Q1 2024 Chord Energy Corp Earnings Call
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Coda energy first quarter 2024 earnings call.
Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Chord Energy first quarter 2024 earnings call. At this time, all lines are in listen only mode.
Operator: Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star zero for the operator. This call is being recorded on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Richard Roebuck, Chief Financial Officer. Thank you.
Richard Roebuck: At this time all lines are in listen only mode.
Richard Roebuck: During the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. If at any time. During this call do require immediate assistance. Please press star zero for the operator. This call is being recorded on Wednesday may eight 2024, and I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Richard <unk> Chief Financial Officer.
Richard Roebuck: Thanks, Ina. Good morning, everyone. This is Richard Roebuck.
Ina: Thank you. Please go ahead.
Richard Roebuck: Thank you Dana good morning, everyone. This is Richard Robuck today, we're reporting our first quarter 2024 financial and operating results. We're delighted to have you on our call I'm joined today by Danny Brown, Our CEO, Michael Lou Our Chief strategy Officer, and Chief Commercial Officer, Eric Hickey, Our C O O and other.
Richard Roebuck: Today, we're reporting our first quarter 2024 financial and operating results. We're delighted to have you on our call. I'm joined today by Danny Brown, our CEO; Michael Lou, our Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Commercial Officer; Darrin Henke, our COO; and other members of the team.
Richard Roebuck: Members of the team please be advised that our remarks, including the answers to your questions include statements that we believe to be forward looking statements within the meaning of the private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from those currently disclosed in our earnings releases.
Richard Roebuck: Please be advised that our remarks, including the answers to your questions, include statements that we believe to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from those currently disclosed in our earnings releases and conference calls. Those risks include, among other things, matters that we have described in our earnings releases as well as in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Richard Roebuck: We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. During this conference call, we will make references to non-GAAP measures, and reconciliations to the applicable GAAP measures can be found in our earnings releases and on our website. We may also reference our current investor presentation, which you can find on our website. With that, I'll turn the call over to our CEO, Danny Brown. Thanks, Richard.
Richard Roebuck: And conference calls those risks include among other things matters that we have described in our earnings releases as well as our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual report on Form 10-K, and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, we disclaim any obligation to update these forward looking statements.
Richard Roebuck: During this conference call, we will make references to non-GAAP measures and reconciliations to the applicable GAAP measures can be found in our earnings releases and on our website.
Richard Roebuck: We may also reference our current Investor presentation, which you can find on our website with that I'll turn the call over to our CEO Danny Brown. Thanks.
Daniel E. Brown: Thank you for joining our call. I know this is a very busy morning, so I'll get right to my comments. I plan to review our first quarter performance and return on capital, our full year standalone outlook, and provide some updates on our pending combination with Interplus before passing it over to Darrin Henke. Darrin will give some color on operations before passing it back to Richard for a little more detail on our financial results. We'll then open it up to Q&A.
Daniel E. Brown: Thanks, Richard. Good morning, everyone.
Daniel E. Brown: Thanks, Richard Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining our call.
Daniel E. Brown: No. This is a very busy morning, so I'll get right to my comments I plan to review, our first quarter performance and return of capital our full year Standalone outlook and provide some updates on our pending combination with inter plus before passing it over to Darren Hankie.
Darrin Henke: Darren will give some color on operations before passing it back to Richard for a little more detail on our financial results. We'll then open it up to Q&A.
Daniel E. Brown: So, in summary, what a great quarter. We announced a very important and impactful combination with Interplus and delivered another quarter of strong operational performance. Force Chord 2024 resulted in oil volumes above expectations, driven by strong well performance and accelerated activity due to cycle time improvements. And I want to take a moment to thank the Chord team for demonstrating tremendous resiliency during the unusually cold weather that swept through North Dakota in January.
Darrin Henke: So in summary, what a great quarter, we announced a very important and impactful combination with enterprise and delivered another quarter of strong operational performance.
Daniel E. Brown: First quarter 2024 resulted in oil volumes above expectations, driven by strong well performance and accelerated activity due to cycle time improvements and I want to take a moment to thank the core team for demonstrating tremendous resiliency during the unusually cold weather that swept through North Dakota in January while we experienced significant downtime the core team responded quickly.
Daniel E. Brown: While we experienced significant downtime, the Chord team responded quickly and got production back online fast, and, most importantly, safely. In fact, I believe we had some of the best performance in the basin on these items, and I just want to extend my personal gratitude to all those that made it happen. The strong production we saw in the first quarter has underpinned Chord's financial performance and led to robust free cash flow generation, which was above expectations. We generated $204 million of adjusted free cash flow during the quarter and, in accordance with our Return of Capital Framework, will return 75% of this free cash flow to shareholders.
Daniel E. Brown: <unk> and gas production back online fast and most importantly safely.
Daniel E. Brown: In fact, I believe we had some of the best performance in the basin on these items and I just want to extend my personal gratitude to all those that made it happen.
Daniel E. Brown: The strong production we saw in the first quarter has underpinned cords financial performance and led to robust free cash flow generation, which was above expectations, we generated $204 million of adjusted free cash flow during the quarter and in accordance with our return of capital framework will returned 75% of this free cash flow to shareholders to that end.
Daniel E. Brown: To that end, given our base dividend of $1.25 per share and our share repurchases in the quarter of $30 million, which were limited given the possession of material non-public information associated with the pending combination with Interplus, we declared a variable dividend of $1.69 per share. Additionally, last night, we issued second quarter and full year guidance that reflects Chord on a stand-alone basis. Given the operational improvements I mentioned earlier, the development program is proceeding faster than originally anticipated, and second-quarter oil volumes and capital are expected to be a little higher than what we were projecting at the beginning of the year. While we are running ahead of schedule, you'll notice we didn't change our full-year oil volume or capital guidance from the February outlook.
Daniel E. Brown: Given our base dividend of $1 25 per share and our share repurchases in the quarter of $30 million, which were limited given the possession of material nonpublic information associated with the pending combination with <unk>, we declared a variable dividend of $1 69 per share.
Daniel E. Brown: Additionally, last night, we issued second quarter and full year guidance, which reflects corp. On a standalone basis, given the operational improvements I mentioned earlier the development program is proceeding faster than originally anticipated and second quarter oil volumes and capital are expected to be a little higher than what we were projecting at the beginning of the year.
Daniel E. Brown: While we are running ahead of schedule, you'll notice we didn't change our full year oil volume or capital guidance from the February outlook. This reflects <unk> commitment to managing the business to Maine to maximize sustainable free cash flow with a flat plus program given.
Daniel E. Brown: This reflects Chord's commitment to managing the business to maximize sustainable free cash flow with a flat plus program. Given our strong performance to date, including the 16% free cash flow beat in the first quarter, our plan has capital peaking in the second quarter with reduced activity relative to our original expectations in the second half of the year as we window out a frat crew and drilling rig. In addition to yielding a more stable production profile, this should help de-risk the delivery of our previously announced annual program, allow us to assign more resources to integration and synergy capture, and position us well for a strong 2025.
