Chord Energy Announces Strategic Acquisition of Williston Basin Assets

Rhea-AI Summary

Chord Energy (NASDAQ: CHRD) has announced a strategic acquisition of Williston Basin assets from XTO Energy, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, for $550 million in cash. The acquisition includes 48,000 net acres in the Williston core with 86% operated working interest and expected production of ~9 MBoepd (78% oil).

The assets feature 90 net drilling locations with low NYMEX WTI breakeven economics in the $40s range. The transaction is expected to be funded through cash on hand and borrowings, maintaining a post-transaction adjusted net leverage of 0.5x to 0.6x. The deal, with a September 1, 2025 effective date, is anticipated to close by year-end and is expected to be accretive to key metrics including cash flow and NAV.

Additionally, Chord reported repurchasing 788,444 shares totaling $83.0 million through September 12, 2025, as part of its return of capital framework.

Positive

• Acquisition of 48,000 net acres in prime Williston Basin core with 86% operated working interest
• Low breakeven economics in $40s range enhances portfolio efficiency
• Expected production addition of 9 MBoepd with 78% oil content
• 90 net drilling locations extend inventory life
• Accretive to cash flow, free cash flow, and NAV metrics
• Low post-transaction leverage ratio of 0.5x to 0.6x maintains strong balance sheet
• Significant overlap with existing footprint enables operational synergies

Negative

• Requires $550 million cash consideration, partially funded through borrowings
• Temporary increase in leverage ratio above 0.5x threshold until mid-2026
• Integration risks associated with asset acquisition

Insights

Energy M&A Specialist

Chord's $550M Williston Basin acquisition from XTO expands core assets with low-breakeven wells while maintaining strong balance sheet.

Chord Energy's $550 million acquisition of XTO's Williston Basin assets represents a strategic bolt-on that strengthens its position in a core operating area. The deal brings 48,000 net acres with 86% operated working interest and 100% held by production, meaning immediate development rights with no lease expirations to manage. The 90 net drilling locations meaningfully extend Chord's inventory runway with competitive economics—breakevens in the $40s per barrel range place these locations at the front-end of Chord's development queue.

The acquisition's production profile of ~9 MBoepd (78% oil) with a low ~23% base decline rate is particularly valuable. Low-decline production requires less capital to maintain, generating stronger free cash flow. The high oil cut enhances margins compared to gassier production profiles. The contiguous nature of the development spacing units (DSUs) and overlap with Chord's existing acreage creates operational synergies, enabling longer-lateral development (3-4 mile laterals) which typically improves capital efficiency by 10-15% versus standard laterals.

Financially, Chord is maintaining discipline with post-acquisition leverage of 0.5x-0.6x, well below industry averages. The company's continued share repurchases (788,444 shares worth $83 million in Q3 alone) alongside this acquisition demonstrates confidence in their cash generation capability. Their return of capital framework remains intact, with 50%+ of FCF returned at current leverage levels, increasing to 75%+ once they reduce leverage below 0.5x, projected by mid-2026.

HOUSTON, Sept. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chord Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: CHRD) ("Chord", "Chord Energy" or the "Company") today announced that a wholly owned subsidiary of Chord has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire assets in the Williston Basin from XTO Energy Inc. and affiliates (collectively, "XTO"), subsidiaries of Exxon Mobil Corporation, for total cash consideration of $550 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The consideration is expected to be funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings.

Acquiring core acreage in Williston Basin:

• Acquired Acreage: 48,000 net acres in the Williston core (86% operated working interest, 82% 8/8ths net revenue interest, 100% held by production);
  
  
• Inventory Depth: 90 net 10,000 foot equivalent locations (72 net operated) extend Chord's inventory life; includes interests in Chord-operated wells and new DSUs, plus royalty interests;
  
  
• Inventory Quality: Low average NYMEX WTI breakeven economics ($40s) compete at the front-end of Chord's program and lower the weighted-average breakeven of Chord's portfolio;
  
  
• Long-Lateral Development: The contiguous nature of the DSUs and proximity with Chord's exiting footprint will facilitate 3 and 4 mile lateral development when operated by Chord;
  
  
• Expected Near-Term Production: ~9 MBoepd (78% oil) with a projected low base decline rate of ~23%. Significant opportunity to enhance operating margins on PDP;
  
  
• Highly Accretive: Expected to be accretive to all key metrics including cash flow, free cash flow¹ and NAV in both near and long-term;
  
  
• Balance Sheet Strength: Post-transaction adjusted net leverage¹ expected to be approximately 0.5x to 0.6x².

"We are excited to announce the acquisition of these high-quality assets," said Danny Brown, Chord Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The acquired assets are in one of the best areas of the Williston Basin and have significant overlap with Chord's existing footprint, setting the stage for long-lateral development. The assets have a low average NYMEX WTI breakeven and are immediately competitive for capital. We expect that the transaction will create significant accretion for shareholders across all key metrics, while maintaining pro forma leverage below the peer group and supporting sustainable FCF generation and return of capital. I'm thankful for the hard work of all those involved in this transaction and look forward to Chord operating this asset in a safe and sustainable manner while continuing our strong relationship with the Three Affiliated Tribes on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation." 

Mr. Brown continued, "This acquisition is consistent with our strategic objectives, and we look forward to incorporating the assets into the Chord portfolio given our established history of successful integration and execution. Chord has demonstrated an impressive ability to improve economics by optimizing spacing and lateral length while driving efficiencies through the base business. Our track record of exceeding production expectations while lowering capital and improving margins has supported sustainable free cash flow and high return of capital. Chord has lengthened its inventory runway through adopting new technologies, improving operational efficiency and strategic M&A. We remain focused as an organization on disciplined capital allocation, driving continuous improvement through the business, and delivering even better efficiency going forward."

