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File Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-198523

This preliminary prospectus supplement relates to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, but the information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 8, 2017

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated July 14, 2015)

LOGO

WPX Energy, Inc.

$150,000,000

5.25% Senior Notes due 2024



         We are offering $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 5.25% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "notes"). The notes will mature on September 15, 2024. The notes are an additional issuance of our 5.25% Senior Notes due 2024 initially issued under the indenture dated as of September 8, 2014 and will rank equally with and be treated as a single class for all purposes under such indenture with the $500 million aggregate principal amount of such notes already outstanding (the "existing 2024 notes"). Upon completion of this offering, $650,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of such series will be outstanding. Interest will accrue from March 15, 2017, and will be payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2017.

         We may, at our option, at any time prior to June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes), redeem the notes in whole or in part at a specified "make-whole" premium as described under the caption "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption." If we experience specific kinds of changes of control accompanied by a specified ratings decline, we must offer to purchase the notes at prices set forth in this prospectus supplement plus accrued and unpaid interest, as described under the caption "Description of Notes—Change of Control." We also have the option at any time on or after June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes) to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. See "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption."

         The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations and will rank equally with all of our other existing and future unsecured senior indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The notes will rank senior to all of our future subordinated indebtedness.

         You should read this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus carefully before you invest in our notes. Investing in our notes involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-14 for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider in connection with an investment in the notes.

           
 
 
  Public offering price(1)
  Underwriting
discounts and
commissions

  Proceeds, before
expenses, to us(1)

 

Per note

              %               %               %
 

Total

  $               $               $            

 

(1)
Plus accrued interest from March 15, 2017 to the closing date, which we expect to be $            in the aggregate.

         The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or automated quotation system.

         We expect that delivery of the notes will be made to investors in book-entry form through The Depository Trust Company on or about August     , 2017.

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these notes or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



Wells Fargo Securities



   

The date of this prospectus supplement is August     , 2017.


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        We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with information or to make representations other than those contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus or to which this prospectus supplement refers or that is contained in any free writing prospectus relating to the notes. Neither we nor the underwriters take any responsibility for, and can provide no assurances as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you.

        We and the underwriters are offering to sell the notes only in places where offers and sales are permitted.


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Prospectus Supplement

 
  Page  

Information About This Prospectus Supplement

    S-ii  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    S-ii  

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    S-iv  

Glossary of Oil and Gas Terms

    S-iv  

Summary

    S-1  

Risk Factors

    S-14  

Use of Proceeds

    S-19  

Capitalization

    S-20  

Description of Other Indebtedness

    S-21  

Description of Notes

    S-25  

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form

    S-40  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

    S-43  

Underwriting

    S-49  

Legal Matters

    S-53  

Experts

    S-53  

Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

    S-54  


Prospectus

About This Prospectus

    1  

Risk Factors

    2  

Prospectus Summary

    3  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    4  

Use of Proceeds

    6  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    6  

Description of Capital Stock

    7  

Description of Debt Securities

    12  

Certain ERISA Considerations

    21  

Plan of Distribution

    23  

Legal Matters

    23  

Experts

    23  

Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

    24  

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INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This prospectus supplement is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, as a "well-known seasoned issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. As allowed by the SEC rules, this prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, including its exhibits, as well as the accompanying base prospectus, any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein and any applicable free writing prospectus. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. If the SEC's rules and regulations require that an agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see that agreement or document for a complete description of the related matters.

        Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information other than the information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus or to which this prospectus supplement refers or that is contained in any free writing prospectus relating to the notes. We and the underwriters take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. We are not making an offer to sell our securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted.

