s 2022 credit facility, excludes the effects of interest expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization, income tax, any non-cash impacts from impairments, certain non-cash hedging activities, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash gains or losses on asset sales, unamortized issuance cost, unamortized debt discount and certain restructuring costs.

 

The 2022 credit facility contains customary events of default that include, among other things, the failure to comply with the financial covenants described above, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, material judgments and cross-defaults to material indebtedness. If an event of default occurs and is continuing, all amounts outstanding under the 2022 credit facility may become immediately due and payable. As of September 30, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants of the credit agreement in all material respects.

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company had no outstanding letters of credit and $583 million in borrowings outstanding under the 2022 credit facility. The Company currently does not anticipate being required to supply a materially greater amount of letters of credit under its existing contracts.

 

Senior Notes

 

In January 2015, the Company completed a public offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.95% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”). The interest rate on the 2025 Notes is determined based upon the public bond ratings from Moody’s and S&P. Downgrades on the 2025 Notes from either rating agency increase interest costs by 25 basis points per downgrade level and upgrades decrease interest costs by 25 basis points per upgrade level, up to the stated coupon rate, on the following semi-annual bond interest payment. Effective in July 2018, the interest rate for the 2025 Notes was 6.20%, reflecting a net downgrade in the Company’s bond ratings since their issuance. On April 7, 2020, S&P downgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB-, which had the effect of increasing the interest rate on the 2025 Notes to 6.45% following the July 23, 2020 interest payment due date. The first coupon payment to the 2025 Notes bondholders at the higher interest rate was paid in January 2021. On September 1, 2021, S&P upgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB, and on January 6, 2022, S&P further upgraded the Company’s bond rating to BB+, which decreased the interest rate on the 2025 Notes to 5.95% beginning with coupon payments paid after January 2022. On May 31, 2022, Moody’s upgraded the Company’s bond rating to Ba1, which decreased the interest rate on the 2025 Notes from 5.95% to 5.70% for coupon payments paid after July 2022.

 

On February 26, 2023, the Company redeemed all of its 7.75% Senior Notes due October 2027 (the “2027 Notes”) at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest of $13 million for a total payment of $450 million. The Company recognized a $19 million loss on the extinguishment of debt, which included the write-off of $3 million in related unamortized debt discounts and debt issuance costs. The Company funded the redemption of the 2027 Notes using approximately $316 million of cash on hand and approximately $134 million of borrowings under the 2022 credit facility.

 

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(10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Commitments and Contingencies

 

As of September 30, 2024, the Company’s contractual obligations for demand and similar charges under firm transportation and gathering agreements to guarantee access capacity on natural gas and liquids pipelines and gathering systems totaled approximately $8.6 billion, $1.2 billion of which related to access capacity on future pipeline and gathering infrastructure projects that still require the granting of regulatory approvals and additional construction efforts. As of September 30, 2024, the Company also had guarantee obligations of up to $929 million of that total amount. As of September 30, 2024, future payments under non-cancelable firm transportation and gathering agreements are as follows:

 

   Payments Due by Period 
(in millions)  Total   Less than 1
Year
   1 to 3 Years   3 to 5 Years   5 to 8 Years   More than 8
Years
 
Infrastructure currently in service  $7,432   $979   $1,918   $1,572   $1,543   $1,420 
Pending regulatory approval and/or construction (1)    1,155    85    173    185    269    443 
Total transportation charges  $8,587   $1,064   $2,091   $1,757   $1,812   $1,863 

 

(1)Based on estimated in-service dates as of September 30, 2024.

 

Environmental Risk

 

The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. Environmental and cleanup related costs of a non-capital nature are accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount can be reasonably estimated. Management believes any future remediation or other compliance related costs will not have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

Litigation

 

The Company is subject to various litigation, claims and proceedings, most of which have arisen in the ordinary course of business, such as for alleged breaches of contract, miscalculation of royalties, employment matters, traffic accidents, pollution, contamination, encroachment on others’ property or nuisance. The Company accrues for litigation, claims and proceedings when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. As of September 30, 2024, the Company does not currently have any material amounts accrued related to litigation matters, including the case discussed below. For any matters not accrued for, it is not possible at this time to estimate the amount of any additional loss, or range of loss, that is reasonably possible, but, based on the nature of the claims, management believes that current litigation, claims and proceedings, individually or in aggregate and after taking into account insurance, are not likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows, for the period in which the effect of that outcome becomes reasonably estimable. Many of these matters are in early stages, so the allegations and the damage theories have not been fully developed, and are all subject to inherent uncertainties; therefore, management’s view may change in the future.

 

Bryant Litigation

 

On September 1, 2021, the Company completed a merger with Indigo Natural Resources LLC (“Indigo”) resulting in the assumption of Indigo’s existing litigation.

 

On June 12, 2018, a collection of 51 individuals and entities filed a lawsuit against fifteen oil and gas company defendants, including Indigo, in Louisiana state court claiming damages arising out of current and historical exploration and production activity on certain acreage located in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. The plaintiffs, who claim to own the properties at issue, assert that Indigo’s actions and the actions of other current operators conducting exploration and production activity, combined with the improper plugging and abandoning of legacy wells by former operators, have caused environmental contamination to their properties. Among other things, the plaintiffs contend that the defendants’ conduct resulted in the migration of natural gas, along with oilfield contaminants, into the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer system underlying certain portions of DeSoto Parish. The plaintiffs assert claims based in tort, breach of contract and for violations of the Louisiana Civil and Mineral Codes, and they seek injunctive relief and monetary damages, including punitive damages.

 

23

 

 

On September 13, 2018, Indigo and other defendants filed a variety of exceptions in response to the plaintiffs’ petition in this matter. Since the initial filing, supplemental petitions have been filed joining additional individuals and entities as plaintiffs in the matter. On September 29, 2020, plaintiffs filed their fourth supplemental and amending petition in response to the court’s order ruling that plaintiffs’ claims were improperly vague and failed to identify with reasonable specificity the defendants’ allegedly wrongful conduct. Indigo and the majority of the other defendants filed several exceptions to plaintiffs’ fourth amended petition challenging the sufficiency of plaintiffs’ allegations and seeking dismissal of certain claims. On February 18, 2021, plaintiffs filed a fifth supplemental and amending petition, which seeks to augment the claims of select plaintiffs. On October 11, 2021, a sixth supplemental petition was filed which seeks to add the Company as a party to the litigation which the Company has opposed. Plaintiffs later filed seventh and eighth supplemental petitions naming additional defendants. On July 23, 2024, the parties finalized a settlement agreement resolving the Plaintiffs’ claims, which did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

The presence of natural gas in a localized area of the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer system in DeSoto Parish is currently the subject of a regulatory investigation by the Louisiana Office of Conservation (“Conservation”), and the Company is cooperating and coordinating with Conservation in that investigation. The Conservation matter number is EMER18-003.

 

The Company does not currently expect this matter to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows or liquidity.

 

Indemnifications

 

The Company has provided certain indemnifications to various third parties, including in relation to asset and entity dispositions, securities offerings and other financings. In the case of asset dispositions, these indemnifications typically relate to disputes, litigation or tax matters existing at the date of disposition. The Company likewise obtains indemnification for future matters when it sells assets, although there is no assurance the buyer will be capable of performing those obligations.  In the case of equity offerings, these indemnifications typically relate to claims asserted against underwriters in connection with an offering. No material liabilities have been recognized in connection with these indemnifications.