The effective date for the transaction is September 1, 2025. It is expected to close by year-end.

Return of Capital

Chord's return of capital framework calls for distributing 50%+ of adjusted FCF at forward net leverage between 0.5x and 1.0x and 75%+ of adjusted FCF at net leverage levels below 0.5x. Based on current commodity prices, Chord expects post transaction adjusted net leverage to be between 0.5x and 0.6x and to be back below 0.5x around mid-2026. During 3Q25, Chord has repurchased 788,444 shares of common stock totaling $83.0MM through September 12, 2025.

1. Non-GAAP financial measure. To see how the Company reconciles its historical presentations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures under United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), please visit the Investors—Documents & Disclosures—Non-GAAP Reconciliation page on the Company's website at https://ir.chordenergy.com/non-gaap.
2. Based on post-transaction adjusted 6/30 net debt levels using $550MM purchase price and 2025E EBITDA using midpoint August guidance at strip pricing through year-end plus 2025E EBITDA from acquired assets. The forward-looking metrics provided are estimates of what Chord believes is potentially realizable as of the date of this release. Chord is not readily able to provide a reconciliation of post-transaction adjusted leverage or 2025E EBITDA because those metrics and the comparable GAAP measures of GAAP leverage and 2025E net income cannot be provided without unreasonable effort. Actual results will vary from the estimates and the variations may be material.

Contact:

Chord Energy Corporation
Bob Bakanauskas, VP, Investor Relations
(281) 404-9600
ir@chordenergy.com

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Statements

Certain statements in this press release, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that Chord expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including any statements regarding the benefits and synergies of the Enerplus combination, future opportunities for Chord, future financial performance and condition, guidance and statements regarding Chord's expectations, beliefs, plans, financial condition, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are forward-looking statements based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. Forward-looking statements are all statements other than statements of historical facts. The words "anticipate," "believe," "ensure," "expect," "if," "intend," "estimate," "probable," "project," "forecasts," "predict," "outlook," "aim," "will," "could," "should," "would," "potential," "may," "might," "anticipate," "likely," "plan," "positioned," "strategy" and similar expressions or other words of similar meaning, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Specific forward-looking statements include statements regarding Chord's plans and expectations with respect to the return of capital plan, production levels and reinvestment rates, anticipated financial and operating results and other guidance and the effects, benefits of the XTO Acquisition. The forward-looking statements are intended to be subject to the safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

These statements are based on certain assumptions made by Chord based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Chord, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include, but are not limited to, the ability to complete or realize the anticipated benefits from the XTO acquisition, changes in crude oil, NGL and natural gas prices, uncertainty regarding the future actions of foreign oil producers and the related impacts such actions have on the balance between the supply of and demand for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, the actions taken by OPEC+ with respect to oil production levels and announcements of potential changes in such levels, including the ability of the OPEC+ countries to agree on and comply with supply limitations, changes in trade policies and regulations, including increases or change in duties, current and potentially new tariffs or quotas and other similar measures, as well as the potential impact of retaliatory tariffs and other actions, war between Russia and Ukraine, military conflicts in the Red Sea Region and war between Israel and Hamas and conflict between Iran and Israel, with potential for escalation of hostilities across the surrounding countries in the Middle East, and their effect on commodity prices, changes in general economic and geopolitical conditions, inflation rates and the impact of associated monetary policy responses, including increased interest rates, the ability of Chord to realize the anticipated benefits or synergies of the Enerplus combination in the timeframe expected or at all, developments in the global economy, as well as any public health crisis and resulting demand and supply for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, climatic and environmental conditions, the timing of planned capital expenditures, availability of acquisitions, uncertainties in estimating proved reserves and forecasting production results, operational factors affecting the commencement or maintenance of producing wells, the condition of the capital markets generally, as well as Chord's ability to access them, the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities, the availability of midstream service providers, uncertainties regarding environmental regulations or litigation and other legal or regulatory developments affecting Chord's business and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in Chord's reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made and Chord undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. As forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, caution should be exercised against placing undue reliance on such statements. Additional information concerning other risk factors is also contained in Chord's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other SEC filings.

About Chord Energy

Chord Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production company with quality and sustainable long-lived assets primarily in the Williston Basin. The Company is uniquely positioned with a best-in-class balance sheet and is focused on rigorous capital discipline and generating free cash flow by operating efficiently, safely and responsibly to develop its unconventional onshore oil-rich resources in the continental United States. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.chordenergy.com.

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SOURCE Chord Energy

FAQ

What is the value of Chord Energy's acquisition of XTO Energy's Williston Basin assets?

Chord Energy is acquiring XTO Energy's Williston Basin assets for $550 million in cash consideration, funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings.

How many acres and drilling locations does CHRD acquire in the Williston Basin deal?

The acquisition includes 48,000 net acres in the Williston core with 86% operated working interest and 90 net drilling locations (72 net operated).

What is the expected production from Chord Energy's newly acquired Williston Basin assets?

The acquired assets are expected to produce approximately 9 MBoepd (thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day) with 78% oil content and a low base decline rate of ~23%.

How will the Williston Basin acquisition affect Chord Energy's leverage ratio?

Post-transaction adjusted net leverage is expected to be between 0.5x and 0.6x, with projections to return below 0.5x around mid-2026.

What is Chord Energy's current share repurchase activity in Q3 2025?

During Q3 2025, Chord has repurchased 788,444 shares of common stock, totaling $83.0 million through September 12, 2025.

When will Chord Energy's Williston Basin acquisition close?

The transaction has an effective date of September 1, 2025 and is expected to close by year-end 2025.