        You should also read and carefully consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" below. Information incorporated by reference after the date of this prospectus supplement is considered a part of this prospectus supplement and may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus supplement. The information in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or any document incorporated by reference herein or therein by reference is accurate only as of the date contained on the cover of such documents. Neither the delivery of this prospectus supplement, nor any accompanying base prospectus, nor any sale made under this prospectus supplement and any accompanying base prospectus will, under any circumstances, imply that the information in this prospectus supplement or any accompanying base prospectus is correct as of any date after this prospectus supplement or any accompanying base prospectus. Any information in such subsequent filings that is inconsistent with this prospectus supplement or any accompanying base prospectus (or any document previously incorporated by reference herein or therein) will supersede the information in the accompanying base prospectus or any earlier prospectus supplement (or such document previously incorporated by reference herein or therein).

        In this prospectus supplement, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, "WPX," "we," "our," "the Company" and "us" refer to WPX Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and (unless the context otherwise requires) all of its subsidiaries.


CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus, any free writing prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and in the accompanying base prospectus include forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management's plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions and other matters.

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        All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in any of the foregoing documents that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements.

        Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "could," "may," "should," "continues," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "might," "goals," "objectives," "targets," "planned," "potential," "projects," "scheduled," "will" or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding:

        Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

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        All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation to and do not intend to update the above list or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

        In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above and referred to below may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions, or otherwise.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

        We refer to the term adjusted EBITDAX (as described in "Summary—Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data") in various places in this prospectus supplement. Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental financial measure that is not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or GAAP. This measure excludes a number of significant items, including our interest expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Our measurement of adjusted EBITDAX may not be comparable to those of other companies. Please see "Summary—Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data" for a discussion of our use of such measure and a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAX to the most closely comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP.

        We also refer to PV-10 in this prospectus supplement (as described in "Summary—Summary Historical Reserve and Operating Data of WPX"). The present value of estimated future net revenues discounted at an annual rate of 10 percent ("PV-10") is not a GAAP financial measure and is derived from the standardized measure, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. PV-10 is a computation of the standardized measure on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes, discounted at 10 percent. Please see "Summary—Summary Historical Reserve and Operating Data of WPX" for a discussion of our use of such measure and a reconciliation of PV-10 to the most closely comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.


GLOSSARY OF OIL AND GAS TERMS

        In this prospectus supplement, the following terms have the meanings specified below.

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SUMMARY

        This summary highlights certain information concerning our business and this offering. It does not contain all of the information that may be important to you and to your investment decision. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial statements and notes thereto in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and therein and should consider, among other things, the matters set forth and incorporated by reference in "Risk Factors" before deciding to invest in the notes.


Our Company

        Incorporated in 2011, we are an independent natural gas and oil exploration and production company engaged in the exploitation and development of long-life unconventional properties. We are focused on profitably exploiting, developing and growing our oil positions in the Delaware (a subset of the Permian Basin) and San Juan Basins in the southwestern United States and the Williston Basin in North Dakota. Our principal executive office is located at 3500 One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172. Our telephone number is 855-979-2012. We maintain an Internet site at www.wpxenergy.com. Except for our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus, the information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus.


Our Business Strategy

        Our business strategy is to create shareholder value by increasing production over time of oil, natural gas, and NGLs, expanding our margins, and finding and developing reserves.

        Focused, Long-Term Portfolio Management.    We are focused on long-term profitable growth. Our objective over time is to grow our production within our cash flow. With that in mind, we regularly evaluate the performance of our assets and, when appropriate, we consider divestitures of assets that are underperforming or which are no longer a part of our strategic focus. Since mid-2014, we have undertaken over $7 billion of asset acquisitions and divestitures, allowing us to focus on our core areas and strengthen our financial position. With regard to our core assets we expect to allocate capital to the most profitable opportunities based on commodity price cycles and other market conditions, enabling us to grow our reserves and production in a manner that maximizes our returns on investments.

        Build Asset Scale.    We expect to opportunistically acquire acreage positions in areas where we feel we can establish significant scale and replicate cost-efficient development practices. We may also consider other "bolt-on" transactions that are directed at driving operational efficiencies through increased scale. We can manage costs by focusing on the establishment of large scale, contiguous acreage blocks where we can operate a majority of the properties. We believe this strategy allows us to better achieve economies of scale and apply continuous technological improvements in our operations. We have a history of acquiring undeveloped properties that meet our expected return requirements and other acquisition criteria to expand upon our existing positions as well as acquiring undeveloped acreage in new geographic areas that offer significant resource potential.