 

(11) INCOME TAXES

 

The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 21% and 22% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, and 33% and 1% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily the result of the partial release of the valuation allowances against the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets throughout 2023. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses (“NOLs”), is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To assess that likelihood, the Company uses estimates and judgment regarding future taxable income and considers the tax consequences in the jurisdiction where such taxable income is generated, to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence can include current financial position, results of operations, both actual and forecasted, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies as well as current and forecasted business economics of the oil and gas industry.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company maintained a full valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets based on its conclusion, considering all available evidence (both positive and negative), that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized. A significant item of objective negative evidence considered was the cumulative pre-tax loss incurred over the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to impairments of proved oil and gas properties recognized in 2020. As of the first quarter of 2023, the Company sustained a three-year cumulative level of profitability. Based on this factor and other positive evidence such as forecasted income, the Company concluded that $512 million of its federal and state deferred tax assets were more likely than not to be realized and released this portion of the valuation allowance throughout 2023. Accordingly, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized $520 million of deferred income tax expense related to recording its tax provision which was partially offset by $492 million of tax benefit, including $14 million that was reclassified from OCI, attributable to the release of the valuation allowance. The remaining valuation allowance was released during the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company maintains a valuation allowance of $52 million related to NOLs in jurisdictions in which it no longer operates and against the portion of its federal and state deferred tax assets such as capital losses and interest carryovers, which may expire before being fully utilized due to the application of the limitations under Section 382 and the ordering in which such attributes may be applied.

 

24

 

 

Due to the issuance of common stock associated with the Indigo merger in September 2021, the Company incurred a cumulative ownership change and as such, the Company’s NOLs prior to the acquisition are subject to an annual limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 of approximately $48 million. The ownership changes and resulting annual limitation will result in the expiration of NOLs or other tax attributes otherwise available. At September 30, 2024, the Company had approximately $4 billion of federal NOL carryovers, of which approximately $3 billion expire between 2035 and 2037 and $1 billion have an indefinite carryforward life. The Company currently estimates that approximately $2 billion of these federal NOLs will expire before they are able to be used and accordingly, no value has been ascribed to these NOLs on the Company’s balance sheet. If a subsequent ownership change were to occur as a result of future transactions in the Company’s common stock, the Company’s use of remaining U.S. tax attributes may be further limited.

 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “IRA”) was enacted on August 16, 2022 and may impact how the U.S. taxes certain large corporations. The IRA imposes a 15% alternative minimum tax on the “adjusted financial statement income” of certain large corporations (generally, corporations reporting at least $1 billion average adjusted pre-tax net income on their consolidated financial statements) for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022. The Company was not impacted by the alternative minimum tax during 2023 and does not expect to be impacted by this alternative minimum tax during 2024. The Company will continue to monitor updates to the IRA and the impact it will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

(12) LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Company’s long-term incentive compensation plans consist of a combination of stock-based awards that derive their value directly or indirectly from the Company’s common stock price, and cash-based awards that are fixed in amount but subject to meeting annual performance thresholds.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company’s stock-based compensation is classified as either equity awards or liability awards in accordance with GAAP. The fair value of an equity-classified award is determined at the grant date and is amortized to general and administrative expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. A portion of this general and administrative expense is capitalized into natural gas and oil properties, included in property and equipment. The fair value of a liability-classified award is determined on a quarterly basis beginning at the grant date until final vesting. Changes in the fair value of liability-classified awards are recorded to general and administrative expense and capitalized expense over the vesting period of the award. Generally, stock options granted to employees and directors vest ratably over three years from the grant date and expire 10 years from the date of grant. However, the Company has not granted stock options since 2017. The Company issues shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees and directors which generally vest over three years.

 

Restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock options granted under the Southwestern Energy Company 2022 Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) immediately vest upon death, disability or retirement (subject to a minimum of three years of service). To the extent no provision is made in connection with a “change in control” (as defined in the 2022 Plan) for the assumption of awards previously granted under the 2022 Plan or there is no substitution of such awards for new awards, then (i) outstanding time-based awards will become fully vested, and (ii) each outstanding performance-based award will vest with respect to the number of shares of common stock underlying such award or the amount of cash underlying the award eligible to vest based on performance during the performance period that includes the date of the change in control, prorated for the number of days which have elapsed during the performance period prior to the change in control. To the extent an award is assumed or substituted in connection with the change in control, if a participant is terminated by the Company without “cause” or the participant resigns for “good reason” (each as defined in the 2022 Plan) within 12 months following a change in control, then (i) each time-based award will become fully vested, and (ii) each outstanding performance-based award will vest based on performance during the performance period that includes the date of the change in control, prorated for the number of days which have elapsed during the performance period prior to such termination.

 

25

 

 

The Company issues performance unit awards to employees which historically have vested at or over three years. The performance units granted in 2021, 2022, and 2023 cliff-vest at the end of three years. There were no performance unit awards granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

 

The Company recognized the following amounts in total related to long-term incentive compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

   For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Long-term incentive compensation – expensed  $5   $7   $25   $18 
Long-term incentive compensation – capitalized  $4   $4   $15   $11 

 

Equity-Classified Awards

 

The Company recognized the following amounts in employee equity-classified stock-based compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

   For the three months ended September 30,   For the nine months ended September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Equity-classified awards – expensed  $2   $2   $14   $7 
Equity-classified awards – capitalized  $   $1   $5   $2 

 

Equity-Classified Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes equity-classified stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and provides information for options outstanding and options exercisable as of September 30, 2024:

 

   Number
of Options
   Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
   (in thousands)     
Outstanding at December 31, 2023   820   $8.59 
Granted      $ 
Exercised      $ 
Forfeited or expired   (820)  $8.59 
Outstanding at September 30, 2024      $ 
Exercisable at September 30, 2024      $ 

 

Equity-Classified Restricted Stock

 

As of September 30, 2024, there was less than $1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Company’s unvested equity-classified restricted stock grants. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.6 years. The following table summarizes equity-classified restricted stock activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and provides information for unvested shares as of September 30, 2024:

 

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested shares at December 31, 2023   169   $5.09 
Granted   246   $7.31 
Vested   (333)  $6.18 
Forfeited      $ 
Unvested shares at September 30, 2024   82   $7.31 

 

26

 

 

Equity-Classified Restricted Stock Units

 

As of September 30, 2024, there was $14 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Company’s unvested equity-classified restricted stock units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years. The following table summarizes equity-classified restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and provides information for unvested units as of September 30, 2024.

 

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested units at December 31, 2023   2,706   $4.74 
Granted   3,182   $7.10 
Vested   (1,084)  $4.69 
Forfeited      $ 
Unvested units at September 30, 2024   4,804   $6.32 

 

Equity-Classified Performance Units

 

In each year from 2018 to 2023, the Company granted performance units that vest at the end of, or over, a three-year period and are payable in either cash or shares. The performance units granted from 2020 through 2021 were accounted for as liability-classified awards as further described below. In 2022 and 2023, two types of performance units were granted. The first type of awards were liability-classified given the awards are payable only in cash as prescribed under the compensation agreements. The second type of awards granted during 2022 and 2023 have been accounted for as equity-classified awards given the intention to settle these awards in stock. The equity-classified awards were recognized at their fair value as of the grant date and are amortized throughout the vesting period. The 2022 and 2023 performance unit awards include a market condition based on relative TSR (as defined below). No performance units were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The fair values of the market conditions were calculated by Monte Carlo models as of the grant date. As of September 30, 2024, there was $3 million of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the Company’s unvested equity-classified performance units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years.

