Is Expand Energy Stock Underperforming the Nasdaq?

Company Overview - Expand Energy Corporation (EXE) was formed in 2024 through the merger of Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Company, becoming the largest natural gas producer in America with a market capitalization of approximately $24 billion [1] Operations - The company is based in Oklahoma and operates across the Haynesville, Marcellus, and Utica Shales, managing around 8,000 wells, with activities including drilling, completion, and production supported by vertically integrated oilfield services [2] Stock Performance - EXE's stock has shown resilience and volatility, declining 16.4% from a 52-week high of $123.35 in June, and 15.9% over the past three months, contrasting with the Nasdaq Composite's 13% gain during the same period [3] - Over a longer horizon, EXE's stock has increased by 28.7% over the past 52 weeks, with a projected growth of 3.6% in 2025, while the Nasdaq has advanced 24.5% over the past year and 16.5% year-to-date [4] Technical Indicators - Technical indicators suggest EXE is regaining stability, having traded above both the 50-day and 200-day moving averages for most of the past year, but slipped below these levels in July; since mid-September, it has bounced back, holding above the 50-day moving average and approaching the 200-day mark [5] Earnings Report - On July 29, Expand Energy reported Q2 2025 earnings, with revenue increasing by 630.7% year-over-year to $3.69 billion, surpassing forecasts, while adjusted EPS rose to $1.10, slightly below the $1.14 consensus [6] - Despite the earnings miss, positive investor sentiment led to a 1.3% stock increase on the day of the release and a further 4.9% the following day, driven by confidence in operational progress [7] Operational Highlights - The company achieved record drilling performance, enhanced free cash flow predictions to $1.6 billion, reduced capital expenditures by $100 million, and set a $600 million cost synergy objective by 2026, indicating strong execution [8] - Shareholder returns reached $585 million in dividends and buybacks during the first half of 2025, alleviating concerns from the earnings gap [8]