Daniel E. Brown: Given our strong performance to date, including the 16% free cash flow beat in the first quarter. Our plan has capital, peaking in the second quarter with reduced activity relative to our original expectations in the second half of the year as we window out a frac crew and drilling rig in addition to yielding a more stable production profile. This should help derisk the delivery of our previous.
Daniel E. Brown: We announced annual program allows us to assign more resources to integration and synergy capture and position us well for a strong 2025.
Daniel E. Brown: Speaking of integration, we were pleased to announce yesterday that we expect to close the Interplus combination later this month on May 31st. As a reminder, our review period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act expired on April 5th, and since that time, the teams of both companies have been working to prepare for integration while still working as separate organizations. Upon closing, we expect to issue abbreviated combined guidance for the second quarter, which will include one month of Interplus, as well as second-half guidance for the Proforma Enterprise, and will also work to fully integrate the development plans of the two companies. We intend to provide a more fulsome update on expectations for the combined asset base when we report second-quarter results in August.
Daniel E. Brown: Speaking of integration, we were pleased to announce yesterday that we expect to close the <unk> combination later this month on May 31.
Daniel E. Brown: As a reminder, a review period under the Hart Scott Rodino Act expired on April 5th and since that time. The teams of both companies have been working to prepare for integration, while still working as separate organizations.
Daniel E. Brown: <unk> close we expect to issue a abbreviated combined guidance for the second quarter, which will include one month of <unk> as well as second half guidance for the pro forma enterprise and we'll also work to fully integrate the development plans of the two companies we intend to provide a more fulsome update on expectations for the combined asset base. When we report second quarter results in August as a reminder.
Daniel E. Brown: As a reminder, Chord's shareholder vote is scheduled for May 14th, and Interplus's shareholder vote is scheduled for May 24th. Chord has integrated multiple transactions over the past few years, including the XDO acquisition and the Oasis and Whiting merger. The team keeps getting better, and applying the learnings from these integration efforts is expected to help ensure we realize and even exceed our announced synergies while maintaining strong operational performance of the underlying business. Before moving on, I'd like to spend a few moments reviewing the merits of the deal.
Daniel E. Brown: Courts shareholder vote is scheduled for May 2014, and enter pluses shareholder vote is scheduled for may 24th.
Daniel E. Brown: CT is integrated multiple transactions over the past few years, including the <unk> acquisition, and the Oasis and Whiting merger the team keeps getting better and applying the learnings from these integration efforts is expected to help ensure we realize and even exceed our announced synergies while maintaining strong operational performance of the underlying business.
Daniel E. Brown: Before moving on I'd like to spend a few moments reviewing the merits of the deal.
Daniel E. Brown: The Chord team has long believed in the industrial logic of a combination of these two organizations. We remain extremely confident in the strategic and financial benefits of the transaction, and as we move through integration planning, our conviction level continues to grow. First, Interplus brings top-tier assets in the core of the basin, which improves the quality of our long-lived inventory and where Chord expects to enhance returns by combining the best development and operating practices of the two companies. To put it plainly, we believe Interplus has some of the best inventory and acreage in the basin.
Daniel E. Brown: The core team has long believed in the industrial logic of the combination of these two organizations, we remain extremely confident in the strategic and financial benefits of the transaction and as we move through integration planning our conviction level continues to grow.
Daniel E. Brown: First <unk> brings top tier assets in the core of the basin, which improves the quality of our long lived inventory and where core expects to enhance returns by combining the best development and operating practices of the two companies to put it slightly we believe that <unk> has some of the best inventory and acreage in the basin.
Daniel E. Brown: Second, by utilizing combined best practices at enhanced scale, we are very confident in achieving the $150 million in synergies previously noted and see potential for upside to this number. Integration efforts are going very well, with both organizations working together to drive incremental value from the transaction. Through the process of building roadmaps for the future organization, we've learned that our cultures are very similar, and I want to let both organizations know how grateful I am for their positive attitudes and eagerness and excitement around the deal.
Daniel E. Brown: Second by utilizing combined best practices at enhanced scale, we are very confident in achieving the $150 million in synergies previously noted and see potential upside to this number.
Daniel E. Brown: Integration efforts are going very well with both organizations working together to drive incremental value from the transaction.
Daniel E. Brown: Through the process of building Roadmaps for the future organization, we've learned that our cultures are very similar and I'm going to let both organizations know how grateful I am for their positive attitude and eagerness and excitement around the deal. So all the court employees involved in the integration efforts you've done a great job driving the process forward, while also putting up great results in our stand alone business.
Daniel E. Brown: To all the Chord employees involved in the integration efforts, you've done a great job driving the process forward while also putting up great results in our standalone business. Third, the combination drives accretion across all key per-share metrics, including EBITDA, cash flow, and free cash flow.
Daniel E. Brown: Third the combination drives accretion across all key per share metrics, including EBITDA cash flow and free cash flow. In addition, the structure of the deal allows us to maintain our peer leading return of capital program and preserves a fortress balance sheet given the pro forma organization tremendous optionality as we move forward to sum it up the combination with <unk>.
Daniel E. Brown: In addition, the structure of the deal allows us to maintain a peer-leading return-of-capital program and preserves a fortress balance sheet, giving the pro-formal organization tremendous optionality as we move forward. To sum up, the combination with Interplus significantly accelerates Chord's beneficial rate of change as it relates to improving economic returns and value creation, and it is a very exciting time for our organization. And finally, because we remain committed to delivering affordable and reliable energy in a sustainable and responsible manner, just a few words on our sustainability progress before turning it over to Darrin. In 2023, Chord lowered its emissions intensity and officially endorsed the World Bank's Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative. We also saw a dramatic improvement in our safety performance.
Daniel E. Brown: Significantly accelerates towards a beneficial rate of change as it relates to improving economic returns and value creation and it is a very exciting time for our organization.
Daniel E. Brown: And finally, because we remain committed to delivering affordable and reliable energy in a sustainable and responsible manner. Just a few words on our sustainability progress before turning it over to Darren and.
Daniel E. Brown: In 2023 chord lowered its emissions intensity and officially endorsed the world Bank's zero routine flaring by 2030 initiative. We also saw a dramatic improvement in our safety performance I would like to thank the team for their efforts on these important topics and encourage everyone to review our sustainability report on our website after.
Daniel E. Brown: I'd like to thank the team for their efforts on these important topics and encourage everyone to review our sustainability report on our website. After closing the Interplus transaction, our preliminary plans for 2024 involve publishing a sustainability report, Chord, on a stand-alone basis and providing a summary of key ESG and sustainability metrics for Interplus. In 2025, we expect to publish a full sustainability report reflecting the combined company. To sum things up, Chord had a great start to the year. We remain excited to close the pending transaction with Interplus and look forward to driving forward progress through 2024 and beyond.
