Expand Energy Appoints New Interim CEO Amid Leadership Change

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: seekingalpha

Updated: Feb 09 2026

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EXE+0.59%

Should l Buy EXE?

Source: seekingalpha

Leadership Change: Expand Energy (EXE) appointed Chairman Michael Wichterich as interim CEO, succeeding Nick Dell'Osso, who stepped down without explanation, potentially raising concerns about the company's future direction among investors.
CEO Search Initiated: The board has launched a search for a permanent CEO with the assistance of an independent recruitment firm, indicating the company's commitment to leadership stability and aiming to restore investor confidence swiftly.
Wichterich's Background: Michael Wichterich has served as Chairman since 2021 and was interim CEO for six months in 2021; he is also the founder and CEO of Three Rivers Operating Company, focusing on exploration and production in the Permian Basin, which may bring valuable industry experience to the role.
Headquarters Relocation: Expand Energy plans to relocate its corporate headquarters from Oklahoma City to Houston while reaffirming its synergy, capital, and operating outlook for Q4 and FY 2025, reflecting a proactive strategic adjustment in its operational footprint.

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Analyst Views on EXE

Wall Street analysts forecast EXE stock price to rise

21 Analyst Rating

19 Buy

2 Hold

0 Sell

Strong Buy

Current: 103.440

Low

106.00

Averages

132.89

High

150.00

Current: 103.440

Low

106.00

Averages

132.89

High

150.00

Piper Sandler

Overweight

downgrade

$138 -> $137

2026-01-28

Reason

Piper Sandler

Price Target

$138 -> $137

AI Analysis

2026-01-28

downgrade

Overweight

Reason

Piper Sandler lowered the firm's price target on Expand Energy to $137 from $138 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. Discussing the space, the firm says that for Q4, it anticipates strong prints from the gas equities, while WAHA pricing and weak oil and NGL prices were a headwind for oil names. Heading into FY26, the expectations are broadly for maintenance programs across Piper's oil coverage, while a number of gas producers are pushing for growth in response to increased LNG demand.

Barclays

Overweight

downgrade

$136 -> $126

2026-01-21

Reason

Barclays

Price Target

$136 -> $126

2026-01-21

downgrade

Overweight

Reason

Barclays lowered the firm's price target on Expand Energy to $126 from $136 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm adjusted ratings and targets in the exploration and production group as part of a Q4 preview. The upstream sector's cash return model "remains resilient" amid macro volatility, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Barclays see attractive opportunities in U.S. onshore. It tells investors to "tread carefully" through the near-term commodity uncertainty.

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About EXE

Expand Energy Corporation is an independent natural gas producer in the United States. The Company is focused on developing a supply of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids (LNG) to expand energy access for all. Its operations are located in Louisiana, in the Haynesville and Bossier Shales (Haynesville), in Pennsylvania in the Marcellus Shale (Northeast Appalachia) and in West Virginia and Ohio in the Marcellus and Utica Shales (Southwest Appalachia) and include interests in approximately 8,000 gross natural gas and oil wells. The Company's operations include drilling, completion, and production. It also operates drilling rigs and provides certain oilfield products and services, principally serving the Company’s E&P operations through vertical integration. Haynesville is rich in natural gas with proximity to LNG export infrastructure. The Company's operations in Ohio and West Virginia target the Marcellus and Utica shales and provide oil and natural gas liquids.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.

Expand Energy to Announce Q4 Earnings on February 17

2 days agoseekingalpha

Earnings Expectations: Expand Energy is set to announce its Q4 earnings on February 17, with Wall Street expecting an EPS of $1.87, reflecting a 240% year-over-year increase, and revenues of $2.29 billion, up 14.5% year-over-year, which would further validate the company's growth potential in natural gas production.
Executive Changes: The company appointed Chairman Michael Wichterich as interim CEO, succeeding Nick Dell'Osso, who stepped down; this leadership transition may impact strategic direction and market confidence, especially following a fivefold corporate expansion.
Performance Metrics: Over the past two years, Expand Energy has exceeded EPS estimates 75% of the time and revenue estimates 50% of the time, demonstrating its competitive edge and profitability, despite the stock price stagnating since its 2022 peak.
Analyst Ratings: Seeking Alpha rates the stock as a Hold, while Wall Street analysts view it as a Strong Buy, reflecting a divergence in market sentiment regarding the company's future performance, particularly against a backdrop of weaker natural gas prices, with projected free cash flow of $2 billion by 2026.

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