Morgan Stanley Optimistic on Chord Energy's Outlook
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 4 hours ago
0mins
Should l Buy CHRD?
Source: CNBC
- Oil Price Upsurge: Morgan Stanley analysts indicate that even with potential resolution in the Middle East, oil prices are likely to remain above pre-conflict levels, forecasting an average WTI price of $80 per barrel in 2026 and $70 in 2027, which bodes well for oil exploration and production companies.
- Chord Energy Rating Upgrade: Morgan Stanley upgraded Chord Energy's rating from equal weight to overweight and raised its price target from $114 to $168, suggesting nearly 15% upside potential, reflecting the company's competitive advantage in a high oil price environment.
- Outstanding Cash Flow Yield: Assuming a WTI price of $80 per barrel, Chord Energy offers an 18% free cash flow yield, significantly higher than the oil and gas exploration average of 12%, along with a 12% shareholder return yield compared to the peer average of 6%, showcasing its strong financial performance.
- Enhanced Drilling Efficiency: Chord Energy successfully drilled its first four-mile lateral well in 2026, with expectations that 80% of its planned wells this year will be three to four miles long, a significant increase from about 45% last year, which will further boost well productivity and capital efficiency.
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Analyst Views on CHRD
Wall Street analysts forecast CHRD stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
9 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 146.240
Low
105.00
Averages
129.27
High
165.00
Current: 146.240
Low
105.00
Averages
129.27
High
165.00
About CHRD
Chord Energy Corporation is an independent exploration and production company, which is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGL) and natural gas primarily in the Williston Basin. The Company’s operations are focused on the North Dakota and Montana areas of the Williston Basin, targeting the Middle Bakken and Three Forks formations, which are present across a substantial portion of its acreage. The Company has an average daily production of approximately 232,737 net barrels of oil equivalent per day (Boepd). It has approximately 9,011 (4,174.2 net) total gross productive wells, of which 4,824 gross (3,752.2 net) productive wells were operated by the Company. The Company sells its crude oil, NGL and natural gas production to refiners, marketers and other purchasers that have access to nearby pipeline and rail facilities.
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.
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- Retail Sales Growth: Retail sales figures are expected to be released at 8:30 a.m., with a general forecast of a 0.5% increase, a data point that will directly impact consumer spending and the outlook for economic recovery, potentially guiding a market rebound.
- Corporate Earnings Dynamics: Cal-Maine, Conagra, and Lamb Weston are scheduled to report earnings before the bell, with Cal-Maine's stock flat over the past three months, Conagra down 9%, and Lamb Weston showing no significant change, all of which will affect investor sentiment towards the food sector.
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Morgan Stanley Optimistic on Chord Energy's Outlook
- Oil Price Upsurge: Morgan Stanley analysts indicate that even with potential resolution in the Middle East, oil prices are likely to remain above pre-conflict levels, forecasting an average WTI price of $80 per barrel in 2026 and $70 in 2027, which bodes well for oil exploration and production companies.
- Chord Energy Rating Upgrade: Morgan Stanley upgraded Chord Energy's rating from equal weight to overweight and raised its price target from $114 to $168, suggesting nearly 15% upside potential, reflecting the company's competitive advantage in a high oil price environment.
- Outstanding Cash Flow Yield: Assuming a WTI price of $80 per barrel, Chord Energy offers an 18% free cash flow yield, significantly higher than the oil and gas exploration average of 12%, along with a 12% shareholder return yield compared to the peer average of 6%, showcasing its strong financial performance.
- Enhanced Drilling Efficiency: Chord Energy successfully drilled its first four-mile lateral well in 2026, with expectations that 80% of its planned wells this year will be three to four miles long, a significant increase from about 45% last year, which will further boost well productivity and capital efficiency.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Ratings Overview
- Honeywell Upgrade: BMO has upgraded Honeywell to Outperform, citing additional opportunities through the end of the decade; despite lagging shares, the company's strong balance sheet provides downside protection and supports upcoming spin-offs.
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Chord Energy Rated Among Top Dividend Oil Stocks
- Price Target Increase: Mizuho raised Chord Energy (CHRD)'s price target from $148 to $162, indicating a potential upside of approximately 27%, reflecting market confidence in its future performance.
- Oil Price Outlook Boost: Mizuho increased its 2026 oil price forecast by 14% to $73.25 per barrel, primarily driven by the US-Iran conflict, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, tightening global crude oil supply and pushing prices higher.
- High Dividend Yield: Chord Energy boasts an annual dividend yield of 4.09%, placing it among the best oil and gas dividend stocks currently available, appealing to investors seeking stable income.
- Market Competition Insight: While Chord Energy shows investment potential, analysts note that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, advising investors to choose carefully.
See More
Chord Energy Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Chord Energy reported adjusted free cash flow of $175 million in Q4 2025, significantly surpassing expectations, reflecting the company's exceptional performance in cost control and production efficiency, thereby solidifying its competitive position in the industry.
- Capital Expenditure Savings: The company’s capital expenditures came in approximately $60 million below guidance, coupled with oil production exceeding guidance by over 1,000 barrels per day, indicating ongoing optimization in resource allocation and operational efficiency, which is expected to lay a solid foundation for future growth.