 

   Number
of Shares
   Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested units at December 31, 2023   1,757   $6.08 
Granted      $ 
Vested      $ 
Forfeited      $ 
Unvested units at September 30, 2024   1,757   $6.08 

 

Liability-Classified Awards

 

The Company recognized the following amounts in employee liability-classified stock-based compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024:

 

   For the three months ended
September 30,
   For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Liability-classified stock-based compensation cost – expensed  $   $2   $2   $3 
Liability-classified stock-based compensation cost – capitalized  $   $1   $   $2 

 

27

 

 

Liability-Classified Restricted Stock Units

 

In each year from 2018 to 2020, the Company granted restricted stock units that vest over a period of four years and are payable in either cash or shares at the option of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board. The liability-classified awards granted in 2021 vest over a period of three years. The Company has accounted for these as liability-classified awards, and accordingly changes in the market value of the instruments will be recorded to general and administrative expense and capitalized expense over the vesting period of the award. As of September 30, 2024, the liability-classified restricted stock units fully vested.

 

   Number
of Units
   Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested units at December 31, 2023   1,741   $4.67 
Granted      $ 
Vested   (1,741)  $6.93 
Forfeited      $ 
Unvested units at September 30, 2024      $ 

 

Liability-Classified Performance Units

 

In each year from 2018 to 2023, the Company granted performance units that vest at the end of, or over, a three-year period and are payable in either cash or shares. The performance units granted in 2020 vest over a three-year period and are payable in cash as prescribed under the compensation agreements and have been accounted for as liability-classified awards. The Company granted two types of performance units in 2021 that vest over a three-year period. One type is payable in cash as prescribed under the compensation agreements and the other type is payable in either cash or stock at the option of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board. Both award types have been accounted for as liability-classified awards. The Company granted two types of performance units in 2022 and 2023 that vest over a three-year period. For both 2022 and 2023, one type of award is payable in cash as prescribed under the compensation agreements and has been liability-classified while the other type is equity-classified as further discussed above. No performance units were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Changes in the fair market value of the instruments for liability-classified awards are recorded to general and administrative expense and capitalized expense over the vesting period of the awards.

 

The performance units granted in 2020 include a performance condition based on return on average capital employed and a market condition based on relative total shareholder return (“TSR”). In 2021, of the two types of performance units granted, the first type of award includes a performance condition based on return on capital employed and a performance condition based on reinvestment rate, and the second type of award includes one market condition based on relative TSR. The liability-classified performance units granted in 2022 and 2023 include performance conditions based on return on capital employed and reinvestment rate. The fair values of all market conditions discussed above are calculated by Monte Carlo models on a quarterly basis.

 

As of September 30, 2024, there was $2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to liability-classified performance units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. The amount of unrecognized compensation cost for liability-classified awards will fluctuate over time as they are marked to market. The final value of the performance unit awards is contingent upon the Company’s actual performance against these performance measures.

 

   Number
of Units
   Weighted Average
Fair Value
 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested units at December 31, 2023   12,152   $0.94 
Granted      $ 
Vested   (3,365)  $1.59 
Forfeited      $ 
Unvested units at September 30, 2024   8,787   $0.49 

 

28

 

 

Cash-Based Compensation

 

The Company recognized the following amounts in performance cash award compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

   For the three months ended
September 30,
   For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
(in millions)  2024   2023   2024   2023 
Performance cash awards – expensed  $3   $3   $9   $8 
Performance cash awards – capitalized  $4   $2   $10   $7 

 

Performance Cash Awards

 

From 2020 through 2022 the Company granted performance cash awards that vest over a four-year period and are payable in cash on an annual basis. In 2023 and 2024, the Company granted performance cash awards that vest over a three-year period and are payable in cash on an annual basis. The value of each unit of the award equals one dollar. The Company recognizes the cost of these awards as general and administrative expense and capitalized expense over the vesting period of the awards. The performance cash awards granted from 2020 through 2024 include a performance condition determined annually by the Company. For all years, the performance measure is a targeted discretionary cash flow amount. If the Company, in its sole discretion, determines that the threshold was not met, the amount for that vesting period will not vest and will be cancelled. As of September 30, 2024, there was $40 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance cash awards. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. The final value of the performance cash awards is contingent upon the Company’s actual performance against these performance measures.

 

   Number
of Units
   Weighted Average Fair Value 
   (in thousands)     
Unvested units at December 31, 2023   49,678   $1.00 
Granted   28,202   $1.00 
Vested   (20,590)  $1.00 
Forfeited   (1,216)  $1.00 
Unvested units at September 30, 2024   56,074   $1.00 

 

(13) SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company’s reportable business segments have been identified based on the differences in products or services provided. The Company’s E&P segment is comprised of gas and oil properties which are managed as a whole rather than through discrete operating segments. Operational information for the Company’s E&P segment is tracked by geographic area; however, financial performance and allocation of resources are assessed at the segment level without regard to geographic area. Revenues for the E&P segment are derived from the production and sale of natural gas and liquids. The Marketing segment generates revenue through the marketing of both Company and third-party produced natural gas and liquids volumes.

 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the 2023 Annual Report. Management evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income (loss), defined as operating revenues less operating costs. Income before income taxes, for the purpose of reconciling the operating income (loss) amount shown below to consolidated income before income taxes, is the sum of operating income (loss), interest expense, gain (loss) on derivatives, gain on early extinguishment of debt and other income (loss). The “Other” column includes items not related to the Company’s reportable segments, including real estate and corporate items. Corporate general and administrative costs, depreciation expense and taxes, other than income taxes, are allocated to the segments.

 

29

 

 

   Exploration
and
Production
   Marketing   Total
Reportable
Segments
   Other   Total 
                     
   (in millions) 
Three months ended September 30, 2024    
Revenues from external customers  $728   $485   $1,213   $   $1,213 
Intersegment revenues   (15)   698    683        683 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense   207    1    208        208 
Impairments   478        478        478 
Operating income (loss)   (478)   11    (467)       (467)
Interest expense (1)   41        41        41 
Gain on derivatives   152        152        152 
Other income, net   1        1        1 
Benefit for income taxes (1)   (75)       (75)       (75)
Assets   8,826(2)    392    9,218    304    9,522 
Capital investments (3)   327        327    2    329 
                          
Three months ended September 30, 2023                         
Revenues from external customers  $890   $553   $1,443   $   $1,443 
Intersegment revenues   (17)   826    809        809 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense   337    1    338        338 
Operating income (loss)   (18)   25    7        7 
Interest expense (1)   36        36        36 
Gain on derivatives   93        93        93 
Other income, net   1        1    1    2 
Provision for income taxes (1)   21        21        21 
Assets   12,350(2)    483    12,833    140    12,973 
Capital investments (3)   452        452    2    454 

 

   Exploration
and
Production
   Marketing   Total
Reportable
Segments
   Other   Total 
                     
   (in millions) 
Nine months ended September 30, 2024    
Revenues from external customers  $2,225   $1,488   $3,713   $   $3,713 
Intersegment revenues   (46)   2,129    2,083        2,083 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense   692    4    696        696 
Impairments   3,202        3,202        3,202 
Operating income (loss)   (3,254)   21    (3,233)       (3,233)
Interest expense (1)   113        113        113 
Gain on derivatives   243        243        243 
Other loss, net   (1)       (1)       (1)
Benefit for income taxes (1)   (681)       (681)       (681)
Assets   8,826(2)    392    9,218    304    9,522 
Capital investments (3)   1,293        1,293    4    1,297 
                          
Nine months ended September 30, 2023                         
Revenues from external customers  $3,123   $1,707   $4,830   $   $4,830 
Intersegment revenues   (44)   2,944    2,900        2,900 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense   975    4    979        979 
Operating income   490    66    556        556 
Interest expense (1)   106        106        106 
Gain on derivatives   1,811        1,811        1,811 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt               (19)   (19)
Other income, net               1    1 
Provision for income taxes (1)   28        28        28 
Assets   12,350(2)    483    12,833    140    12,973 
Capital investments (3)   1,709        1,709    5    1,714 

 

(1)Interest expense and provision (benefit) for income taxes by segment is an allocation of corporate amounts as they are incurred at the corporate level.

