Is Chesapeake Energy Corporation (CHK) Better Off Without McClendon?

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK) is preparing for life without CEO and former chairman Aubrey McClendon following his resignation. McClendon is expected to leave the Oil and Gas Company on April 1, after a year that saw the company dispose more than $11 billion in assets toward the servicing of $14 billion worth of debt.

Chesapeake experienced one of the toughest periods since inception, with distressed balance sheets and court battles with land owners, among other exciting events. Additionally, Aubrey McClendon established a polarized relationship between the board and shareholders, which contributed to his resignation. The outgoing CEO was also ranked one of the worst CEOs in 2012.

The company invested heavily in shale gas exploration, which subjected it to high levels of debt. In an attempt to revamp cash flows, Chesapeake approved sale of fixed assets valued $14 billion. The company managed $11.6 billion by close of 2012, coming short of the targeted $12 billion. McClendon’s exit is expected to fast track the process, with the board and shareholders in tandem.

Chesapeake Trails Exxon and Chevron, But Holds A Bright Future

Chesapeake has not been all bad, even during the reign of McClendon. The oil and gas company managed to feature in the U.S top 100 places to work in six consecutive years, emerging 26^th in 2012. But can we say that for the value of the stock? While it trails Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) (market cap $402 billion) and Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) (market cap $225.5 billion) in terms of market share both globally and locally, Chesapeake (market cap 13.18 billion) provides one of the most promising prospective stocks in the energy sector.

Nonetheless, it still trails the duo even in terms of prospects, with Exxon already poised to become the world’s most valuable company, and having reported earnings that nearly broke the world record in its most recent full year results. The company reported earnings that missed its 2008 record of $45.2 billion by just $300 million. On the other hand, Chevron has embarked on an aggressive capital investment across the globe as it seeks to bolster its oil exploration portfolio. The company has set aside $37 billion to actualize that goal.

So, what about Chesapeake? Well, the Oklahoma-based company is looking to minimize the risk attached to its stock by clawing back some cash from the sale of fixed assets.  Chesapeake Energy is often referred to as America’s champion of natural gas, a form of energy seen as the future of fuel, due to its environmental friendliness. While I do not mean to indicate that oil dependent companies are doomed, Chesapeake’s long-term future remains bright, if indeed it manages to stay a step ahead of its rivals in natural gas exploration.

Chevron currently has a trailing 12-month PE of 8.66x, while Exxon trades at 9.21x. On the other hand, Chesapeake Energy Price to Earnings ratio remains inapplicable. However, the forward price to earnings ratio indicates that Chesapeake is expected to report profits with an expectation of 16.89x in PE ratio. However, rivals Exxon and Chevron have forward PE ratios of 10.73x and 9.25x, respectively, making them cheaper than Chesapeake.