Strong Q1 cash flow lets Expand Energy (NASDAQ: EXE) cut debt
Filing Impact
Filing Sentiment
Form Type
8-K
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Expand Energy Corporation reported a strong first quarter of 2026, moving from a loss a year ago to net income of $1,159 million, or $4.81 per diluted share. Total revenues and other income reached $4,397 million, driven by higher natural gas, oil and NGL revenues of $3,315 million.
The company generated net cash provided by operating activities of $2,402 million, supporting free cash flow of $1,695 million and Adjusted EBITDAX of $1,968 million. Net production averaged about 7.44 Bcfe/d, and net debt fell to $2,805 million, helped by approximately $1.3 billion of debt redemptions and $150 million of share repurchases. Expand Energy also signed a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement for about 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per year starting in 2031, and plans a quarterly dividend of $0.575 per share.
Positive
- Profitability swing and strong earnings growth: Net income reached $1,159 million in Q1 2026 versus a $249 million loss a year earlier, with diluted EPS improving from $(1.06) to $4.81.
- Very strong cash generation: Net cash provided by operating activities rose to $2,402 million, supporting free cash flow of $1,695 million and Adjusted free cash flow of $1,704 million in the quarter.
- Deleveraging and higher liquidity: Net debt declined to $2,805 million from $4,409 million as of year-end 2025, aided by about $1.3 billion of debt redemptions and growing cash balances.
- Long-term LNG commercialization step: A 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement for approximately 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per year from Delfin FLNG 1, targeted to start in 2031, broadens exposure to global LNG markets, subject to final investment decision.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Q1 2026 shows robust profit, cash generation and balance-sheet improvement.
Expand Energy delivered net income of $1,159 million versus a prior-year loss, with total revenues and other income of $4,397 million. Adjusted net income reached $923 million and Adjusted EBITDAX was $1,968 million, reflecting stronger pricing and volumes across its gas-focused portfolio.
Cash flow was a highlight, with net cash provided by operating activities of $2,402 million and free cash flow of $1,695 million in the quarter. Management used this to redeem about $1.3 billion of debt, reducing net debt to $2,805 million, while also repurchasing $150 million of stock and maintaining a $0.575 per-share dividend.
Strategically, the 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement for roughly 1.15 million tonnes of LNG annually, targeted to start in 2031 and priced off Henry Hub, extends access to global LNG demand, though it remains subject to a final investment decision. The planned $2.85 billion 2026 capital program to support ~7.5 Bcfe/d of production underscores a continued commitment to scale, with future results still sensitive to commodity prices and execution.
8-K Event Classification
3 items: 2.02, 7.01, 9.01
3 items
Item 2.02
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01
Regulation FD Disclosure
Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01
Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Key Figures
Total revenues and other income: $4,397 million
Net income: $1,159 million
Diluted EPS: $4.81 per share
+5 more
8 metrics
Total revenues and other income
$4,397 million
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Net income
$1,159 million
Three months ended March 31, 2026 vs. $249 million loss in 2025
Diluted EPS
$4.81 per share
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Net cash from operating activities
$2,402 million
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Free cash flow
$1,695 million
Three months ended March 31, 2026
Net debt
$2,805 million
As of March 31, 2026
Net production
7.44 Bcfe/d
Q1 2026 average, 93% natural gas
Planned 2026 capital expenditures
$2.85 billion
Full-year 2026 outlook
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDAX, Free Cash Flow, Net Debt, Sales and Purchase Agreement, +1 more
5 terms
Adjusted EBITDAX financial
"Adjusted EBITDAX(1) of $1,968 million"
Adjusted EBITDAX is a measure of a company’s operating profit that adds back interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and specific recurring costs (often exploration or similar project expenses), then removes one‑time or unusual items to show recurring cash profitability. Investors use it like a clean yardstick—ignoring financing choices, accounting rules and one‑off events—to compare core performance across periods or peers and assess a business’s ability to generate cash from operations.
Free Cash Flow financial
"Free Cash Flow: Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less cash capital expenditures."
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
Net Debt financial
"Net Debt: Net Debt is defined as GAAP total debt excluding premiums, discounts, and deferred issuance costs less cash and cash equivalents."
Net debt is the total amount a company owes after subtracting the cash and assets it has that can be used to pay off that debt. It shows how much debt is truly a burden, helping investors understand if a company is financially healthy or heavily borrowed. Think of it like calculating how much money you owe after using your savings to pay part of it.