 

(2)E&P assets includes office, technology, water infrastructure, drilling rigs and other ancillary equipment not directly related to natural gas and oil properties. This also includes deferred tax assets which are an allocation of corporate amounts as they are incurred at the corporate level.

 

(3)Capital investments include decreases of $42 million and $94 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively, and decreases of $59 million and $122 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively, relating to the change in accrued expenditures between periods.

 

30

 

 

The following table presents the breakout of other assets, which represent corporate assets not allocated to segments and assets for non-reportable segments as of September 30, 2024 and 2023:

 

   As of September 30, 
(in millions)  2024   2023 
Cash and cash equivalents  $126   $26 
Accounts receivable       1 
Prepayments   63    10 
Other current assets   1    2 
Property, plant and equipment   23    21 
Unamortized debt expense   12    16 
Right-of-use lease assets   45    51 
Non-qualified retirement plan   3    3 
Long-term deferred tax asset   4     
Other long-term assets (1)   27    10 
   $304   $140 

 

(1)Consists primarily of costs associated with the development of the Company’s enterprise resource technology as of September 30, 2024 and residual assets associated with the Company’s pension plan as of September 30, 2023, respectively.

 

(14) NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

New Accounting Standards Implemented in this Report

 

None.

 

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted in this Report

 

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This update is to enhance disclosures on reportable segments and provide additional detailed information about significant segment expenses. The guidance in ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This update is to enhance disclosures through further disaggregated information on the effective tax rate reconciliation based on specified categories, as well as disaggregation of incomes taxes paid by jurisdiction. The guidance in ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.

 

(15) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

We have evaluated subsequent events through October 29, 2024, the date at which the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

 

31

 

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

On January 10, 2024, Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake") and Southwestern Energy Company ("Southwestern") entered into an all-stock agreement and plan of merger (the “Merger Agreement”). On October 1, 2024, Chesapeake and Southwestern completed the previously announced merger (the "Southwestern Merger" or the "Merger"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, each share of Southwestern common stock, par value $0.01 per share, issued and outstanding immediately prior to the close of the Merger (excluding certain shares held by Southwestern as treasury shares, or by Chesapeake, and certain equity awards of Southwestern) was converted into the right to receive 0.0867 (the “Exchange Ratio”) of a share of Chesapeake common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Merger Consideration”). No fractional shares of Chesapeake common stock were issued in the Merger, and holders of shares of Southwestern common stock received cash in lieu of fractional shares of Chesapeake common stock, if any, in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

 

After the Southwestern Merger, Chesapeake changed its name to Expand Energy Corporation (“Expand Energy”). References to “us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “Expand Energy” and the “Company” prior to October 1, 2024 refer to Chesapeake Energy Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Southwestern Merger and do not include Southwestern and its subsidiaries, while such references on or after October 1, 2024 refer to the combined company as a result of the Southwestern Merger, including Southwestern and its subsidiaries.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet (the "pro forma balance sheet") and unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations (the "pro forma statement of operations" and together with the pro forma balance sheet the "pro forma condensed combined financial statements") are derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Expand Energy and Southwestern and have been adjusted to give effect to the Merger and the divestiture of our Eagle Ford assets (the “Eagle Ford Divestitures”) described below:

 

·On January 17, 2023, we entered into an agreement to sell a portion of our Eagle Ford assets to WildFire Energy I LLC for approximately $1.425 billion, subject to post-closing adjustments. This transaction closed on March 20, 2023 (with an effective date of October 1, 2022).

 

·On February 17, 2023, we entered into an agreement to sell a portion of our Eagle Ford assets to INEOS Energy for approximately $1.4 billion, subject to post-closing adjustments. This transaction closed on April 28, 2023 (with an effective date of October 1, 2022).

 

·On August 11, 2023, we entered into an agreement to sell the final portion of our Eagle Ford assets to SilverBow Resources, Inc. (“SilverBow”) for approximately $700 million, subject to post-closing adjustments. On July 30, 2024, Crescent Energy Company (“Crescent”) acquired SilverBow. Subject to the satisfaction of certain commodity price triggers, we may receive up to an additional $50 million cash consideration from Crescent shortly following the first anniversary of the transaction close date. This transaction closed on November 30, 2023 (with an effective date of February 1, 2023).

 

The pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 combines the historical balance sheets of Expand Energy and Southwestern as of September 30, 2024, and gives effect to the Merger as if it had been completed on September 30, 2024. The pro forma balance sheet is not adjusted for the Eagle Ford Divestitures as those had been completed and reflected in Expand Energy's historical balance sheet as of September 30, 2024. The pro forma statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023, combine the historical consolidated statements of operations of Expand Energy (giving effect to the Eagle Ford Divestitures) and Southwestern, with the effects of the Merger as if each transaction had been completed on January 1, 2023.

 

1

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect the following pro forma adjustments related to the Merger, based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable.

 

·the Merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, with Expand Energy identified as the accounting acquirer;

 

·Certain reclassification adjustments to conform Southwestern's historical financial presentation to Expand Energy's financial statement presentation;

 

·the assumption of liabilities by Expand Energy for any remaining transaction-related expenses to be incurred; and

 

·the estimated tax impact of pro forma adjustments.

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been developed from and should be read in conjunction with:

 

·the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements;

 

·the historical audited consolidated financial statements of Expand Energy as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, included in Expand Energy's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2024;

 

·the historical audited consolidated financial statements for Southwestern as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, included in Southwestern's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2024 and incorporated by reference into this document;

 

·the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Expand Energy as of and the for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, included in Expand Energy's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 filed on October 29, 2024;

 

·the historical unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Southwestern as of and the for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, included in this document;

 

·other information relating to Expand Energy and Southwestern contained in or incorporated by reference in this document.

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial statements are presented to reflect the Southwestern Merger and the Eagle Ford Divestitures for illustrative purposes only, and they do not represent what Expand Energy’s results of operations would have been had the Merger and the Eagle Ford Divestitures occurred on the date noted above, nor do they purport to project the future results of operations of the combined company following the transactions. The pro forma condensed combined financial statements are intended to provide information about the continuing impact of the transactions as if they had been consummated earlier. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions that management believes are factually supportable as of the date of preparation as further described below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been made.

 

Expand Energy and Southwestern anticipate that certain non-recurring charges will be incurred in connection with the Merger, the substantial majority of which consist of employee severance costs, employee retention costs, fees paid to financial, legal and accounting advisors, integration costs and filing fees. Any such charge could affect the future results of the post-acquisition company in the period in which such charges are incurred; however, these costs are not expected to be incurred in any period beyond twelve months from the closing date of the Merger. Accordingly, the pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect an estimated accrual for the effects of these non-recurring charges, which are not included in the historical financial statements of Expand Energy or Southwestern for the periods presented.