- Significant Shareholder Returns: Chord has returned $6.7 billion of capital to shareholders since its inception, exceeding half of its current market cap, demonstrating its strong cash flow generation capability and commitment to shareholders, which further enhances market confidence.
- Long-Term Development Plan: Chord plans to maintain average oil production of 157,000 to 161,000 barrels per day in 2026, projecting approximately $700 million in free cash flow, indicating the company's resilience and sustainable growth potential in the face of market fluctuations.
See More
Chord Energy (CHRD) Q4 2025 Earnings Transcript
See More
US Stocks Performance Review and Outlook
- Employment Data Expectations: ADP is set to release employment data at 8:15 a.m. ET, with a consensus estimate of 39,000 new jobs in the private sector, which will provide a crucial indicator of economic health and could influence investor confidence and market trends.
- Retail Sales Growth: Retail sales figures are expected to be released at 8:30 a.m., with a general forecast of a 0.5% increase, a data point that will directly impact consumer spending and the outlook for economic recovery, potentially guiding a market rebound.
- Corporate Earnings Dynamics: Cal-Maine, Conagra, and Lamb Weston are scheduled to report earnings before the bell, with Cal-Maine's stock flat over the past three months, Conagra down 9%, and Lamb Weston showing no significant change, all of which will affect investor sentiment towards the food sector.
- Market Performance Review: In the first quarter, the Russell 2000 index rose by 0.58%, making it the best performer among major indices, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 fell by 4.63% and 5.98%, respectively, reflecting market volatility and cautious investor sentiment.
See More
Morgan Stanley Optimistic on Chord Energy's Outlook
- Oil Price Upsurge: Morgan Stanley analysts indicate that even with potential resolution in the Middle East, oil prices are likely to remain above pre-conflict levels, forecasting an average WTI price of $80 per barrel in 2026 and $70 in 2027, which bodes well for oil exploration and production companies.
- Chord Energy Rating Upgrade: Morgan Stanley upgraded Chord Energy's rating from equal weight to overweight and raised its price target from $114 to $168, suggesting nearly 15% upside potential, reflecting the company's competitive advantage in a high oil price environment.
- Outstanding Cash Flow Yield: Assuming a WTI price of $80 per barrel, Chord Energy offers an 18% free cash flow yield, significantly higher than the oil and gas exploration average of 12%, along with a 12% shareholder return yield compared to the peer average of 6%, showcasing its strong financial performance.
- Enhanced Drilling Efficiency: Chord Energy successfully drilled its first four-mile lateral well in 2026, with expectations that 80% of its planned wells this year will be three to four miles long, a significant increase from about 45% last year, which will further boost well productivity and capital efficiency.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Ratings Overview
- Honeywell Upgrade: BMO has upgraded Honeywell to Outperform, citing additional opportunities through the end of the decade; despite lagging shares, the company's strong balance sheet provides downside protection and supports upcoming spin-offs.
- Disney Outlook: Wells Fargo reiterates Disney as Overweight, lowering its price target to $148 but highlighting the new leadership team's potential to revitalize the narrative, making Q2 a pivotal moment for growth acceleration.
- Knight-Swift Upgrade: Evercore ISI has upgraded Knight-Swift to Outperform, viewing the transport company as compelling due to its leverage to improving fundamentals, while trading at one of the lowest multiples in its peer group.
- FuboTV Initiation: B Riley initiates coverage of FuboTV with a Buy rating and a target price of $18, emphasizing the stock's undervaluation and its potential in the consumer live television streaming market.
See More
Chord Energy Rated Among Top Dividend Oil Stocks
- Price Target Increase: Mizuho raised Chord Energy (CHRD)'s price target from $148 to $162, indicating a potential upside of approximately 27%, reflecting market confidence in its future performance.
- Oil Price Outlook Boost: Mizuho increased its 2026 oil price forecast by 14% to $73.25 per barrel, primarily driven by the US-Iran conflict, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, tightening global crude oil supply and pushing prices higher.
- High Dividend Yield: Chord Energy boasts an annual dividend yield of 4.09%, placing it among the best oil and gas dividend stocks currently available, appealing to investors seeking stable income.
- Market Competition Insight: While Chord Energy shows investment potential, analysts note that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, advising investors to choose carefully.
See More
Chord Energy Q4 2025 Earnings Call Highlights
- Performance Exceeds Expectations: Chord Energy reported adjusted free cash flow of $175 million in Q4 2025, significantly surpassing expectations, reflecting the company's exceptional performance in cost control and production efficiency, thereby solidifying its competitive position in the industry.
- Capital Expenditure Savings: The company’s capital expenditures came in approximately $60 million below guidance, coupled with oil production exceeding guidance by over 1,000 barrels per day, indicating ongoing optimization in resource allocation and operational efficiency, which is expected to lay a solid foundation for future growth.
- Significant Shareholder Returns: Chord has returned $6.7 billion of capital to shareholders since its inception, exceeding half of its current market cap, demonstrating its strong cash flow generation capability and commitment to shareholders, which further enhances market confidence.
- Long-Term Development Plan: Chord plans to maintain average oil production of 157,000 to 161,000 barrels per day in 2026, projecting approximately $700 million in free cash flow, indicating the company's resilience and sustainable growth potential in the face of market fluctuations.
See More
Chord Energy (CHRD) Q4 2025 Earnings Transcript
See More