Sales and Purchase Agreement financial
"we executed a Sales and Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) for long-term liquefaction offtake with Delfin FLNG 1 LLC"
A sales and purchase agreement is a written contract that sets out the specific terms for buying and selling assets, shares, or a business, including the price, what is transferred, payment schedule, and any conditions that must be met before the deal closes. Investors care because it creates binding promises that determine when ownership and risks change, possible future obligations or liabilities, and how the transaction will affect a company’s value and cash flows—like a recipe and checklist that decides whether and how a deal will actually happen.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Earnings Snapshot
Total revenues and other: $4,397 million · Guidance included
Q1 2026
Total revenues and other
$4,397 million
Net income
$1,159 million
Diluted EPS
$4.81
Net cash from operating activities
$2,402 million
Adjusted EBITDAX
$1,968 million
Net production
7.44 Bcfe/d
Guidance
For 2026, Expand Energy expects to run 11 to 12 rigs, invest approximately $2.85 billion, and deliver estimated daily production of approximately 7.5 Bcfe/d.
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): April 28, 2026
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (IRS Employer Identification No.) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (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 | ||||||||||||
| 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 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On April 28, 2026, Expand Energy Corporation (“Expand Energy”) issued a press release reporting first quarter 2026 financial and operational results. A copy of the press release and financial information are attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
The information contained in the press release is being furnished, not filed, pursuant to Item 2.02. Accordingly, the information contained in the press release shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On April 29, 2026, Expand Energy will make a presentation about its financial and operating results for the first quarter of 2026. Expand Energy has made the presentation available on its website at https://investors.expandenergy.com. This information is being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
| Exhibit No. | Document Description | |||||||
99.1 | Expand Energy Corporation press release dated April 28, 2026 | |||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |||||||
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/ MARCEL TEUNISSEN | ||||
| Marcel Teunissen | |||||
| Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | |||||
Date: April 28, 2026
| Exhibit 99.1 | |||||
 | N E W S R E L E A S E | ||||
Expand Energy Corporation Reports First Quarter 2026 Results
SPRING, TX – April 28, 2026 – Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) ("Expand Energy" or the "Company") today reported first quarter 2026 financial and operating results.
•Net cash provided by operating activities of $2,402 million, reflecting continued strong cash generation from operations
•Net income of $1,159 million, or $4.81 per fully diluted share; adjusted net income(1) of $923 million, or $3.83 per diluted share
•Adjusted EBITDAX(1) of $1,968 million
•Net production of ~7.44 Bcfe/d (93% natural gas), reaffirming full-year 2026 guidance of ~7.5 Bcfe/d
•Total debt of $5.0 billion as of quarter-end reduced by ~$1.3 billion from senior note redemption during April 2026
•Reported quarter-end net debt(1) of $2.8 billion, down $1.6 billion from year-end 2025
•Repurchased $150 million of common stock through April 24, 2026, complementing debt reduction with meaningful shareholder returns
•Signed 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Delfin FLNG Vessel 1 for ~1.15 million tonnes of LNG offtake per year, further extending market reach to growing global demand centers
(1) Definitions of non-GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are included at the end of this release.
“The world critically needs natural gas supply to meet rapidly rising power demand, growing industrial activity, and global LNG expansion to address a global reset in energy security," said Mike Wichterich, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Expand Energy. “We’re built for this future as the largest, low-cost, market-connected natural gas producer in America, with differentiated opportunity to grow free cash flow and enhance returns for shareholders. Our scale, direct access to rapidly expanding global markets, and operational discipline aren't aspirations, they're the foundation we're building upon.”
| INVESTOR CONTACT: | MEDIA CONTACT: | EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION | ||||||
Brittany Raiford (405) 935-8870 ir@expandenergy.com | Brooke Coe (405) 935-8878 media@expandenergy.com | 10000 Energy Drive Spring, TX 77389 | ||||||
Operations Update
Expand Energy operated an average of 13 rigs during the first quarter, drilling 60 wells and turning 49 wells in line, resulting in net production of approximately 7.44 Bcfe/d (93% natural gas). A detailed breakdown of first quarter production, capital expenditures and activity can be found in the supplemental slides which have been posted at https://investors.expandenergy.com/events-presentations.
2026 Capital and Operating Outlook
In 2026, Expand Energy expects to run 11 to 12 rigs and invest approximately $2.85 billion yielding an estimated daily production of approximately 7.5 Bcfe/d.
A detailed breakdown of 2026 annual capital and operating outlook can be found in the supplemental slides.