 

The pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not include the realization of any cost savings from operating efficiencies, synergies or other restructuring activities that might result from the Merger. Further, there may be additional charges related to the restructuring or other integration activities resulting from the Merger, the timing, nature and amount of which management cannot identify as of the date of this filing, and thus, such charges are not reflected in the pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

 

2

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

As of the date of this filing, Expand Energy has not completed the detailed valuation study necessary to arrive at the required final estimates of the fair value of the acquired Southwestern assets and assumed liabilities and the related purchase price. As soon as practical, Expand Energy will identify the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and make final determinations of their fair values using relevant information available at that time. For purposes of the pro forma condensed combined financial statements, Expand Energy estimated the fair value of Southwestern’s assets and liabilities based on reviews of Southwestern’s SEC filings, preliminary valuation studies, discussions with Southwestern’s management and other due diligence procedures. The assumptions and estimates used to determine the preliminary purchase price allocation and fair value adjustments are described in the notes accompanying the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

 

As a result of the foregoing, the pro forma adjustments are preliminary and subject to change as additional information becomes available and additional analysis is performed. The preliminary pro forma adjustments have been made solely for the purpose of providing the pro forma condensed combined financial statements presented herein. Any increases or decreases in the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed upon completion of the final valuation will result in adjustments to the pro forma balance sheet and if applicable, the pro forma statements of operations. The final purchase price allocation may be materially different than that reflected in the preliminary purchase price allocation presented herein.

 

3

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS 

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

($ IN MILLIONS)

 

           Transaction Adjustments        
   Expand
Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Reclass
Adjustments
(Note 3)
     Pro Forma
Adjustments
(Note 3)
     Pro Forma
Combined
 
Assets                              
Current assets:                              
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,044   $126   $     $(585 )(b)   $585 
Restricted cash   76                     76 
Accounts receivable, net   261    472                 733 
Derivative assets   199    279    (57) (a)          421 
Other current assets   217    150          86  (c)    453 
Total current assets   1,797    1,027    (57)      (499 )    2,268 
Property and equipment:                              
Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method                              
Proved natural gas and oil properties   12,373        37,191 (a)   (25,656 )(d)    23,908 
Unproved properties   1,806        1,881 (a)   538  (d)    4,225 
Other property and equipment   518        583 (a)   (394 )(d)    707 
Total property and equipment   14,697        39,655      (25,512 )    28,840 
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization   (4,743)       (32,337) (a)   32,337  (d)    (4,743)
Total property and equipment, net   9,954        7,318      6,825       24,097 
Natural gas and oil properties, using the full cost method, including $1,881 million as of September 30, 2024 excluded from amortization       39,072    (39,072) (a)           
Other       583    (583) (a)           
Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization       (32,337)   32,337 (a)           
Total property and equipment, net       7,318    (7,318)             
Operating lease assets       126    (126) (a)           
Long-term derivative assets   15    44    (31) (a)          28 
Deferred income tax assets, net   1,038    924          (1,388 )(e)    574 
Other long-term assets   588    83    126 (a)   (12 )(b)    1,227 
                     442  (c)      
Total assets  $13,392   $9,522   $ (88)     $5,368      $28,194 
                               
Liabilities and stockholders' equity                              
Current liabilities:                              
Current portion of long-term debt  $   $389   $     $      $389 
Accounts payable   264    1,143    (700) (a)          707 
Taxes payable       96    (96) (a)            
Interest payable       26    (26) (a)            
Accrued interest   41        26 (a)   (2 )(b)    65 
Derivative liabilities   5    57    (57) (a)          5 
Current operating lease liabilities       39    (39) (a)           
Other current liabilities   589    29    135 (a)    255  (f)    1,976 
              700 (a)   268  (c)      
Total current liabilities   899    1,779    (57)      521       3,142 
Long-term debt, net   2,017    3,922          (34 )(d)    5,322 
                     (583 )(b)      
Long-term operating lease liabilities       87    (87) (a)           
Long-term derivative liabilities       40    (31) (a)          9 
Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion   271        121 (a)          392 
Long-term contract liabilities                 1,318  (c)    1,318 
Other long-term liabilities   17    207    87 (a)          190 
              (121) (a)             
Total liabilities   3,204    6,035    (88)      1,222       10,373 
Contingencies and commitments                              
Stockholders' equity:                              
Common stock   1    12          (12 )(g)    2 
                     1  (h)      
Additional paid-in capital   5,778    7,208          (7,208 )(g)    13,691 
                     7,870  (h)      
                     26  (f)      
                     17  (i)      
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)   4,409    (3,405)         3,405  (g)    4,128 
                     (281 )(f)      
Accumulated other comprehensive loss       (1)         1  (g)     
Common stock in treasury       (327)         327  (g)     
Total stockholders' equity   10,188    3,487          4,146       17,821 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity  $13,392   $9,522   $(88)     $5,368      $28,194 

 

4

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

           Transaction Adjustments       
   Expand
Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Reclass
Adjustments
(Note 3)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
(Note 3)
    Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenues and other:                             
Natural gas, oil and NGL  $1,374   $   $2,227  (a)  $     $3,601 
              389  (a)          389 
Gas sales        1,470    (1,470 )(a)          
Oil sales        261    (261 )(a)          
NGL sales        496    (496 )(a)          
Marketing   641    1,488    (389 )(a)         1,740 
Natural gas and oil derivatives   207        243  (a)         450 
Other       (2)   2  (a)          
Gains on sales of assets and other   12                    12 
Total revenues and other   2,234    3,713    245            6,192 
Operating expenses:                             
Production   158        247  (a)         405 
Operating expenses       1,240    (1,240 )(a)          
Gathering, processing and transportation   479        993  (a)         1,724 
              389  (a)   (137 )(j)     
Severance and ad valorem taxes   58        103  (a)         161 
Exploration   7                    7 
Marketing   656    1,509    (389 )(a)          1,776 
General and administrative   133    150    7  (a)         290 
Merger-related expenses       39    (39 )(a)          
Separation and other termination costs   23                    23 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   1,082    696          509  (t)   2,287 
Impairments       3,202          (3,202 )(u)    
Taxes, other than income taxes       110    (110 )(a)          
Other operating expense (income)   55        2  (a)         96 
              39  (a)            
Total operating expenses   2,651    6,946    2      (2,830 )   6,769 
Income (loss) from operations   (417)   (3,233)   243      2,830      (577)
Other income (expense):                             
Interest expense   (59)   (182)   69  (a)   (18 )(v)   (190)
Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt   (2)                   (2)
Other interest charges       (9)   9  (a)          
Interest capitalized       78    (78 )(a)          
Gains on Derivatives       243    (243 )(a)          
Other income   58    (1)               57 
Total other income (expense)   (3)   129    (243 )    (18 )    (135)
Income (loss) before income taxes   (420)   (3,104)         2,812      (712)
Deferred       (681)   681  (a)          
Income tax expense (benefit)   (105)       (681 )(a)   647  (x)   (139)
Net income (loss)  $(315)  $(2,423)  $     $2,165     $(573)
                              
Earnings per common share:                             
Basic  $(2.39)                     $(2.52)
Diluted  $(2.39)                     $(2.52)
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in thousands):                             
Basic   131,958                95,700  (y)   227,658 
Diluted   131,958                95,700  (y)   227,658 

 

5

 

 

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023

($ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

 

 

                                 Transaction Adjustments       
   Expand
Energy
Historical
   WildFire
Divestiture -
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Ineos
Divestiture -
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    SilverBow
Divestiture -
Pro Forma
Adjustments
    Expand Energy
Pro Forma
   Southwestern
Historical
   Reclass
Adjustments
(Note 3)
    Pro Forma
Adjustments
(Note 3)
    Pro Forma
Combined
 