Daniel E. Brown: After closing the <unk> transaction, our preliminary plans for 2024 involve publishing a sustainability report CT on a standalone basis, and providing a summary of key ESG and sustainability metrics for inter plus in 2025, we expect to publish a full sustainability report, reflecting the combined company.
Daniel E. Brown: To sum things up cord had a great start to the year, we remain excited to close the pending transaction within a plus and look forward to driving forward progress through 2024, and beyond and with that I'll turn it over to Darren.
Speaker Change: Thanks, Danny we had a solid quarter as the team continues to execute with excellence our wedge production benefited from strong well performance and improving cycle times, while our base production rebounded quickly from the January weather disruptions.
Darrin Henke: Thanks, Danny. We had a solid quarter as the team continued to execute with excellence. Our wedge production benefited from strong well performance and improving cycle times, while our base production rebounded quickly from the January weather disruption. The Chord team has enhanced our facility design in recent years and has the equipment and processes in place to mitigate downtime and rebound quickly when there are outages. Operationally, we continue to be encouraged by the progress we're making on three-mile laterals, of which we've executed about 80 to date.
Darrin Henke: <unk> team has enhanced our facility design in recent years and has the equipment and processes in place to mitigate downtime and rebound quickly when there are outages.
Darrin Henke: Operationally, we continue to be encouraged by the progress, we're making on three mile laterals of which we've executed about 80 to date.
Darrin Henke: While it's still early days, on average, performance is meeting or exceeding our expectations, and one can clearly observe contribution from the furthest portions of the lateral. We're also seeing an uplift compared to the two-mile analog wells in each prospect area, which is increasing over time. You can find additional details on slide 9 of our updated investor presentation, where we've provided performance data on three-mile wells and painted woods that were tilled in the third quarter of last year.
Darrin Henke: While it's still early days on average performance is meeting or exceeding our expectations and one can clearly observed contribution from the furthest portions of the lateral.
Darrin Henke: We're also seeing an uplift compared to the two mile analog wells in each prospect area, which is increasing over time.
Darrin Henke: You can find additional details on slide nine of our updated investor presentation.
Darrin Henke: <unk> provided performance data on three mile Wells in painted woods that were tilt in the third quarter of last year.
Darrin Henke: Additionally, we provided incremental details on the anticipated three mile production forecast over time and also the expected 40% uplift it.
Darrin Henke: Additionally, we provided incremental details on the anticipated three-mile production forecast over time and also the expected 40 percent uplift. It's important to understand that, all else equal, production per lateral foot from three-mile wells will initially be below the two-mile analogs. This mostly reflects facility constraints and managed flowback, which generally keep volumes in a certain band for the initial productivity period.
Darrin Henke: It is important to understand that all else equal production per lateral foot from three mile Wells will initially be below the two mile analogues. This mostly reflects facility constraints and managed flowback, which generally keep volumes in a certain band for the initial productivity period.
Darrin Henke: However, over time, the three-mile well production per lateral foot catches up with the two-mile wells, giving shallower declines, which ultimately leads to higher recovery. We expect the Three Mile Wells to deliver approximately 40% more EUR for about 20% more capital. This capital efficiency primarily comes from leveraging the vertical section of the well bore, as well as the locations, roads, and infrastructure, while using similar-sized facilities. Chord has made significant progress in drilling, completing, and cleaning out our 3-mile wells. Drilling times declined by roughly 25% between 2023 and now it takes about 10 to 11 days on average to drill a three-mile well.
Darrin Henke: However over time, the three mile well production per lateral foot catches up with the two mile wells, given shallower declines, which ultimately leads to higher recovery.
Darrin Henke: We expect three mile wells to deliver approximately 40% more EUR for about 20% more capital. This capital efficiency, primarily comes from leveraging the vertical section of the Wellbore as well as the locations roads and infrastructure, while using similar sized facilities.
Darrin Henke: <unk> has made significant progress in drilling complaining completing and cleaning out our three mile wells.
Darrin Henke: Drilling times declined by roughly 25% over 2023 and is now taking about 10% to 11 days on average to drill a three mile well I.
Darrin Henke: I should note that in the first quarter, Chord drilled a three-mile well in 8.7 days from spud-to-rig release, which set a new basin record. On the clean-out side, we have made strong progress and are essentially reaching TD in all our three-mile wells at this point. We frequently get asked if there could be upside to our implied 80% productivity assumption for the third mile. We believe this is a likely possibility, especially in light of Chord's progress on cleanouts over the past year.
Darrin Henke: I should note in the first quarter core drilled a three mile well in eight seven days spud to rig release, which set a new basin record.
Darrin Henke: On the cleanup side, we have made strong progress in our essentially reaching TD in all our three mile wells at this point.
Darrin Henke: We frequently get asked if there could be upside to our implied 80% productivity assumption for the third mile. We believe this is a likely possibility and especially in light of <unk> progress on clean outs over the past year.
Darrin Henke: However, given that our 2023 three-mile tills were back in weighted, it will take until later this year to get sufficient production history to effectively analyze the declines and determine whether we can increase our EUR uplift assumption. As I said, we are essentially reaching TD on all our cleanouts, and we like what we see for production performance and well pressure. I give credit to the Chord team for embracing our culture of continuous improvement, which has significantly advanced our execution on the three monolaterals.
Darrin Henke: However, given that our 2023 three mile Tills, where backend weighted it will take until later this year to get sufficient production history to effectively analyze the declines and determine whether we can increase our EUR uplift assumptions.
Darrin Henke: As I said, we are essentially reaching TD on all our clean outs and we like what we see for production performance and well pressures.
Darrin Henke: Give credit to the core team for embracing our culture of continuous improvement, which has significantly advanced our execution on the three mile laterals.
Darrin Henke: So to sum things up the Bakken is a world class resource with strong economics and as the Premier operator in the basin, we see additional running room to drive further efficiencies and lower breakeven pricing.
Darrin Henke: So to sum things up, the Bakken is a world-class resource with strong economics. And as the premier operator in the basin, we see additional running room to drive further efficiencies and lower break-even prices. The combination with Interplus provides additional leverage to advance our capabilities and will allow both Chord and Interplus to create more value than either company could as a standalone. We expect to lower our supply costs while continuing to reduce our environmental footprint, all the while being good stewards in the communities where we operate. I'll now turn it back over to Richard.
Richard Roebuck: The combination with <unk> provide additional levers to advance our capabilities and will allow both CT and inter plus to create more value than either company could as a stand alone.
Darrin Henke: We expect to lower our supply costs, while continuing to reduce our environmental footprint all the while being good stewards in the communities where we operate.
