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): February 17, 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 February 17, 2026, Expand Energy Corporation (“Expand Energy”) issued a press release reporting fourth quarter and full year 2025 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 February 18, 2026, Expand Energy will make a presentation about its financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025, and its 2026 outlook and capital expenditure program. 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 | |||||||
| Expand Energy Corporation press release dated February 17, 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/ BRITTANY RAIFORD | ||||
| Brittany Raiford | |||||
| Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer | |||||
Date: February 17, 2026
| Exhibit 99.1 | |||||
 | N E W S R E L E A S E | ||||
Expand Energy Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results, Issues 2026 Outlook
OKLAHOMA CITY – February 17, 2026 – Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) ("Expand Energy" or the "Company") today reported fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial and operating results and issued its 2026 outlook.
Fourth Quarter 2025 Highlights
•Net cash provided by operating activities of $956 million, more than 150% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024
•Net income of $553 million, or $2.30 per fully diluted share; adjusted net income(1) of $481 million, or $2.00 per diluted share
•Adjusted EBITDAX(1) of $1,425 million
•Produced ~7.40 Bcfe/d net (92% natural gas), an increase of 15% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024
Full-Year 2025 Highlights
•Net cash provided by operating activities of $4,575 million
•Net income of $1,819 million, or $7.57 per fully diluted share; adjusted net income(1) of $1,467 million, or $6.10 per diluted share
•Adjusted EBITDAX(1) of $5,078 million
•Produced ~7.18 Bcfe/d net (92% natural gas)
•Reduced gross debt by ~$660 million in 2025 and ~$1.25 billion since merger close
•Returned $865 million to shareholders in the form of quarterly base dividend, variable dividend, and share repurchases
2026 Outlook
•Quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per common share to be paid in March 2026, 20th straight quarter paying a dividend
•Expect to produce ~7.5 Bcfe/d for ~$2.85 billion of capital, inclusive of ~$75 million of Western Haynesville appraisal spend
•Prioritizing the balance sheet with continued debt reduction of at least $1 billion; shareholder returns through base dividend and opportunistic share repurchases
(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.
“In 2025, Expand Energy took clear action to meet the world’s need for affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy. In our first year since announcing the merger, we exceeded our synergy targets and improved our Haynesville breakevens by approximately 15%, while achieving double‑digit production growth,” said Mike Wichterich, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of Expand Energy. “This year-over-year improvement reflects our scale, financial strength, and capital efficiency. We’re creating more value from every molecule, and we’re in an advantaged position to meet growing demand in the power, industrial, and LNG markets. In 2026, we expect to deliver higher volumes with less capital, leverage our productive capacity and flexibility to manage volatility, and consistently grow free cash flow.”
| INVESTOR CONTACT: | MEDIA CONTACT: | EXPAND ENERGY CORPORATION | ||||||
Brittany Raiford (405) 935-8870 ir@expandenergy.com | Brooke Coe (405) 935-8878 media@expandenergy.com | 6100 North Western Avenue P.O. Box 18496 Oklahoma City, OK 73154 | ||||||
Operations Update
Expand Energy operated an average of 12 rigs during the fourth quarter, drilling 51 wells and turning 66 wells in line, resulting in net production of approximately 7.40 Bcfe/d (92% natural gas). A detailed breakdown of fourth 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 between 11 and 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.
Shareholder Returns Update
Expand Energy expects to prioritize debt reduction during 2026 to further strengthen its balance sheet and to create more balance sheet capacity at cycle lows while also returning cash to shareholders through the base dividend and share repurchases. The Company plans to pay its quarterly base dividend of $0.575 per share on March 26, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2026.
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Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss Expand Energy's fourth quarter and full-year 2025 financial and operating results and 2026 outlook has been scheduled for 9 a.m. EDT on February 18, 2026. Participants can access the live webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/4mfmpmef/. Participants who would like to ask a question, can register at https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI9ebe894cc8df4d9889b59805a0322d74, 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 2025 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 2025 fourth quarter and full-year 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.
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;
3
•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;
•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, methane 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.