Revenues and other:                                                       
Natural gas, oil and NGL  $3,547   $(154 ) (k)  $(242 ) (k)  $(368 ) (k)  $2,783   $   $4,170  (a)  $     $6,953 
                                        523  (a)          523 
Gas sales                                  3,089    (3,089 (a)          
Oil sales                                  379    (379 (a)          
NGL sales                                  702    (702 (a)          
Marketing   2,500    (51 (l)   (1,044 )(l)   (500 (l)   905    2,355    (523 (a)         2,737 
Natural gas and oil derivatives   1,728    (43 (m)   (53 )(m)   (30 )(m)   1,602        2,433  (a)         4,035 
Other                             (3)   3  (a)          
Gains on sales of assets and other   946    (337 (n)   (470 )(n)   (140 (n)   (1)                   (1)
Total revenues and other   8,721    (585     (1,809    (1,038    5,289    6,522    2,436            14,247 
Operating expenses:                                                       
Production   356    (20 (o)   (37 (o)   (33 (o)   266        369  (a)         635 
Operating expenses                                1,717    (1,717 (a)          
Gathering, processing and transportation   853    (3 (p)   (68 (p)   (86 (p)   696        1,348  (a)         2,386 
                                        523  (a)   (181 (j)     
Severance and ad valorem taxes   167    (10 (q)   (16 (q)   (22 (q)   119        230  (a)         349 
Exploration   27                      27                    27 
Marketing   2,499    (51 (l)   (1,044 (l)   (500 (l)   904    2,331    (523 (a)          2,712 
General and administrative   127                      127    187    14  (a)         328 
Separation and other termination costs   5                      5                    5 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   1,527          (8 (r)   (25 (r)   1,494    1,307          572  (t)   3,373 
Impairments                             1,710          (1,710 (u)    
Taxes, other than income taxes                             244    (244 (a)          
Other operating expense (income)   18                      18        3  (a)   281  (f)   302 
Total operating expenses   5,579    (84    (1,173     (666     3,656    7,496    3      (1,038     10,117 
Income (loss) from operations   3,142    (501    (636     (372     1,633    (974)   2,433      1,038      4,130 
Other income (expense):                                                       
Interest expense   (104)                     (104)   (246)   104  (a)   (33 (v)   (279)
Other interest charges                             (11)   11  (a)          
Interest capitalized                             115    (115 (a)          
Losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt                             (19)         19  (w)    
Gains on Derivatives                             2,433    (2,433 (a)          
Other income   79                      79    2                81 
Total other income (expense)   (25)                     (25)   2,274    (2,433 )    (14    (198)
Income (loss) before income taxes   3,117    (501    (636    (372    1,608    1,300          1,024      3,932 
Current                             (5)   5  (a)          
Deferred                             (252)   252  (a)          
Income tax expense (benefit)   698    (115 (s)   (146 (s)   (86 (s)   351        (257 (a)   236  (x)   330 
Net income (loss)  $2,419   $(386   $(490   $(286   $1,257   $1,557   $     $788     $3,602 
                                                        
Earnings per common share:                                                       
Basic  $18.21                                                $15.76 
Diluted  $16.92                                                $15.09 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in thousands):                                                       
Basic   132,840                                          95,700  (y)   228,540 
Diluted   142,976                                          95,700  (y)   238,676 

 

6

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Expand Energy and Southwestern and gives pro forma effect to the events that are directly attributable to the Merger and the Eagle Ford Divestitures and are factually supportable. Certain of Southwestern's historical amounts have been reclassified to conform to Expand Energy's financial statement presentation. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2024 gives effect to the Merger as if the Merger had been completed on September 30, 2024. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, give effect to the Merger and the Eagle Ford Divestitures as if these transactions had been completed on January 1, 2023.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements reflect pro forma adjustments that are described in the accompanying notes and are based on available information and certain assumptions that Expand Energy believes are reasonable; however, actual results may differ from those reflected in these statements. In Expand Energy’s opinion, all adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the pro forma information have been made. The following pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not purport to represent what the combined company’s financial position or results of operations would have been if the transactions had actually occurred on the dates indicated above, nor are they indicative of Expand Energy’s future financial position or results of operations. These pro forma condensed combined financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the previously filed consolidated financial statements and related notes of Expand Energy and Southwestern for the periods presented.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information includes adjustments to conform Southwestern’s accounting policies to Expand Energy’s accounting policies, including adjusting Southwestern’s natural gas and oil properties to the successful efforts method. Southwestern followed the full cost pool method of accounting for natural gas and oil properties, while Expand Energy follows the successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas and oil properties. Certain costs that are expensed under the successful efforts method are capitalized under the full cost method, including unsuccessful exploration drilling costs, geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals on leases and general and administrative expenses directly related to exploration and development activities. Under the full cost method of accounting, property acquisition costs, costs of wells, related equipment and facilities and future development costs are all included in a single full cost pool, which is amortized on a units-of-production basis over total proved reserves. Under the successful efforts method of accounting, property acquisition costs are amortized on a units-of-production basis over total proved reserves, while costs of wells and related equipment and facilities are amortized on a units-of-production basis over proved developed reserves.

 

2.Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet

 

The Merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations. The allocation of the preliminary estimated purchase price is based upon management’s estimates of and assumptions related to the fair value of assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed as of September 30, 2024 using currently available information. Due to the fact that the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information has been prepared based on these preliminary estimates, the final purchase price allocation and the resulting effect on Expand Energy’s financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts included herein. Expand Energy expects to finalize its allocation of the purchase consideration within one year subsequent to the closing date of the Merger.

 

The preliminary purchase price allocation is subject to change due to several factors, including, but not limited to:

 

·changes in the estimated fair value of Southwestern’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the closing date of the Merger, which could result from changes in reserve estimates and other factors; and

 

·the tax bases of Southwestern’s assets and liabilities as of the closing date of the Merger.

 

 7 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The preliminary fair value assessment of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed expected to be recorded is as follows:

 

   Preliminary
Purchase
Price
Allocation
 
    ($ in millions) 
Consideration:     
Cash(a)  $585 
Fair value of Expand Energy Common Stock issued(b)   7,871 
Restricted stock unit and performance stock unit replacement awards   17 
Total consideration  $8,473 
Fair Value of Assets Acquired:     
Cash and cash equivalents  $126 
Other current assets   930 
Proved natural gas and oil properties   11,535 
Unproved properties   2,419 
Other property and equipment   189 
Other long-term assets   652 
Amounts attributable to assets acquired   15,851 
Fair Value of Liabilities Assumed:     
Current liabilities  $1,988 
Long-term debt   3,305 
Deferred tax liabilities   464 
Long-term contract liabilities   1,318 
Other long-term liabilities   303 
Amounts attributable to liabilities assumed   7,378 
Total identifiable net assets  $8,473 

 

 

(a) Reflects the repayment of $583 million outstanding on Southwestern's 2022 revolving credit facility including $2 million of accrued interest and fees, as the facility was repaid and retired upon close of the Merger.

 

(b) Based on 95,700,325 shares of Expand Energy common stock at $82.25 per share (closing price as of September 30, 2024).

 

Under the Merger Agreement, Southwestern stockholders received 0.0867 shares of Expand Energy common stock for each share of Southwestern common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. In addition certain members of Southwestern's management team and other key employees with approximately 1,361,000 outstanding restricted stock units ("RSU") and performance stock units ("PSU") received 0.0867 shares of Expand Energy common stock for each RSU and PSU outstanding under existing change in control agreements. This results in Expand Energy issuing approximately 95.7 million shares of Expand Energy common stock, or approximately $7.9 billion in value, (based on Expand Energy common stock closing price as of September 30, 2024 of $82.25) as Merger Consideration.

 

 8 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.Pro Forma Adjustments

 

The following adjustments have been made to the accompanying unaudited pro forma financial statements:

 

(a) The following reclassifications conform Southwestern's historical financial information to Expand Energy's financial statement presentation:

 

Southwestern Reclassification and Conforming Adjustments

 

Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2024

 

 ·Reclassification of $57 million from derivative assets to derivative liabilities and $31 million of long-term derivative assets to long-term derivative liabilities to conform Southwestern's presentation of derivative positions to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of approximately $39.1 billion of natural gas and oil properties, using the full cost method, to proved and unproved natural gas and oil properties under the successful efforts method of accounting of $37.2 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.