        Margin Expansion through Focus on Costs.    We believe we can expand our margins by focusing on opportunities to reduce our cost structure. As we rationalize our portfolio and reduce our areas of focus to core basins, we have the opportunity to improve our cost structure and ensure that our organization is in alignment with our margin growth objectives. We also continue to manage the cost and availability of skilled labor, drilling rigs and equipment, transportation and other supplies.

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        Continue Oil Development and Increase Optionality.    We believe that efforts to develop our oil properties will yield a more balanced commodity mix in our production, providing us with the option of focusing on the commodity with the best returns under different market conditions. This optionality, we believe, will place us in a position where we can better protect and grow our cash flows. We have engaged and will continue to engage in commodity derivative hedging activities to maintain a degree of cash flow stability. Typically, we target hedging approximately 50 percent of expected revenue from domestic production during a current calendar year in order to strike an appropriate balance of commodity price upside with cash flow protection, although we may vary from this level based on our perceptions of market risk. As of August 3, 2017, we have hedged 50,750 Bbls per day and 55,500 Bbls per day for our anticipated remaining 2017 and 2018 oil production, respectively, at a weighted-average price of $50.26 per barrel and $52.69 per barrel, respectively, and we have natural gas derivatives totaling 170,000 MMBtu per day and 185,000 MMBtu per day for the remainder of 2017 and 2018, respectively, at a weighted-average price of $3.02 per MMBtu and $2.98 per MMBtu, respectively.

        Maintain Financial Flexibility.    We believe our continued focus on cost reductions, increased capital efficiency and long-term oil production growth will allow us to generate increased and sustainable annual cash flows from operations. This cash flow, combined with our capital structure and available sources of liquidity, will allow us to efficiently develop and grow our resource base and pursue reserve growth throughout a variety of commodity price environments.


Recent Developments

Tender Offers

        In connection with this offering, we are launching cash tender offers (the "Tender Offers") to purchase up to $150 million aggregate principal amount (the "Maximum Tender Amount") of our $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "2020 Notes"), $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8.250% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes," and collectively, the "Tender Notes"). Subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and the Tender Caps (as defined below) in respect of the 2023 Notes and the 2022 Notes, the amount of a series of Tender Notes that is purchased in the Tender Offers will be based on the following order of priority (the "Acceptance Priority Level"), with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 3 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level: 2020 Notes—Acceptance Priority Level 1, 2023 Notes—Acceptance Priority Level 2; and 2022 Notes—Acceptance Priority Level 3. In addition, no more than $75 million aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes will be purchased in the Tender Offers (as it may be increased by the Company, the "2023 Notes Tender Cap") and no more than $50 million aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes will be purchased in the Tender Offers (as it may be increased by the Company, the "2022 Notes Tender Cap" and, together with the 2023 Notes Tender Cap, the "Tender Caps"). Acceptance for tenders of any Tender Notes may be subject to proration if the aggregate principal amount for any series of Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn would cause the Maximum Tender Amount to be exceeded. Acceptance for tenders of the 2023 Notes and the 2022 Notes may also be subject to proration if the aggregate principal amount of the specified series of Tender Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn is greater than the applicable Tender Cap. The closing of the Tender Offers will be conditioned upon, among other things, the closing of this offering. The Tender Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Company's Offer to Purchase dated August 8, 2017 and nothing contained herein constitutes an offer to purchase any securities. Whether or not the Tender Offers are consummated or fully subscribed, we may, from time to time, purchase the Tender Notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through tender or exchange offers or otherwise, or may redeem any such notes that can be redeemed pursuant to their terms.

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The Offering

        The following summary describes the principal terms of the notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. For a more detailed description of the notes, see "Description of Notes." As used in this section, the terms "us," "we," or "our" refer to WPX Energy, Inc. and not any of its subsidiaries.

Issuer   WPX Energy, Inc.

Notes Offered

 

$150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes due 2024.