Darrin Henke: I'll now turn it back over to Richard.
Richard Roebuck: Thanks Darren.
Richard Roebuck: A quick heads up, my comments regarding guidance will not include proforma impacts of Interplus as we'll be incorporating a combined look post-close. In the first quarter, Chord generated adjusted free cash flow of $204 million. Looking at the puts and takes, strong volumes and lower operating costs largely offset capital costs that were at the high end of the range, while natural gas realizations were below our February forecast projections. Our volumes were strong in the first quarter, about 2.6% over midpoint guidance, while total volumes were about 1% above midpoint guidance. First Quarter Adjusted CapEx of $254 million excluded $4 million of CapEx, which will be reimbursed in conjunction with the sale of non-operated assets.
Richard Roebuck: A quick heads up my comments regarding guidance will not include pro forma impacts of inter plus as we'll be incorporating a combined look post close.
Richard Roebuck: In the first quarter core generated adjusted free cash flow of $204 million looking at the puts and takes strong volumes and lower operating costs largely offset the capital costs that were at the high end of the range, while natural gas realizations were below our February four.
Richard Roebuck: Cost projections.
Richard Roebuck: Our volumes were strong in the first quarter two.
Richard Roebuck: Two 6% of our mid point guidance, while total volumes were about 1% above midpoint guidance.
Richard Roebuck: First quarter, adjusted Capex of $254 million excluded $4 million of Capex, which will be reimbursed in conjunction with sales of non operated assets.
Richard Roebuck: As Danny mentioned, our program has accelerated a bit from what we expected in February, which is reflected in our first quarter results and second quarter guidance. On a four-year basis, there were no changes to oil volumes and capital spending guidance that we outlined in February. Oil realizations in the first quarter averaged $1.71 below WTI, slightly favorable in midpoint guidance. For the balance of 2024, the first quarter oil differential is expected to be wider than the rest of the year, with Bakken pricing expected to improve as the TMX pipeline begins operating.
Richard Roebuck: Danny mentioned a program has accelerated a bit from what we expected in February which is reflected in our first quarter results and second quarter guidance on a full year basis, there were no changes to oil volumes and capital spending guidance.
Richard Roebuck: We outlined in February.
Richard Roebuck: Oil realizations in the first quarter averaged $1 71.
Richard Roebuck: The $1 71 below wty slightly favorable in midpoint guidance as we look.
Richard Roebuck: To the balance of 2020 for the first quarter oil differential is expected to be wider than the rest of the year with Bakken pricing expected to improve as the <unk> pipeline begins operating for the full year, we expect crude crude realizations to reflect a modest discount to WTO.
Richard Roebuck: For the full year, we expect crude realizations to reflect a modest discount to WTI. NGL realizations as a percent of WTI were in line with midpoint guidance, while gas realizations fell below our guidance range. As a reminder, certain marketing fixed fees are deducted from our realized gas and NGL prices. This drives higher operating leverage, which hurts realizations for both NGLs and gas at times of weaker prices. With gas prices trading at low levels, the fees deducted from our price resulted in lower realizations as a percent of the benchmark price. However, realizations should improve quickly in environments where gas prices rise.
Richard Roebuck: NGL realizations as a percent of WTO were in line with midpoint guidance, while gas realizations fell below our guidance range. As a reminder, certain marketing fixed fees are deducted from our realized gas and NGL prices, which drives higher operating leverage which hurts realizations for both NGL than gas at.
Richard Roebuck: At times of weaker prices with gas prices trading at low levels. The fees deducted from our price resulted in lower realizations as a percent of the benchmark price. However, realizations should improve quickly in environments, where gas prices rise we have incorporated the current market conditions and to our updated 2020 for guidance.
Richard Roebuck: We've incorporated the current market conditions into our updated 2024 guidance. Turning to costs, LOE was $10.39 per BOE in the first quarter, which was better than our original expectations, given strong volumes and lower workover costs. GPT was $3.30 per BOE, which was towards the higher end of the range. We've slightly adjusted our full-year LOE and GPT guidance to account for the first quarter performance and our latest forecast. Gas G&A, excluding transaction costs, was $14.5 million in the first quarter and was better than original expectations due to the timing of spending. However, full-year guidance remains unchanged. Production taxes averaged 8.5% of commodity sales in the first quarter, and we reiterated our full-year guidance. Chord made no cash tax payments in the first quarter.
Richard Roebuck: Turning to costs.
Richard Roebuck: $10 39 per BOE in the first quarter, which was better than our original expectations given the strong volumes and lower Workover costs GPT was $3 30 per BOE, which was towards the higher end of the range, we slightly adjusted our full year LOE and GPT guidance to account for the first quarter performance and our latest forecasts.
Richard Roebuck: Cash G&A, excluding transaction costs was $14 5 million in the first quarter and was better than original expectations due to timing of spending full year guidance remains unchanged production taxes averaged eight 5% of commodity sales in the first quarter and we reiterated our full year guidance.
Richard Roebuck: <unk> made no cash tax payments in the first quarter for the second quarter, we expect to pay 1% to 8% of EBITDA, which increases to 8% to 14% of EBITDA in the second half of the year for the full year 2024, we expect to pay 4% to 9% of EBITDA at WPZ.
Richard Roebuck: For the second quarter, we expect to pay 1% to 8% of EBITDA, which increases to 8% to 14% of EBITDA in the second half of the year. For the full year, 2024, we expect to pay 4% to 9% of EBITDA at WTI prices ranging from $70 to $90 a barrel, which is in line with our initial expectation. In 24 and 25, we generally expect cash taxes to be higher in the back half of the year relative to the front half due to the timing of deductions and other factors.
Richard Roebuck: AI pricing ranging from 70 to $90 a barrel, which is in line with our initial expectations and 24% and 25%. We generally expect cash taxes to be higher in the back half of the year relative to the front half due to timing of deductions and other factors.
Richard Roebuck: In closing, I'd like to thank our team for their hard work and dedication to the company. Your contribution shows up in our strong returns, sustainable free cash flow, and peer-leading return of capital. With that, I'll hand the call back over to Ina for questions. Thank you.
Richard Roebuck: In closing I'd like to thank our team for their hard work and dedication to the company Youre contribution shows up in our strong returns sustainable free cash flow and peer leading return of capital that I will hand, the call back over to you for questions.
Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star followed by the 1 on your telephone keypad. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. And should you wish to cancel your request, please press the star followed by the 2. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any key.
Ina: Thank you ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session should you have a question. Please press star followed by the one on your telephone keypad you will hear a comment that you had has been raised and should you wish to cancel your request. Please press the star followed by the two if you are using a speakerphone. Please lift the handset before pressing.
Operator: One woman please for your first question.
Operator: One moment, please, for your first question. Your first question comes from the line of Neal Dingmann from Chubis Securities. Please go ahead.