 

·Reclassification of approximately $32.3 billion from accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization under the full cost method of accounting to accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization under the successful efforts method of accounting.

 

·Reclassification of $583 million from other to other property and equipment to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $126 million from operating lease assets to other long-term assets to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $700 million from accounts payable to other current liabilities to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $96 million from taxes payable and $39 million of current operating lease liabilities, respectively, to other current liabilities to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $26 million from interest payable to accrued interest to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $87 million from long-term operating lease liabilities to other long-term liabilities to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

·Reclassification of $121 million from other long-term liabilities to asset retirement obligations, net of current portion to conform Southwestern's presentation to Expand Energy's presentation.

 

Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024

 

·Reclassification of $1,470 million of gas sales, $261 million of oil sales and $496 million of NGL sales to natural gas, oil and NGL revenue, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of natural gas, oil and NGL revenue.

 

·Reclassification of $389 million of net transportation expense from gas and NGL sales to gathering, processing and transportation expense and elimination of $389 million of net transportation expense from marketing revenue and marketing expense to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of gathering, processing and transportation.

 

·Reclassification of $243 million of gains on derivatives to natural gas and oil derivatives to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of natural gas and oil derivatives.

 

·Reclassification of $2 million of other revenue to other operating expense (income) to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of other operating expense (income).

 

·Reclassification of $39 million of merger-related expenses to other operating expense (income) to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of other operating expense (income).

 

·Reclassification of $993 million and $247 million from operating expenses to gathering, processing and transportation expense and production expense, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of gathering, processing and transportation expense and production expense.

 

 9 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

·Reclassification of $103 million and $7 million from taxes, other than income taxes to severance and ad valorem taxes expense and general and administrative expense, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of severance and ad valorem taxes expense and general and administrative expense.

 

·Reclassification of $9 million from other interest charges and $78 million of interest capitalized, respectively, to interest expense to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of interest expense.

 

·Reclassification of $681 million of deferred income tax benefit to income tax expense (benefit) to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of income tax expense (benefit).

 

Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2023

 

·Reclassification of $3,089 million of gas sales, $379 million of oil sales and $702 million of NGL sales to natural gas, oil and NGL revenue, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of natural gas, oil and NGL revenue.

 

·Reclassification of $523 million of net transportation expense from gas and NGL sales to gathering, processing and transportation expense and elimination of $523 million of net transportation expense from marketing revenue and marketing expense to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of gathering, processing and transportation.

 

·Reclassification of $2,433 million of gains on derivatives to natural gas and oil derivatives gas to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of natural gas and oil derivatives.

 

·Reclassification of $3 million of other revenue to other operating expense (income) to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of other operating expense (income).

 

·Reclassification of $1,348 million and $369 million from operating expenses to gathering, processing and transportation expense and production expense, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of gathering, processing and transportation expense and production expense.

 

·Reclassification of $230 million and $14 million from taxes, other than income taxes to severance and ad valorem taxes expense and general and administrative expense, respectively, to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of severance and ad valorem taxes expense and general and administrative expense.

 

·Reclassification of $11 million from other interest charges and $115 million of interest capitalized, respectively, to interest expense to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of interest expense.

 

·Reclassification of $5 million of current tax benefit and $252 million of deferred income tax benefit to income tax expense (benefit) to conform to Expand Energy's presentation of income tax expense (benefit).

 

(b) Reflects the repayment of $583 million outstanding on Southwestern's 2022 revolving credit facility including $2 million of accrued interest and fees, as the facility was repaid and retired upon close of the Merger. Additionally, an adjustment was made to eliminate $12 million of unamortized issuance expense associated with the 2022 revolving credit facility as an adjustment to other long-term assets.

 

(c) Reflects estimated fair value of out-of-market portion of transportation contracts assumed from Southwestern where the terms are favorable or unfavorable compared to current market terms.

 

(d) The allocation of the estimated fair value of consideration transferred (based on the closing price of Expand Energy common stock as of September 30, 2024) to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulted in the following purchase price allocation adjustments:

 

·Approximately $6.3 billion increase in Southwestern's net book basis of proved natural gas and oil properties and other property and equipment, consisting of approximately $25.6 billion decrease in the gross book value of proved natural gas and oil properties, $394 million decrease in other property and equipment and the elimination of approximately $32.3 billion of historical accumulated depreciation to reflect the properties at fair value;

 

·$538 million increase in Southwestern's unproved oil and natural gas properties to reflect fair value;

 

 10 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

·The following adjustments were made to reflect the pro forma changes to long-term debt, net:

 

◦     $49 million downward adjustment to record Southwestern's senior notes at fair value;

 

◦     $15 million adjustment to write-off historical deferred unamortized issuance expense, premium and discount.

 

(e) The following adjustments were made to reflect the pro forma changes to deferred tax assets, net:

 

◦     $464 million adjustment to record the acquisition of a net deferred tax liability. This is primarily the result of the purchase price allocated to the acquired properties in excess of their acquired tax basis;

 

◦     $924 million adjustment to eliminate Southwestern's historical deferred tax asset.

 

(f) The following adjustments were made to reflect nonrecurring transaction and severance costs:

 

◦     estimated nonrecurring severance costs of $178 million, $125 million for payments made to certain former employees of Southwestern and Expand Energy, $23 million associated with the accelerated vesting of certain Southwestern RSUs and PSUs, $3 million associated with the accelerated vesting of certain Expand Energy RSUs and PSUs and $27 million for payments made to certain executives of Southwestern and Expand Energy;

 

◦     estimated non-recurring transaction costs of $103 million related to the Merger, including underwriting, banking, legal, consulting and accounting fees that are not capitalized as part of the transaction.

 

(g) Reflects the elimination of Southwestern's historical equity balances in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting.

 

(h) Reflects the estimated increase in Expand Energy's common stock and additional paid-in capital resulting from the issuance of Expand Energy common stock to Southwestern's stockholders to effect the transaction as follows (in millions, except share and per share amounts):

 

Shares of Expand Energy common stock issued   95,700,325 
Closing price per share of Expand Energy common stock on September 30, 2024  $82.25 
Total fair value of shares of Expand Energy common stock issued  $7,871 
Increase in Expand Energy common stock ($0.01 par value per share) as of September 30, 2024  $1 
Increase in Expand Energy additional paid-in capital as of September 30, 2024  $7,870 

 

(i) Reflects precombination service expense related to replacement awards issued to legacy Southwestern employees

 

(j) Reflects non-cash amortization of net liability for out-of-market value associated with contracts assumed in the Merger.

 

(k) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of natural gas, oil and NGL revenues attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(l) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of marketing revenues and marketing expenses attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(m) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of natural gas and oil derivatives attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(n) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of gains on sales of assets attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(o) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of production expenses attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

 11 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(p) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of gathering, processing and transportation attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(q) Adjustment to reflect the reduction of severance and ad valorem taxes attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources.

 

(r) Adjustment to reflect the reduction in depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") expense based on the production volumes attributable to the Eagle Ford assets divested to WildFire, INEOS and SilverBow Resources, and the revision to the Company’s DD&A rate reflecting the reserve volumes and net book value sold. DD&A is calculated using the unit of production method under the successful efforts method of accounting.

 

(s) Reflects an adjustment to income taxes to record the estimated income tax effects attributable to the Eagle Ford assets. The tax adjustment assumes a forecasted blended Expand Energy statutory tax rate of 23%. The pro forma income tax adjustments included in the pro forma statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, reflect the income tax effects of the transaction accounting adjustments presented.

 

(t) Adjustment to reflect the increase in DD&A calculated in accordance with the successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas and oil properties, based on the preliminary purchase price allocation.

