Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK) (-15%; -0.70%), one of the largest U.S. producers of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids, was the largest detractor in the quarter. At the macro level, declines in oil and gas prices pressured the stock. We use the futures strip for both commodities in our appraisal of Chesapeake, even though they are currently trading below the global energy industry’s long run marginal costs. CEO Doug Lawler further improved the company’s financial strength and flexibility, closing two Haynesville deals and reporting another solid operational quarter. We believe he and his team will continue to execute additional asset sales and maintain both operating and capital expense discipline.
From Longleaf Partners Fund first quarter 2017 commentary.