Delfin Sales and Purchase Agreement
On April 22, 2026, we executed a Sales and Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) for long-term liquefaction offtake with Delfin FLNG 1 LLC, subject to final investment decision. Under the SPA, we will purchase approximately 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per annum from Delfin FLNG 1 LLC at a Henry Hub price with a contract targeted start date in 2031. The previously announced SPAs with Delfin and Gunvor Group Ltd have been terminated.
Shareholder Returns Update
Expand Energy expects to utilize free cash flow generated during 2026 to further strengthen its balance sheet in order to create more capacity at cycle lows while also returning cash to shareholders through the base dividend and share repurchases. Year-to-date through April 24, 2026, the Company has redeemed approximately $1.3 billion of gross debt and executed $150 million of share repurchases. The Company plans to pay its quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per share on June 4, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 14, 2026.
Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss Expand Energy's first quarter 2026 financial and operating results and 2026 outlook has been scheduled for 9 a.m. EDT on April 29, 2026. Participants can access the live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/adko8s9u/. Participants who would like to ask a question, can register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BIcd20025e35ec46838c4e137bd3a96deb, and will receive the dial-in info and a unique PIN to join the call. Links to the conference call will be provided at https://investors.expandenergy.com/. A replay will be available on the website following the call.
Financial Statements, Non-GAAP Financial Measures and 2026 Guidance and Outlook Projections
This news release contains the non-GAAP financial measures described below in the section titled "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." Reconciliations of each non-GAAP financial measure used in this news release to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure are provided below. Additional detail on the Company’s 2026 first quarter financial and operational results, along with non-GAAP measures that adjust for items typically excluded by securities analysts, are available on the Company’s website. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, GAAP measures. Management’s guidance for 2026 can be found on the Company’s website at www.expandenergy.com.
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Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) is North America’s largest natural gas producer, powered by dedicated and innovative employees focused on expanding the value of natural gas by connecting global scale to growing markets. Expand Energy’s returns-driven strategy strives to create sustainable value for its stakeholders by leveraging its advantaged portfolio, financial strength and operational excellence. Expand Energy is committed to expanding America’s energy reach to fuel a more affordable, reliable, lower carbon future.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include our current expectations or forecasts of future events, including matters relating to armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, instability the Middle East and Venezuela and changes in China-Taiwan relations, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, and the impact of each on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, actions by, or disputes among or between, members of OPEC+ and other foreign oil-exporting countries, market factors, market prices, our ability to meet debt service requirements, our ability to continue to pay cash dividends, the amount and timing of any cash dividends and our sustainability initiatives. Forward-looking and other statements in this news release regarding our environmental, social and other sustainability plans and goals are not an indication that these statements are necessarily material to investors or required to be disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In addition, historical, current, and forward-looking environmental, social and sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business, financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "aim", "predict", "should", "expect," “could,” “may,” "anticipate," "intend," "plan," “ability,” "believe," "seek," "see," "will," "would," “estimate,” “forecast,” "target," “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity” or “strategy.” The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements are not forward-looking.
Although we believe the expectations and forecasts reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause our actual results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements include:
•Reduced demand for natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids ("NGLs");
•negative public perceptions of our industry;
•competition in the natural gas and oil exploration and production industry;
•the volatility of natural gas, oil and NGL prices, which are affected by general economic and business conditions, as well as increased demand for (and availability of) alternative fuels and electric vehicles;
•risks from regional epidemics or pandemics and related economic turmoil, including supply chain constraints;
•write-downs of our natural gas and oil asset carrying values due to low commodity prices;
•significant capital expenditures are required to replace our reserves and conduct our business;
•our ability to replace reserves and sustain production;
•uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of natural gas, oil and NGL reserves and projecting future rates of production and the amount and timing of development expenditures;
•drilling and operating risks and resulting liabilities;
•our ability to generate profits or achieve targeted results in drilling and well operations;
•leasehold terms expiring before production can be established;
•risks from our commodity price risk management activities;
•uncertainties, risks and costs associated with natural gas and oil operations;
•our need to secure adequate supplies of water for our drilling operations and to dispose of or recycle the water used;
•pipeline and gathering system capacity constraints and transportation interruptions;
•risks related to our plans to participate in the global LNG value chain;
•terrorist activities and/or cyber-attacks adversely impacting our operations;
•risks from failure to protect personal information and data and compliance with data privacy and security laws and regulations;
•disruption of our business by natural or human causes beyond our control;
•a deterioration in general economic, business or industry conditions;
•the impact of inflation and commodity price volatility, including as a result of decisions made by OPEC+ and armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and Venezuela, and changes in China-Taiwan relations, along with the effects of the current global economic environment, on our business, financial condition, employees, contractors, vendors and the global demand for natural gas and oil and on U.S. and global financial markets;
•our inability to access the capital markets on favorable terms;
•the limitations on our financial flexibility due to our level of indebtedness and restrictive covenants from our indebtedness;
•challenges with employee recruitment and retention and an increasingly competitive labor market;
•risks related to acquisitions or dispositions, or potential acquisitions or dispositions;
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•security threats, including cybersecurity threats and disruptions to our business and operations from breaches of our information technology systems, or from breaches of information technology systems of third parties with whom we transact business;
•our ability to achieve and maintain sustainability certifications, goals and commitments;
•environmental and sustainability legislation and regulatory initiatives, including those addressing the impact of climate change or further regulating hydraulic fracturing, greenhouse gas emissions, flaring or water disposal;
•federal and state tax proposals affecting our industry;
•risks related to an annual limitation on the utilization of our tax attributes, which was triggered upon the completion of our merger with Southwestern Energy Company, as well as trading in our common stock, additional issuance of common stock, and certain other stock transactions, which could lead to an additional, potentially more restrictive, annual limitation; and
•other factors that are described under Risk Factors in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC.
