In 2025, Chevron drilled a total of 437 wells across its U.S. onshore and offshore portfolio. The results underscore a consistent theme: efficiency creates a manufacturing approach that improves cash flow durability, even in a lower-volatility growth environment.
In recent remarks, CEO Mike Wirth outlined how Chevron is reshaping its operating model—not by chasing higher prices, but by fundamentally changing how barrels are produced and how natural gas fits into the next phase of global energy demand.
Chevron’s first full quarter managing the Bakken following the Hess acquisition offered an unusually clear look at how the supermajor views North Dakota shale in a mature U.S. portfolio. Management’s comments on the Q3 2025 earnings call were consistent, deliberate, and—importantly—validated by actual drilling data from North Dakota.
Chevron entered 2025 with a clear mandate: scale development efficiently, compress cycle times, and unlock more value from every acre across its U.S. portfolio. The company’s competitive advantage increasingly comes from the convergence of advanced AI, next-generation completions, and a highly optimized rig fleet tailored to each basin. Two technologies…
Chevron has set its 2026 capital expenditure guidance at $18B–$19B, landing at the low end of its previously communicated $18B–$21B annual range. The spending plan underscores a familiar strategy: maintain discipline, generate higher returns, and continue prioritizing top-tier barrels across U.S. shale basins and select offshore hubs.
Chevron isn’t just trying to survive the energy transition—it’s positioning to grow cash flow, increase returns, and power the next wave of AI-driven demand.
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) just signaled a major shift in how Big Oil plans to power America’s next growth wave — artificial intelligence. During its 2025 Investor Day, Chevron announced plans to build its first large-scale natural-gas-fired power project dedicated to an AI data center in West Texas, targeting first power in 2027.
Chevron (NYSE: CVX) entered Q3 2025 with a mix of short-term headwinds and long-term ambitions. The company’s recently completed $55 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation adds immediate costs and complexity, but the strategic upside—particularly Hess’ Guyana assets—remains compelling. Here’s a breakdown of what Chevron announced and how drilling trends across North America provide context for its operations going forward.
The global energy industry faces a fundamental challenge: balancing affordability, reliability, and environmental protection. Overemphasizing one aspect often leads to setbacks in the others. For companies and countries alike, finding equilibrium in this “energy trilemma” has become critical.
At the center of this transition is Michael Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron, who has spent more than four decades in the industry. Under his leadership, Chevron is pursuing a dual strategy—strengthening its oil and gas portfolio through major acquisitions like Hess, while simultaneously investing in lower-carbon technologies such as renewable diesel, hydrogen, and geothermal energy.