 

(u) Reflects the elimination of Southwestern's historical impairment charges recorded under the ceiling test of the full cost method of accounting to conform to Expand Energy’s successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas and oil properties.

 

(v) Reflects the repayment and retirement of Southwestern’s 2022 revolving credit facility, the fair value adjustment of the unsecured senior notes and the change in capitalized interest in accordance with the successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas and oil properties. This resulted in the following adjustments:

 

◦     $18 million net increase in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2024;

 

◦     $33 million net increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

(w) Adjustment to eliminate loss related to the extinguishment of Southwestern's 7.75% Senior Notes due 2027.

 

(x) Reflects an adjustment to income taxes to record the estimated income tax effects of combining Expand Energy’s and Southwestern’s operations. The tax adjustment assumes a forecasted blended Expand Energy statutory tax rate of 23%. The pro forma income tax adjustments included in the pro forma statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, and the year ended December 31, 2023, reflect the income tax effects of the transaction accounting adjustments presented. Because the tax rates used for these pro forma financial statements are an estimate, the blended rate will likely vary from the actual effective rate in periods subsequent to completion of the Merger.

 

(y) Reflects Expand Energy’s shares issued to Southwestern stockholders.

 

 12 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

4.Supplemental Pro Forma Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Information

 

The following tables present the estimated pro forma condensed combined net proved developed and undeveloped oil, natural gas and NGL reserves as of December 31, 2023, along with a summary of changes in the quantities of net remaining proved reserves during the year ended December 31, 2023. The pro forma reserve information set forth below gives effect to the Merger as if the Merger had been completed on January 1, 2023. The supplemental pro forma oil and natural gas reserves information have been prepared from Expand Energy's previously filed historical reserve information included in its audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023 and Southwestern's previously filed historical reserve information included in its audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

   Oil (mmbbls) 
   Expand Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined
 
As of December 31, 2022   198.4    83.4    281.8 
Extensions, discoveries and other additions       5.1    5.1 
Revisions of previous estimates       (4.8)   (4.8)
Production   (7.7)   (5.6)   (13.3)
Sale of reserves-in-place   (190.7)       (190.7)
Purchase of reserves-in-place            
As of December 31, 2023       78.1    78.1 
Proved developed reserves:               
December 31, 2022   157.2    41.1    198.3 
December 31, 2023       38.6    38.6 
Proved undeveloped reserves:               
December 31, 2022   41.2    42.3    83.5 
December 31, 2023       39.5    39.5 

 

   Natural Gas (bcf) 
    Expand Energy
Historical
    Southwestern
Historical
    Pro Forma
Combined
 
As of December 31, 2022   11,369    17,362    28,731 
Extensions, discoveries and other additions   415    1,813    2,228 
Revisions of previous estimates   (325)   (2,196)   (2,521)
Production   (1,266)   (1,438)   (2,704)
Sale of reserves-in-place   (563)   (350)   (913)
Purchase of reserves-in-place   58        58 
As of December 31, 2023   9,688    15,191    24,879 
Proved developed reserves:               
December 31, 2022   7,385    9,793    17,178 
December 31, 2023   6,363    9,196    15,559 
Proved undeveloped reserves:               
December 31, 2022   3,984    7,569    11,553 
December 31, 2023   3,325    5,995    9,320 

 

 13 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

   Natural Gas Liquids  (mmbbls) 
  

Expand Energy
Historical

   Southwestern
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined
 
As of December 31, 2022   73.9    627.1    701.0 
Extensions, discoveries and other additions       30.5    30.5 
Revisions of previous estimates       42.1    42.1 
Production   (3.8)   (32.9)   (36.7)
Sale of reserves-in-place   (70.1)       (70.1)
Purchase of reserves-in-place            
As of December 31, 2023       666.8    666.8 
Proved developed reserves:               
December 31, 2022   58.9    350.8    409.7 
December 31, 2023       363.0    363.0 
Proved undeveloped reserves:               
December 31, 2022   15.0    276.3    291.3 
December 31, 2023       303.8    303.8 

 

   Total Reserves (bcfe) (a) 
   Expand Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined
 
As of December 31, 2022   13,002    21,625    34,627 
Extensions, discoveries and other additions   415    2,026    2,441 
Revisions of previous estimates   (325)   (1,972)   (2,297)
Production   (1,335)   (1,669)   (3,004)
Sale of reserves-in-place   (2,127)   (350)   (2,477)
Purchase of reserves-in-place   58        58 
As of December 31, 2023   9,688    19,660    29,348 
Proved developed reserves:               
December 31, 2022   8,681    12,145    20,826 
December 31, 2023   6,363    11,605    17,968 
Proved undeveloped reserves:               
December 31, 2022   4,321    9,480    13,801 
December 31, 2023   3,325    8,055    11,380 

 

 

(a)    Oil and NGLs are converted to one billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent. Natural gas equivalent determined using the ratio of one barrel of oil or natural gas liquids to six thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

 

 14 

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The pro forma standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil, natural gas and NGL reserves as of December 31, 2023 is as follows (in millions):

 

   As of December 31, 2023 
   Expand Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined
 
Future cash inflows  $14,659   $50,499   $65,158 
Future production costs   (3,326)   (26,147)   (29,473)
Future development costs   (2,779)   (6,558)   (9,337)
Future income tax expense   (174)   (1,581)   (1,755)
Future net cash flows   8,380    16,213    24,593 
Less effect of a 10% discount factor   (3,903)   (8,900)   (12,803)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows  $4,477   $7,313   $11,790 

 

The changes in the pro forma standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil, natural gas and NGL reserves for the year ended December 31, 2023 are as follows (in millions):

 

   Expand Energy
Historical
   Southwestern
Historical
   Pro Forma
Combined
 
Standardized measure, as of December 31, 2022  $26,305   $37,588   $63,893 
Sales of oil and natural gas produced, net of production costs and gathering, processing and transportation   (2,171)   (2,123)   (4,294)
Net changes in prices and production costs   (23,535)   (36,514)   (60,049)
Extensions and discoveries, net of production and development costs   182    63    245 
Changes in estimated future development costs   346    1,005    1,351 
Previously estimated development costs incurred during the period   818    1,336    2,154 
Revisions of previous quantity estimates   (205)   (1,174)   (1,379)
Purchase of reserves-in-place   77        77 
Sales of reserves-in-place   (7,158)   (710)   (7,868)
Accretion of discount   3,270    4,643    7,913 
Net changes in income taxes   6,301    8,364    14,665 
Changes in production rates and other   247    (5,165)   (4,918)
Standardized measure, as of December 31, 2023  $4,477   $7,313   $11,790 

 

 15 

 

v3.24.3
Cover
Nov. 15, 2024
Document Type 8-K
Amendment Flag false
Document Period End Date Nov. 15, 2024
Entity File Number 001-13726
Entity Registrant Name EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key 0000895126
Entity Tax Identification Number 73-1395733
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code OK
Entity Address, Address Line One 6100 North Western Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town Oklahoma City
Entity Address, State or Province OK
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 73118
City Area Code 405
Local Phone Number 848-8000
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Common Stock [Member]  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share
Trading Symbol EXE
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Class A Warrants to purchase Common Stock [Member]  
Title of 12(b) Security Class A Warrants to purchase Common Stock
Trading Symbol EXEEW
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Class B Warrants to purchase Common Stock [Member]  
Title of 12(b) Security Class B Warrants to purchase Common Stock
Trading Symbol EXEEZ
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ
Class C Warrants to purchase Common Stock [Member]  
Title of 12(b) Security Class C Warrants to purchase Common Stock
Trading Symbol EXEEL
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ

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