Operator: Okay.
Neal Dingmann: Your first question comes from the line of <unk> from <unk> Securities. Please go ahead.
Neal Dingmann: Hi, morning guys. Nice quarter.
Neal Dingmann: Morning, guys Nice quarter. My first question is maybe on your post interplay D&C plans I know, maybe just what you can talk to ground specifically I believe core it's been running around two to three rigs in there plus two and I'm. Just wondering you mentioned something in your prepared remarks that it seemed like you suggested that guidance would stay.
Neal Dingmann: Relatively the same given or you didn't want to raise guidance just given your commitment to staying relatively flat and I'm. Just wondering would that said is it fair to assume potential downside to capex.
Daniel E. Brown: Danny, my first question is, maybe, on your post Interplus D&C plans. I know maybe just what you can talk about around this. Specifically, I believe Chord's been running around two to three rigs in Interplus 2, and I'm just wondering, you mentioned something in your prepared remarks that it seemed like you suggested that guidance would stay relatively the same, given, or you didn't want to raise guidance yet, given your commitment to staying relatively flat. And I'm just wondering, with that said, is it fair to assume potential downside to CapEx if these operational efficiencies that you and Darrin's team are continuing to see, if you're able to continue to do that?
Daniel E. Brown: These operational efficiencies that you and Darin team are continuing to see if you are able to continue to do that.
Daniel E. Brown: I think thats.
Daniel E. Brown: I think that's, thanks for the question, Neal. Yeah, I think that's, I think that's fair.
Danny: Thanks for the question Neil Yes, I think Thats I think Thats fair.
Daniel E. Brown: What we, you know, we've got, we're doing really well as an organization. The efficiencies are coming through. Cycle times are improving down. And what we're not interested in, we're not interested in chasing production higher and higher. We think of sort of a flat plus program that we've talked about many times is kind of the right way to run the organization. And that our thoughts on that haven't changed. And so as we see these efficiencies move through, as we're able to pull more capital out of the system, instead of plowing that into more activity, we'll probably keep our activity about sort of similar to what it would have been otherwise and just let more free cash flow flow through the system.
Daniel E. Brown: We've got we're doing really well as an organization and the efficiencies are coming through cycle times are improving down and what were noninterest we're not interested in chasing production higher and higher we think sort of a flat plus program that we've talked about many times is kind of the right way to run the organization and that's our thoughts on that Hasnt changed and so as we see these efficiencies move through as we're able to pull more core.
Daniel E. Brown: Capital out of the system instead of plowing that into more activity, we'll probably keep our activity about the sort of similar to what it would've been otherwise and just to let more free cash flow flow through the system.
Speaker Change: Love to see that Okay, and then just secondly on future low specifically I'm just wondering you've recently cut some workover rigs that you've done nice job just on that Workover program I'm, just wondering outside of weather or what I would call something that durable.
Neal Dingmann: I'd love to see that. Okay. And then, just secondly, on future LOE specifically, I'm just wondering, you recently cut some work over rates, but you have done a nice job on that work over program. And I'm just wondering, outside of whether or not what I would call something that normal, what do you imagine is sort of a typical work over plan, maybe with or without Inveris or Interplus?
Neal Dingmann: What do you all envision is sort of a typical workover plan maybe.
Neal Dingmann: What do you assume, you know, on a kind of work-over plan? I'm trying to get an idea of how the plan will be about where it is today. Would you ramp it back up? Or, you know, how should we think about that, that work-over rework plan going forward? Thank you.
Neal Dingmann: Without adverse.
Speaker Change: And a plus.
Neal Dingmann: What do you assume.
Neal Dingmann: On a kind of Workover plan I'm trying to get an idea of the plan will be about where it is today would you ramp it back up or how should we think about that workover reworked plan going forward. Thank you.
Daniel E. Brown: Yeah, I'll ask Darrin to provide some commentary here in a moment, but maybe just give my thoughts first. I think what you should expect, Neal, is we've got a significant work-over rig program. There's probably some seasonality in it, so some quarters it may be a little higher than others.
Speaker Change: Yes, I'll ask Darren to provide some some commentary here in a moment, but maybe just give my thoughts first.
Darrin Henke: What you should expect Neil as we've got that we've got a significant workover rig program. There is probably some seasonality in it so some quarters it may be a little higher than others.
Daniel E. Brown: We've been working really, really hard to try and optimize our cost in this. We recognize it's a big portion of our LOE and that as we can get more efficiencies through the system and do that work better, we should be the beneficiaries of some lower costs in that structure. So that's certainly a focus for us that could include reducing the number of rigs, moving to more tower rigs for more efficient operations, and lots of different things.
Daniel E. Brown: Been working really really hard to to try and optimize our cost in this we recognize its a big portion of our low and that as we can get more efficiencies through the system and do that work better.
Daniel E. Brown: Should be the beneficiaries of sort of lower cost in that structure. So that's certainly a focus for us that could include reducing the number of rigs moving to more tower rigs for more efficient operations in lots of different things.
Daniel E. Brown: But from an Interplus perspective, they have, I'd say their work-over program is sort of comparable to ours on a flowing barrel or on a well basis. And so I don't anticipate a huge amount of changes other than our focus on continuous improvement, but I'll ask Darrin to maybe provide his thoughts on that.
Daniel E. Brown: From an enterprise perspective, they have.
Darrin Henke: I'd say, there, they're a workover program as sort of comparable to ours on a flowing barrel on a well basis and so we don't anticipate a huge amount of changes other than our focus on continuous improvement, but I'll ask Darren to provide his thoughts on it.
Darrin Henke: Yeah, Neal, since the third quarter of last year, we've been able to reduce our workover costs on our rod repair jobs by about 15%, just really focusing on how we conduct our operations and being the most efficient operator possible. We've also been able to improve our run times so that we actually don't need as many rigs as maybe we did historically. So when you look at Interplus relative to Chord, the run times at Chord are slightly longer than what Interplus has been experiencing. And so I think when we put the two companies together, we'll be able to glean some additional efficiencies, an increase in run times, as well as a decrease in the overall workover program. Very helpful.
Daniel E. Brown: Yes.
Darrin Henke: Since third quarter of last year, we've been able to reduce our workover costs on our on our road repair jobs by about 15% just really focusing on how we conduct our operations and being the most efficient operator possible. We've also been able to improve our our run times. So that we actually don't need as many rigs as maybe we did historic.
Darrin Henke: So when you look at inter plus relative to cord.
Darrin Henke: The run times at quarter or slightly longer than what <unk> been experiencing and so I think when we put the two companies together, we'll be able to glean some additional efficiencies increase and run times as well as a decrease in the overall Workover program.
Neal Dingmann: Very helpful. Thanks, guys.
Speaker Change: Very helpful. Thanks, guys.