4
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited) | ||
| ($ in millions, except per share data) | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 616 | $ | 317 | ||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 80 | 78 | ||||||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 1,599 | 1,226 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative assets | 264 | 84 | ||||||||||||
| Other current assets | 357 | 292 | ||||||||||||
| Total current assets | 2,916 | 1,997 | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment: | ||||||||||||||
| Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method | ||||||||||||||
| Proved natural gas and oil properties | 26,606 | 23,093 | ||||||||||||
| Unproved properties | 5,478 | 5,897 | ||||||||||||
| Other property and equipment | 509 | 654 | ||||||||||||
| Total property and equipment | 32,593 | 29,644 | ||||||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization | (8,278) | (5,362) | ||||||||||||
| Property and equipment held for sale, net | 40 | — | ||||||||||||
| Total property and equipment, net | 24,355 | 24,282 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term derivative assets | 47 | 1 | ||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax assets | 168 | 589 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | 801 | 1,025 | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 28,287 | $ | 27,894 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity | ||||||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 753 | $ | 777 | ||||||||||
| Current maturities of long-term debt, net | — | 389 | ||||||||||||
| Accrued interest | 100 | 100 | ||||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | 3 | 71 | ||||||||||||
| Other current liabilities | 2,045 | 1,786 | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 2,901 | 3,123 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | 5,009 | 5,291 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term derivative liabilities | 1 | 68 | ||||||||||||
| Asset retirement obligations, net of current portion | 688 | 499 | ||||||||||||
| Long-term contract liabilities | 975 | 1,227 | ||||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 135 | 121 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 9,709 | 10,329 | ||||||||||||
| Contingencies and commitments | ||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity: | ||||||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 450,000,000 shares authorized: 239,249,874 and 231,769,886 shares issued | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | 13,746 | 13,687 | ||||||||||||
| Retained earnings | 4,830 | 3,876 | ||||||||||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 18,578 | 17,565 | ||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 28,287 | $ | 27,894 | ||||||||||
5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues and other: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural gas, oil and NGL | $ | 2,305 | $ | 1,595 | $ | 8,476 | $ | 2,969 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | 799 | 649 | 3,163 | 1,290 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain (loss) on derivatives | 236 | (245) | 550 | (38) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on sales of assets | (68) | 2 | (65) | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues and other | 3,272 | 2,001 | 12,124 | 4,235 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Production | 168 | 158 | 635 | 316 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gathering, processing and transportation | 642 | 556 | 2,376 | 1,035 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Severance and ad valorem taxes | 48 | 39 | 193 | 97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 16 | 3 | 46 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketing | 791 | 654 | 3,160 | 1,310 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 49 | 53 | 181 | 186 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | — | — | 5 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 759 | 647 | 2,980 | 1,729 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 37 | — | 37 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other operating expense, net | 17 | 277 | 40 | 332 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,527 | 2,387 | 9,653 | 5,038 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from operations | 745 | (386) | 2,471 | (803) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (59) | (64) | (235) | (123) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt | — | 1 | 4 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 1 | 28 | 42 | 86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total other income (expense) | (58) | (35) | (189) | (38) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) before income taxes | 687 | (421) | 2,282 | (841) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 134 | (22) | 463 | (127) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 553 | $ | (399) | $ | 1,819 | $ | (714) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 2.32 | $ | (1.72) | $ | 7.67 | $ | (4.55) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | $ | 2.30 | $ | (1.72) | $ | 7.57 | $ | (4.55) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 238,476 | 231,539 | 237,290 | 156,989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted | 240,308 | 231,539 | 240,370 | 156,989 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 553 | $ | (399) | $ | 1,819 | $ | (714) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 759 | 647 | 2,980 | 1,729 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred income tax expense (benefit) | 128 | (18) | 448 | (123) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Derivative (gains) losses, net | (236) | 245 | (550) | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash receipts on derivative settlements, net | 87 | 252 | 189 | 947 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share-based compensation | 12 | 9 | 46 | 38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets | 68 | (2) | 65 | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (32) | (57) | (203) | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt | — | (1) | (4) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 44 | 51 | 70 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities | (427) | (345) | (285) | (315) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 956 | 382 | 4,575 | 1,565 