We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of the filing date, and we undertake no obligation and have no intention to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law. We urge you to carefully review and consider the disclosures in this news release and our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) | ||
| ($ in millions, except per share data) | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,220 | $ | 616 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 85 | 80 | ||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,290 | 1,599 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative assets | 429 | 264 | ||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 363 | 357 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 4,387 | 2,916 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment: | ||||||||||||||
| Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method | ||||||||||||||
| Proved natural gas and oil properties | 27,336 | 26,606 | ||||||||||||
| Unproved properties | 5,429 | 5,478 | ||||||||||||
| Other property and equipment | 528 | 509 | ||||||||||||
| Total property and equipment | 33,293 | 32,593 | ||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization | (8,978) | (8,278) | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment held for sale, net | — | 40 | ||||||||||||
| Total property and equipment, net | 24,315 | 24,355 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term derivative assets | 127 | 47 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | — | 168 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | 692 | 801 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 29,521 | $ | 28,287 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 881 | $ | 753 | ||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | 875 | — | ||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | 59 | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | — | 3 | ||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 2,135 | 2,045 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 3,950 | 2,901 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 4,133 | 5,009 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term derivative liabilities | — | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion | 703 | 688 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term contract liabilities | 911 | 975 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 278 | 135 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 9,975 | 9,709 | ||||||||||||
| Contingencies and commitments | ||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized: 240,085,572 and 239,249,874 shares issued | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 13,759 | 13,746 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 5,785 | 4,830 | ||||||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 19,546 | 18,578 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 29,521 | $ | 28,287 | ||||||||||
5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share data) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Revenues and other: | ||||||||||||||
| Natural gas, oil and NGL | $ | 3,315 | $ | 2,300 | ||||||||||
| Marketing | 1,212 | 910 | ||||||||||||
| Losses on derivatives | (129) | (1,014) | ||||||||||||
| Losses on sales of assets | (1) | — | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues and other | 4,397 | 2,196 | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||
| Production | 185 | 147 | ||||||||||||
| Gathering, processing and transportation | 690 | 563 | ||||||||||||
| Severance and ad valorem taxes | 60 | 48 | ||||||||||||
| Exploration | 14 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Marketing | 1,121 | 919 | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 63 | 47 | ||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | 9 | — | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 711 | 711 | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expense, net | 13 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,866 | 2,464 | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 1,531 | (268) | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (59) | (59) | ||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 17 | 8 | ||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | (42) | (51) | ||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 1,489 | (319) | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 330 | (70) | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 1,159 | $ | (249) | ||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 4.83 | $ | (1.06) | ||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 4.81 | $ | (1.06) | ||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||
| Basic | 239,900 | 234,434 | ||||||||||||
| Diluted | 240,759 | 234,434 | ||||||||||||
6
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 1,159 | $ | (249) | ||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 711 | 711 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 319 | (37) | ||||||||||||
| Derivative losses, net | 129 | 1,014 | ||||||||||||
| Cash payments on derivative settlements, net | (386) | (45) | ||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 10 | 9 | ||||||||||||
| Losses on sales of assets | 1 | — | ||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (30) | (52) | ||||||||||||
| Other | 35 | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities | 454 | (251) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,402 | 1,096 | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (707) | (563) | ||||||||||||
| Property acquisitions | (4) | — | ||||||||||||
| Receipts of deferred consideration | 60 | 60 | ||||||||||||
| Contributions to investments | (1) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Distributions from investments | 10 | — | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from divestitures of property and equipment | 41 | — | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (601) | (507) | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from credit facility | — | 725 | ||||||||||||
| Payments on credit facility | — | (725) | ||||||||||||
| Proceeds from warrant exercise | 15 | 21 | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid to repurchase and retire common stock | (66) | — | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid to purchase debt | — | (436) | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for common stock dividends | (141) | (142) | ||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (192) | (557) | ||||||||||||
| Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 1,609 | 32 | ||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 696 | 395 | ||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 2,305 | $ | 427 | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 2,220 | $ | 349 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 85 | 78 | ||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 2,305 | $ | 427 | ||||||||||
7
NATURAL GAS, OIL AND NGL PRODUCTION AND AVERAGE SALES PRICES (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2026 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 3,148 | 4.40 | — | — | — | — | 3,148 | 4.40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 2,785 | 5.70 | — | — | — | — | 2,785 | 5.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 981 | 4.42 | 15 | 64.37 | 72 | 25.49 | 1,503 | 4.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6,914 | 4.92 | 15 | 64.37 | 72 | 25.49 | 7,436 | 4.95 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 5.04 | 71.93 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 4.28 | 64.77 | 25.49 | 4.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 2,617 | 3.48 | — | — | — | — | 2,617 | 3.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 2,668 | 3.75 | — | — | — | — | 2,668 | 3.75 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 969 | 3.38 | 14 | 63.40 | 75 | 30.54 | 1,503 | 4.28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6,254 | 3.58 | 14 | 63.40 | 75 | 30.54 | 6,788 | 3.76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 3.65 | 71.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 3.51 | 63.76 | 29.35 | 3.69 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAPITAL EXPENDITURES ACCRUED (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Drilling and completion capital expenditures: | ||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | $ | 296 | $ | 286 | ||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 116 | 103 | ||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 156 | 165 | ||||||||||||
| Total drilling and completion capital expenditures | 568 | 554 | ||||||||||||
| Non-drilling and completion - field | 106 | 56 | ||||||||||||
| Non-drilling and completion - corporate | 42 | 52 | ||||||||||||
| Total capital expenditures | $ | 716 | $ | 662 | ||||||||||
8
| NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES | ||
As a supplement to the financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, Expand Energy’s quarterly earnings releases contain certain financial measures that are not prepared or presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures include Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, Adjusted EBITDAX, Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Net Debt. A reconciliation of each financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is included in the tables below. Management believes these adjusted financial measures are a meaningful adjunct to earnings and cash flows calculated in accordance with GAAP because (a) management uses these financial measures to evaluate the Company’s trends and performance, (b) these financial measures are comparable to estimates provided by securities analysts, and (c) items excluded generally are one-time items or items whose timing or amount cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, any guidance provided by the Company generally excludes information regarding these types of items.
Expand Energy's definitions of each non-GAAP measure presented herein are provided below. Because not all companies or securities analysts use identical calculations, Expand Energy’s non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies or securities analysts.
Adjusted Net Income: Adjusted Net Income is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, separation and other termination costs, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Net Income facilitates comparisons of the Company's period-over-period performance, by excluding the impact of items that, in the opinion of management, do not reflect Expand Energy's core operating performance. Adjusted Net Income should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is defined as diluted earnings (loss) per common share adjusted to exclude the per diluted share amounts attributed to unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, separation and other termination costs, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results, less a tax effect using applicable rates. Expand Energy believes that Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share facilitates comparisons of the Company's period-over-period performance, by excluding the impact of items that, in the opinion of management, do not reflect Expand Energy's core operating performance. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Common Share should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, earnings (loss) per common share as presented in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDAX: Adjusted EBITDAX is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, exploration expense, unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, separation and other termination costs, (gains) losses on sales of assets, and certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted EBITDAX is presented as it provides investors an indication of the Company's ability to internally fund exploration and development activities and service or incur debt. Adjusted EBITDAX should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as presented in accordance with GAAP.
Free Cash Flow: Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less cash capital expenditures. Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the Company's ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders. Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow: Adjusted Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less cash capital expenditures and cash contributions to investments, adjusted to exclude certain items management believes affect the comparability of operating results. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is a liquidity measure that provides investors additional information regarding the Company's ability to service or incur debt and return cash to shareholders. Adjusted Free Cash Flow should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, or any other measure of liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.