Speaker Change: Thank you. Thank you.
Operator: Thank you. And your next question comes from the line of David Deckelbaum from TD Cowen. Please go ahead.
David Deckelbaum: And your next question comes from the line of David The Cobalt from TD Cowen. Please go ahead.
Operator: Okay.
David Deckelbaum: Thanks, Danny, Michael, and the risk rating team. I wanted to ask a follow-up question just on guidance for this year. Obviously, you left the full year unchanged, and just given the historical bias to producing more in the back half of the year, I was surprised at the implication that you'd more or less be flattish from the second quarter. I know that there are obviously pretty even tills throughout, you know, the first half and the back half of the year, but, you know, if we think about the summer seasonality and that uptick there, it would seem I know that you guys talked about managing the program to fit within the capital budget, but is there something else that would be impacting the production side that would otherwise keep those volumes flat?
David Deckelbaum: Steady cycle, Richard and team.
Speaker Change: I wanted to ask a follow up just on guidance for this year.
David Deckelbaum: So obviously you left the full year unchanged just given the historical.
David Deckelbaum: <unk> to producing more in the back half of the year.
David Deckelbaum: Apprised of the implication is that you're more or less be flattish for the second quarter I know that there is obviously.
David Deckelbaum: Pretty even kills throughout the first half in the back half of the year, but if we think about the summer seasonality that uptick there.
David Deckelbaum: It would seem that you should have increased production in the back half of the year unless I am thinking about that incorrectly I know that you guys talked about managing the program to fit within the capital budget.
David Deckelbaum: Is there something else that would be impacting the production side that would otherwise keep those volumes flat.
Speaker Change: Yeah. Thanks for the question, David I think will actually anticipate we anticipate having maybe fewer pills in the back half of the year than in the front half of the year as we window out a frac crew and a drilling rig so our activity actually we anticipate will fall as we move into the third quarter.
Daniel E. Brown: Yeah, thanks for the question, David. I think we anticipate having maybe fewer tills in the back half of the year than in the front half of the year as we window out a frack crew and a drilling rig. So our activity, actually, we anticipate will fall as we move into the third quarter. And so as a result of that, that till balance is going to be slightly tilted toward the front half of the year, not the back half of the year.
Daniel E. Brown: So as a result of that that till balance is going to be slightly tilted towards the front half of the year not the back half of the year and so what that's going to do is provide.
Daniel E. Brown: And so what that's going to do is provide, instead of a more cyclical production profile, it should provide a more stable production profile quarter-on-quarter. And I think that's the impact you're going to see. So as we continue to see strong performance, again, we're not really looking to chase activity higher as we go faster. We'll just slow the activity down a little bit and let more free cash flow flow through.
Daniel E. Brown: Instead of sort of a more cyclical production profile it should provide a more stable production profile quarter on quarter.
Daniel E. Brown: And I think thats the impact youre going to see so as we see as we continue to see strong strong performance.
Daniel E. Brown: Again, we're not we're not really looking to chase activity higher as we go faster will just slow the activity is down a little bit and let more free cash flow flow through.
Daniel E. Brown: I appreciate that. And maybe you can revisit some of the commentary around potentially doing better on some of the synergies with EnerPlus. I know it's probably too early to talk about some of those, but I know a lot of us are intrigued about the potential to kind of repermit some of their locations in the three mile laterals on a go-forward basis. And you've obviously had some increased success with your own program. Has the timeline, how you guys think about achieving that, changed as you look at integrating some of these assets? Or is that something that's still likely not impactful until 2026? Well, I think from a development point of view.
Speaker Change: I appreciate that.
Daniel E. Brown: So maybe you can revisit some of the commentary around potentially doing better on some of the synergies with <unk> plus I know, it's probably too early to talk about some of those but I know.
Daniel E. Brown: A lot of us are intrigued about the potential to kind of re permit some of their locations in the three mile laterals on a go forward basis and you've obviously had some increased success on your own program has the timeline. How do you guys think about achieving that changed as you look at integrating some of these assets or is that something thats still like.
Daniel E. Brown: <unk> not impactful until 2026.
Speaker Change: Well I think from a development program standpoint, so for new wells that we're doing we're probably we're likely to see really the impact of that 2025, not in 2026, and so we've been working as separate organizations as as is appropriate until close we won't really get to a full new integrated development plan put.
Daniel E. Brown: Well, I think from a development program standpoint, so for new wells that we're doing, we're likely to see the impact of that in 2025, not in 2026. And so we've been working as separate organizations as is appropriate until close. We won't really get a full new integrated development plan put together until post-close. And so internally, we've used the phrase coiling the spring. So we're coiling the spring here, getting ready to sort of jump on this as soon as we close.
Daniel E. Brown: Together until post close and so.
Daniel E. Brown: <unk> we have been.
Daniel E. Brown: We use the phrase coiling the spring so we're calling this spring here getting ready to sort of jump on this as soon as we close we've done as much integration planning as we can up till that point.
Daniel E. Brown: So we've done as much integration planning as we can up until that point. Once we close, we'll put full integrated development plans together, which I anticipate will go largely into effect in 2025. So I think you'll see those benefits, at least from a practice standpoint, move through in 2025. So a lot of those synergies will be captured in 2025. Now, with respect to re-permitting and re-platting, that process obviously takes a little longer.
Daniel E. Brown: Once we close we'll put full integrated development plans together, which I anticipate will go largely into effect in 2025, So I think youll see really those those.
Daniel E. Brown: Those benefits at least from a practice standpoint move through in 2025, So a lot of those synergy captures in 2020 five now with respect to re permitting and replanting that process, obviously takes a little longer and so we will need to put the acreage together play the geometry games of a.
Daniel E. Brown: And so we'll need to put the acreage together, play the geometry games of re-platting. And so maybe the impact of moving from currently planned two-mile laterals to future planned three-mile laterals may be a little later in the process, but from an activity standpoint, we should see that synergy savings roll through in early 2025, and maybe the opportunity for re-planning into three-mile laterals and moving some of that development plan over maybe later in the year.
Daniel E. Brown: Replanting out and so may be the impact of moving from currently planned two mile laterals to future planned three mile laterals may be a little later in the process, but from a <unk>.
Daniel E. Brown: From an activity standpoint, we should see that synergy savings roll through and I would say early early 2025, and maybe the opportunity for re planning and to three mile laterals and moving some of that development plan over maybe later and later in the year.
Speaker Change: Thanks Danny.
Daniel E. Brown: Thank you and your next question comes from the line of John <unk> from Stifel. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. And your next question comes from the line of John Innes from Stifel. Please go ahead.
John Abbott: Hey, good morning guys, and thanks for taking my questions. For my first one, staying on the Synergies, EnderPlus has been active on the SimulFrac front, and if I'm not mistaken, that's one area Chord hasn't really leaned into yet. Can you provide your thoughts on incorporating the SimulFrac development program and the potential cost savings associated with it?