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | (741) | (536) | (2,736) | (1,557) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Property acquisitions | (126) | — | (195) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Business combination, net | — | (459) | — | (459) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Receipts of deferred consideration | — | 50 | 116 | 166 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions to investments | — | (4) | (14) | (75) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from divestitures of property and equipment | 51 | 4 | 70 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (816) | (945) | (2,759) | (1,904) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from Prior Credit Facility | — | 20 | 825 | 20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments on Prior Credit Facility | — | (20) | (825) | (20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from 2025 Credit Facility | 165 | — | 165 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Payments on 2025 Credit Facility | (165) | — | (165) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of senior notes, net | — | 747 | — | 747 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Proceeds from warrant exercise | 2 | 2 | 24 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Debt issuance and other financing costs | — | (7) | (11) | (11) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid to repurchase and retire common stock | — | — | (100) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid to purchase debt | — | (767) | (663) | (767) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for common stock dividends | (137) | (134) | (765) | (388) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | — | (3) | — | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (135) | (162) | (1,515) | (419) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 5 | (725) | 301 | (758) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 691 | 1,120 | 395 | 1,153 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 696 | $ | 395 | $ | 696 | $ | 395 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 616 | $ | 317 | $ | 616 | $ | 317 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Restricted cash | 80 | 78 | 80 | 78 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 696 | $ | 395 | $ | 696 | $ | 395 | ||||||||||||||||||
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NATURAL GAS, OIL AND NGL PRODUCTION AND AVERAGE SALES PRICES (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 3,193 | 3.35 | — | — | — | — | 3,193 | 3.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 2,610 | 3.24 | — | — | — | — | 2,610 | 3.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 1,021 | 3.17 | 16 | 47.97 | 80 | 23.48 | 1,597 | 3.68 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6,824 | 3.28 | 16 | 47.97 | 80 | 23.48 | 7,400 | 3.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 3.55 | 59.14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 3.37 | 49.41 | 23.77 | 3.47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 2,338 | 2.57 | — | — | — | — | 2,338 | 2.57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 2,425 | 2.34 | — | — | — | — | 2,425 | 2.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 1,067 | 2.42 | 12 | 60.41 | 85 | 27.44 | 1,649 | 3.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 5,830 | 2.45 | 12 | 60.41 | 85 | 27.44 | 6,412 | 2.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 2.79 | 70.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 2.91 | 61.28 | 26.90 | 3.11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Year Ended December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 3,000 | 3.17 | — | — | — | — | 3,000 | 3.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 2,624 | 2.99 | — | — | — | — | 2,624 | 2.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 976 | 3.08 | 16 | 54.47 | 81 | 24.48 | 1,559 | 3.76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 6,600 | 3.08 | 16 | 54.47 | 81 | 24.48 | 7,183 | 3.23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 3.43 | 64.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 3.16 | 55.60 | 24.30 | 3.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Year Ended December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Natural Gas | Oil | NGL | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MMcf per day | $/Mcf | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MBbl per day | $/Bbl | MMcfe per day | $/Mcfe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | 1,532 | 2.14 | — | — | — | — | 1,532 | 2.14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 1,809 | 1.88 | — | — | — | — | 1,809 | 1.88 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 270 | 2.42 | 3 | 60.41 | 21 | 27.44 | 417 | 3.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,611 | 2.03 | 3 | 60.41 | 21 | 27.44 | 3,758 | 2.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average NYMEX Price | 2.27 | 75.72 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Realized Price (including realized derivatives) | 2.75 | 61.04 | 26.91 | 2.84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CAPITAL EXPENDITURES ACCRUED (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Drilling and completion capital expenditures: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Haynesville | $ | 304 | $ | 300 | $ | 1,293 | $ | 777 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Appalachia | 159 | 97 | 529 | 377 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Southwest Appalachia | 115 | 103 | 532 | 103 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total drilling and completion capital expenditures | 578 | 500 | 2,354 | 1,257 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-drilling and completion - field | 105 | 51 | 314 | 157 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-drilling and completion - corporate | 45 | 42 | 184 | 115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total capital expenditures | $ | 728 | $ | 593 | $ | 2,852 | $ | 1,529 | ||||||||||||||||||
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| 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 natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives, (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 natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives, (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 natural gas, oil and NGL 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.