Net Debt: Net Debt is defined as GAAP total debt excluding premiums, discounts, and deferred issuance costs less cash and cash equivalents. Net Debt is useful to investors as a widely understood measure of liquidity and leverage, but this measure should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt presented in accordance with GAAP.
9
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) (GAAP) | $ | 1,159 | $ | (249) | ||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives | (279) | 969 | ||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | 9 | — | ||||||||||||
| Losses on sales of assets | 1 | — | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expense, net | 10 | 26 | ||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (30) | (52) | ||||||||||||
| Other | (12) | (4) | ||||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments(a) | 65 | (203) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 923 | $ | 487 | ||||||||||
| (a) | The three month periods ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22%. | ||||
RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($/share) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) | $ | 4.83 | $ | (1.06) | ||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | (0.02) | — | ||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) | $ | 4.81 | $ | (1.06) | ||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives | (1.16) | 4.14 | ||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | 0.04 | — | ||||||||||||
| Losses on sales of assets | — | — | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expense, net | 0.04 | 0.11 | ||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (0.12) | (0.22) | ||||||||||||
| Other | (0.05) | (0.02) | ||||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments(a) | 0.27 | (0.87) | ||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | — | (0.06) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 3.83 | $ | 2.02 | ||||||||||
| (a) | The three month periods ended March 31, 2026 and March 31, 2025 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22%. | ||||
10
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDAX (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) (GAAP) | $ | 1,159 | $ | (249) | ||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 59 | 59 | ||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 330 | (70) | ||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 711 | 711 | ||||||||||||
| Exploration | 14 | 7 | ||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives | (279) | 969 | ||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | 9 | — | ||||||||||||
| Losses on sales of assets | 1 | — | ||||||||||||
| Other operating expense, net | 10 | 26 | ||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (30) | (52) | ||||||||||||
| Other | (16) | (6) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,968 | $ | 1,395 | ||||||||||
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 2,402 | $ | 1,096 | ||||||||||
| Cash capital expenditures | (707) | (563) | ||||||||||||
| Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | 1,695 | 533 | ||||||||||||
| Cash distributions from investments | 10 | — | ||||||||||||
| Cash contributions to investments | (1) | (4) | ||||||||||||
| Cash paid for merger expenses | — | 48 | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,704 | $ | 577 | ||||||||||
RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL DEBT TO NET DEBT (unaudited) | ||
| ($ in millions) | March 31, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||
| Total debt (GAAP) | $ | 5,008 | $ | 5,009 | ||||||||||
| Premiums, discounts and issuance costs on debt | 17 | 16 | ||||||||||||
| Principal amount of debt | 5,025 | 5,025 | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (2,220) | (616) | ||||||||||||
| Net debt (Non-GAAP) | $ | 2,805 | $ | 4,409 | ||||||||||
11
FAQ
How did Expand Energy (EXE) perform financially in Q1 2026?
Expand Energy reported net income of $1,159 million for Q1 2026, compared with a loss of $249 million a year earlier. Total revenues and other income reached $4,397 million, while diluted earnings per share improved from $(1.06) to $4.81.
What were Expand Energy (EXE)’s cash flow and free cash flow in Q1 2026?
Net cash provided by operating activities was $2,402 million in Q1 2026. After cash capital expenditures of $707 million, free cash flow totaled $1,695 million, and Adjusted free cash flow was $1,704 million, indicating significant internally generated funding capacity.
How much debt did Expand Energy (EXE) reduce and what is its net debt now?
Year-to-date through April 24, 2026, Expand Energy redeemed approximately $1.3 billion of gross debt. Net debt fell to $2,805 million at March 31, 2026, down from $4,409 million at December 31, 2025, supported by higher cash balances.
What production levels and 2026 outlook did Expand Energy (EXE) report?
Net production averaged about 7.44 Bcfe/d in Q1 2026, with 93% from natural gas. For full-year 2026, the company expects to run 11–12 rigs, invest approximately $2.85 billion, and deliver estimated daily production of around 7.5 Bcfe/d.
What is the Delfin LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement announced by Expand Energy (EXE)?
On April 22, 2026, Expand Energy executed a 20-year Sales and Purchase Agreement with Delfin FLNG 1 LLC. It plans to purchase about 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per year at a Henry Hub-based price, with a targeted contract start in 2031, subject to final investment decision.