John Abbott: Hey, good morning, guys and thanks for taking my questions for my first one staying on the synergies under plus has been active on the thermal correct Bryan and if I'm not mistaken. That's one area of court Hasnt really leaned into yet can you provide your thoughts on incorporating some will frac development program and the potential cost savings associated.
John Abbott: As you did with it.
Speaker Change: Sure thing happy to do that so youre exactly right <unk> done a great job implementing simulcast <unk> as well as they recycle more produced water in their frac operations than we do and so those are some learnings that we intend to implement immediately really mid mid year. This year.
Darrin Henke: Sure thing. Happy to do that. So you're exactly right.
Darrin Henke: Interplus has done a great job implementing simul-fracs, as well as recycling more produced water in their frac operations than we do. And so those are some learnings that we intend to implement immediately, really mid-year this year, going forward. And so the savings, when you combine recycling the water along with simul-fraccing, is probably going to work out plus or minus $100,000 in savings. Some other things that Interplus has done really well are they use more vapor recovery units as far as capturing gas off of their facilities, and that's something that you'll see Chord implement as well to help with our gas capture going forward.
Darrin Henke: Going forward and so the savings when you combine the.
Darrin Henke: Recycling the water along with Sam will fracking is probably going to work out plus or minus $100000 per well and savings.
Darrin Henke: Some other things that are pluses has done really well is they use more vapor recovery units.
Darrin Henke: As far as capturing gas.
Darrin Henke: Off of their facilities and that's something that you'll see core to implement as well to help with our gas capture going forward.
Darrin Henke: Makes sense. And a quick clarification, are those savings already included in the $150 million Synergy target?
Speaker Change: Makes sense and a quick clarification are those savings are already included in the $150 million synergy target.
Darrin Henke: The savings I've talked about are in those numbers.
Darrin Henke: The savings I've talked about are in those numbers.
Speaker Change: Makes sense for my follow up with the four mile laterals planned for later this year can you offer any preliminary expectations regarding potential cost savings and ultimate EUR either from the subsurface work you have done or analogs across the basin.
John Abbott: For my follow-up, with the four-mile laterals planned for later this year, can you offer any preliminary expectations regarding potential cost savings and ultimate EUR, either from the subsurface work you have done or analogs across the basin?
John Abbott: So I think from a four mile lateral standpoint, obviously, it's sort of early days for us and that we would anticipate that similar to <unk>.
Daniel E. Brown: So I think from a four-mile lateral standpoint, obviously, it's sort of early days for us in that, you know, we would anticipate that, similar to, you know, as we underwrite a four-mile lateral program, we'll obviously be looking at some incremental degradation on the fourth-mile delivery, just like we've looked at incremental degradation on a three-mile delivery as opposed to two-mile. And so, you know, I think we're encouraged that maybe we've been a little too conservative on that from a two- to three-mile standpoint. Again, we'll provide some more clarity on that as we get a little more data in as we get toward the end of the year.
Daniel E. Brown: As we underwrite a four mile lateral program will obviously be looking at some some incremental degradation on the fourth mile delivery just like we've looked at incremental degradation of three mile delivery as opposed to two mile and so.
Daniel E. Brown: I think we're encouraged that maybe we've been a little too conservative on that from a two to three mile standpoint, again, we will provide some more clarity on that as we get a little more data and as we get towards the end of the year, but as we increase our learnings through that three mile process, we'll plow that into four mile I'd say that the.
Daniel E. Brown: But as we increase our learnings through that three-mile process, we'll plow that into four miles. I'd say that from a drilling perspective, we're very confident that four miles shouldn't provide too much of a technical challenge for us from a profit placement standpoint. We feel confident we can place our profit appropriately out to four miles. I think the clean-out is probably the technical challenge that we have the most, just with existing coils. Certainly, coil tubing clean-out will be a big challenge for us.
Daniel E. Brown: From a drilling perspective, we're very confident that.
Daniel E. Brown: For miles Shouldnt provide too much of a technical challenge for us from a proppant placement standpoint, we feel confident we can place our proppant appropriately out the four mile I think the clean out as probably the technical challenge that we have most just with existing coil certainly coiled tubing clean out will be a big challenge for us.
Daniel E. Brown: And our lateral that's long as probably will require some stick pipe.
Daniel E. Brown: In a lateral, if that's long, it probably will require some stick pipe. But we do anticipate, sort of, similar to moving from two and three miles, you can think about there are still huge advantages in leveraging the vertical section of the well, the facilities that you've got, the roads that bring you to the pad, et cetera, and so if you can imagine going from a two-mile development program to one four-mile development program, it provides a real opportunity.
Daniel E. Brown: But we do anticipate sort of similar to moving from two to three miles you can think about there is still huge advantages in leveraging the vertical section of the well the facilities that you've got the roads that bring you to the pad et cetera, and so if you can imagine going from a two mile from a two mile development program to one four mile development program that provides a real opportunity and so.
Daniel E. Brown: I'm not sure how much we're envisioning four-miles replacing three-miles, but where we've got geometry that doesn't lend itself to three-mile development but really is lending itself to two-mile development, certainly, a four-mile well instead of a two-mile well could be a big uplift for us. That's really what we're excited about.
Speaker Change: Im not sure how much we're envisioning for miles, replacing three miles, but where we get geometry that doesn't lend itself to three mile development, but really is lending itself to two mile development, certainly a four mile well instead of a two mile well could be a big uplift for us and so that's what we're that's really what we're excited about.
Darrin Henke: And John, just to add to that a little bit, the three-mile on a Chord Stand alone, we've been talking about 60% of our inventory is in that three-mile category, which means that 40% is open to being able to continue to extend. On a combined basis, we're about 40% in the three-mile identified category. So the four-mile lateral will just give us more opportunities, as Danny mentioned, to have more shapes, if you will, to get a larger portion of that inventory into either three- or four-mile, thus increasing the capital efficiency across the program. So there's a lot of opportunity left in the program, and we think the four-mile lateral will just add to that.
Speaker Change: And John just to add to that a little bit.
Darrin Henke: The three mile on a cord stand alone we've been talking about 60% of our inventory is in that three mile category, which means that 40% is open to being able to continue to extend on a combined basis, we're about 40% in the three mile identified category. So the four mile lateral well just give us more opportunities.
Darrin Henke: As Danny mentioned to have.
Darrin Henke: More more shapes, if you will to get a larger portion of that inventory into either three or four mile. Thus increasing the capital efficiency across the programs. So there is there is a lot of opportunity left in the program and we think the formal will just add to that.
John Abbott: Great color. Thanks again for taking my questions.
Speaker Change: Great color. Thanks, again for taking my questions.
Speaker Change: Thanks, John.