10
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED NET INCOME (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) (GAAP) | $ | 553 | $ | (399) | $ | 1,819 | $ | (714) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives | (179) | 490 | (361) | 979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | — | — | 5 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets | 68 | (2) | 65 | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expense, net(a) | 11 | 267 | 29 | 325 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt | — | (1) | (4) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 37 | — | 37 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (32) | (57) | (203) | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 3 | (21) | (17) | (38) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments(b) | 20 | (146) | 97 | (271) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 481 | $ | 131 | $ | 1,467 | $ | 234 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Includes an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger. | ||||
| (b) | The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22%. | ||||
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RECONCILIATION OF EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE TO ADJUSTED DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($/share) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) | $ | 2.32 | $ | (1.72) | $ | 7.67 | $ | (4.55) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | (0.02) | — | (0.10) | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (GAAP) | $ | 2.30 | $ | (1.72) | $ | 7.57 | $ | (4.55) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives | (0.75) | 2.12 | (1.51) | 6.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | — | — | 0.02 | 0.14 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets | 0.28 | (0.01) | 0.27 | (0.09) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expense, net(a) | 0.05 | 1.16 | 0.12 | 2.07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt | — | — | (0.02) | 0.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 0.16 | — | 0.16 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (0.13) | (0.24) | (0.84) | (0.36) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 0.01 | (0.09) | (0.07) | (0.24) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tax effect of adjustments(b) | 0.08 | (0.64) | 0.40 | (1.73) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities | — | (0.03) | — | (0.08) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted diluted earnings per common share (Non-GAAP) | $ | 2.00 | $ | 0.55 | $ | 6.10 | $ | 1.41 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Includes an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger. | ||||
| (a) | The three- and twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include a tax effect attributed to the reconciling adjustments using a statutory rate of 22%. | ||||
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RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) TO ADJUSTED EBITDAX (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) (GAAP) | $ | 553 | $ | (399) | $ | 1,819 | $ | (714) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | 59 | 64 | 235 | 123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 134 | (22) | 463 | (127) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 759 | 647 | 2,980 | 1,729 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exploration | 16 | 3 | 46 | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unrealized (gains) losses on natural gas, oil and NGL derivatives | (179) | 490 | (361) | 979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Separation and other termination costs | — | — | 5 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on sales of assets | 68 | (2) | 65 | (14) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other operating expense, net(a) | 11 | 267 | 29 | 325 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Impairments | 37 | — | 37 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Gains) losses on purchases, exchanges or extinguishments of debt | — | (1) | (4) | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Contract amortization | (32) | (57) | (203) | (57) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | (1) | (26) | (33) | (83) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDAX (Non-GAAP) | $ | 1,425 | $ | 964 | $ | 5,078 | $ | 2,195 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (a) | Includes an adjustment for costs incurred related to the Southwestern Merger. | ||||
RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES TO ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (unaudited) | ||
| Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| ($ in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities (GAAP) | $ | 956 | $ | 382 | $ | 4,575 | $ | 1,565 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Cash capital expenditures | (741) | (536) | (2,736) | (1,557) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | 215 | (154) | 1,839 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash paid for merger expenses | 3 | 231 | 85 | 269 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash contributions to investments | — | (4) | (14) | (75) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted free cash flow (Non-GAAP) | $ | 218 | $ | 73 | $ | 1,910 | $ | 202 | ||||||||||||||||||
13
RECONCILIATION OF TOTAL DEBT TO NET DEBT (unaudited) | ||
| ($ in millions) | December 31, 2025 | |||||||
| Total debt (GAAP) | $ | 5,009 | ||||||
| Premiums, discounts and issuance costs on debt | 16 | |||||||
| Principal amount of debt | 5,025 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | (616) | |||||||
| Net debt (Non-GAAP) | $ | 4,409 | ||||||
14