John Abbott: Thank you once again should you have a question. Please press star followed by one on your telephone keypad.
Operator: Thank you. Once again, should you have a question, please press star 421 on your telephone keypad. And your next question comes from the line of Sean Mitchell from Daniel Energy Partners. Please go ahead.
Operator: And your next question comes from the line of Sean Mitchell from Daniel Energy Partners. Please go ahead.
Sean Mitchell: Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking my question.
Sean Mitchell: Good morning, guys. Thanks for taking my question. You guys had impressive improvements in drill times, for, sorry about that, drill times year over year. Is this improvement around the size of the hammer or well-designed in the form of drilling fluids, drilling mud, et cetera?
Sean Mitchell: Guys had impressive improvement Sean.
Sean Mitchell: Bill times.
Sean Mitchell: Sorry about that drill times year over year is this improvement around more of the size of the hammer or well design in the form of drilling fluids drilling mud et cetera.
Sean Mitchell: That's a great question. The team has done a fabulous job driving down our cycle times on the drilling front and it's a combination of working with.
Darrin Henke: It's a great question, you know. The team has done a fabulous job driving down our cycle times on the drilling front, and it's a combination of working with our vendors on bit design and advancing our bit design. You hit the nail on the head with respect to the drilling mud that we use and the properties of that mud, and how we're able to drill the wellbores really quickly but also keep the laterals clean while we're doing that, and, of course, having good laterals so that we can get the pipe to bottom with no problem and cement it in place.
Darrin Henke: Our vendors on bit design and advancing our bit design on you hit the nail on the head with respect to the drilling mode that we use and the properties of that mud and how we're able to drill the well bores really quickly, but also keep the laterals clean while we're doing that and of course, having good laterals that we can get get the pipe to bottom with no problem and <unk> and.
Sean Mitchell: So it's not really any one individual area; it's Chord's commitment to continuous improvement. We're never going to rest with what we've done historically. We have set the record for the fastest three-mile well in the basin, but that doesn't mean we're going to sit back and be comfortable with those results. We'll continue to focus and look for additional wins to drive down those cycle times.
Darrin Henke: Place so.
Speaker Change: It's not really any one individual area. It's just a it's cords commitment to continuous improvement we're never going to rest with what we've done historically, we have set the record for the fastest III three mile well in the basin, but that doesn't mean, we're going to sit back and be comfortable with those results will continue to focus and look for additional wins to drive.
Sean Mitchell: Download cycle times.
Sean Mitchell: Got it. Maybe a follow-up, just several of your competitors or peers are talking about refracts in the Bakken and in the Eagleford. What how do you guys think about the refract market? Are you thinking about it?
Speaker Change: Got it.
Speaker Change: Maybe a follow up just several of your <unk>.
Sean Mitchell: Competitors or peers are talking about re fracs in the Bakken and the Eagle Ford How do you guys think about the re Frac market do you think about it I think in our plus does some butt.
Daniel E. Brown: I think Interplus does some, but any color on that would be helpful.
Daniel E. Brown: Any color around that would be helpful.
Daniel E. Brown: Yeah, I think we're open to refracts. We think we've got some opportunity within our program to do those.
Speaker Change: Yes, I think we're open to re Fracs, we think we've got some opportunity within our program to do those we candidly the Greenfield development program. We have right now is really compelling and but as we have opportunities to do refract, particularly in areas, where we see development in the area. So we've already got wells shut in in the area we've already got.
Daniel E. Brown: Candidly, the Greenfield Development Program we have right now is really compelling, but as we have opportunities to do refracts, particularly in areas where we see development in the area, so we've already got wells shut in in the area. We've already got wells fracked protected in the area. Those areas, doing refracts at that moment, it would be difficult for the refract itself to justify going back into areas like that to shut wells in, to frac protect them, because there's expense and cost associated with all of that.
Daniel E. Brown: Wells Frac protected in the area those areas doing re fracs at that moment is is it is.
Daniel E. Brown: It will be difficult for the re frac itself to justify going back into areas like that to shut wells in to Frac protect them because there is expense and cost associated with all of that and so I think youll see us focus on re fracs in that manner as a standalone program for US. We are observing we are observing others, we're learning from our own practices and we will move forward.
Daniel E. Brown: So I think you'll see us focus on refracts in that manner as a standalone program for us. We are observing others. We're learning from our own practices, and we'll move forward. One of the reasons you go in and do a refract program is that the original wells were maybe under-stimulated, at least relative to modern expectations in the first place. We've got a few areas in the field that are like that, but generally speaking, I think the legacy organizations did a pretty good job up front, and so maybe there's not as much meat on the bone as there may be for some others, but still an interesting program that we're looking at. Yeah, okay. Thank you.
Daniel E. Brown: One of the one of the.
Daniel E. Brown: One of the.
Daniel E. Brown: Reasons, you go in and do a re Frac program is really the original wells were maybe understand related at least relative to modern expectations in the first place and we've got a few areas in the field that are that are like that but generally speaking I think the legacy organizations are going to get a pretty good job upfront and so maybe there's not as much meat on the bone is there may be for some others.
Daniel E. Brown: But thats still an interesting program that we're looking at.
Sean Mitchell: Yep. Okay. Thanks for taking my questions.
Speaker Change: Yeah, Okay. Thanks for taking my questions.
Speaker Change: Thanks, Sean.
Sean Mitchell: Thank you there are no further questions at this time I will now hand, the call back to Mr. Danny Brown, the CEO for closing remarks.
Daniel E. Brown: Thank you. There are no further questions at this time. I will now hand the call back to Mr. Daniel Brown, CEO, for closing remarks.
Daniel E. Brown: Thanks, Anna well the closeout, we appreciate everyone's time today and interest in our company I also want to thank our employees for their continued commitment and dedication because they really are the backbone to our success, we pride ourselves on being strong capital allocators and doing the right thing for shareholders. We remain more excited than ever about the merits of the combination with <unk>, which will access.
Daniel E. Brown: Thanks, Ina. Well, to close out, we appreciate everyone's time today and interest in our company. I also want to thank our employees for their continued commitment and dedication because they really are the backbone of our success. We pride ourselves on being strong capital allocators and doing the right thing for shareholders. We remain more excited than ever about the merits of the combination with Interplus, which will accelerate Chord's beneficial rate of change as it relates to improving returns and value creation, and look forward to updating the market on our progress as we move through that process. And with that, thanks to everyone for joining our call. This concludes today's call. Thank you for participating. You may all disconnect.
Operator: [inaudible]
Operator: Right chords beneficial rate of change as it relates to improving returns and value creation and look forward to updating the market on our progress as we move through that process and with that thanks to everyone for joining our call.
Operator: This concludes today's call. Thank you for participating you may all disconnect.
Operator: Yes.
Operator: Okay.
Operator: Okay.