Maturity Date

 

The notes will mature on September 15, 2024. The notes are an additional issuance of our 5.25% Senior Notes due 2024 initially issued under the indenture dated September 8, 2014 and will rank equally with and be treated as a single class for all purposes under such indenture with the existing 2024 notes. Upon completion of this offering, $650,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of such series will be outstanding.

Interest Rate

 

The notes will bear interest at a rate of 5.25% per year.

Interest Payment Dates

 

The notes will pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2017. The interest payment on September 15, 2017 will include accrued interest from March 15, 2017.

Optional Redemption

 

We have the option at any time or from time to time prior to June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes), to redeem the notes in whole or in part at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed and (ii) the discounted present value of 100% of their principal amount and remaining scheduled interest payments, in either case plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date, as described under "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption."

 

 

We also have the option at any time or from time to time on or after June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes) to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date. See "Description of Notes—Optional Redemption."

Change of Control

 

If we experience a change of control (as defined in the indenture governing the notes) accompanied by a specified rating decline, we must offer to repurchase the notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See "Description of Notes—Change of Control."

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Ranking

 

The notes will be our senior unsecured indebtedness. Your right to payment under the notes will be equal in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The notes will rank senior to all of our future subordinated indebtedness.
As of June 30, 2017, after giving effect to this offering and the Tender Offers, assuming that the Tender Offers are fully subscribed with an aggregate of $150 million of the Tender Notes being purchased pursuant to the Tender Offers, (i) we would have had total indebtedness of $2,645 billion, none of which was subordinated and $44 million of which was secured borrowings under our $1.2 billion senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") and (ii) we would have had $1,090 million available for additional borrowing under our Credit Facility. See "Description of Other Indebtedness."

Certain Covenants

 

We will issue the notes under an indenture and supplemental indenture between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The indenture contains limitations on, among other things:

 

the grant of liens on our assets to secure certain types of indebtedness; and

 

certain mergers or consolidations and transfers of assets.


 

 

These covenants are subject to significant exceptions. See "Description of Notes—Certain Covenants" and "Description of Debt Securities" in the accompanying base prospectus.

Use of Proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering, together with, if required, borrowings under the Credit Facility, to fund the Tender Offers. Any excess net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment or redemption of outstanding indebtedness.

Form and Denomination

 

The notes will be represented by one or more global notes. The global notes will be deposited with the trustee, as custodian for The Depository Trust Company, or DTC. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global notes will be shown on, and transfers of such interests will be effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC and its direct and indirect participants, including the depositaries for Clearstream Banking S.A., Luxembourg, or Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear System.

 

 

The notes will be issued in minimum denominations of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

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Absence of Public Trading Market   When the existing 2024 notes were issued, they were a new class of securities for which there was no market. We expect that the notes offered hereby will trade fungibly with the existing 2024 notes. We do not intend to apply for the notes to be listed on any securities exchange or to arrange for any quotation system to quote them. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market for the notes, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making activities at any time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a liquid market for the notes will develop or be maintained. See "Risk Factors."

Trustee

 

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

Governing Law

 

New York.

Risk Factors

 

Investing in the notes involves certain risks. You should consider the information under "Risk Factors" and the other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus before investing in the notes.

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Summary Historical Consolidated Financial Data

        The following information has been derived from our consolidated financial statements as of and for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 and as of and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016. Because the following information is only a summary and does not provide all of the information contained in our financial statements, including the related notes, you should read "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2017. See "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." The results of interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  
 
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
   
   
   
 
 
  (In millions, except per share amounts)
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:

                               

Revenues:

                               

Product revenues:

                               

Oil sales

  $ 414   $ 239   $ 551   $ 494   $ 669  

Natural gas sales

    84     49     125     138     282  

Natural gas liquid sales

    44     15     46     23     20  

Total product revenues          

    542     303     722     655     971  

Net gain (loss) on derivatives

    319     (97 )   (207 )   418     434  

Gas management

    13     147     177     286     1,110  

Other

        1     1     7     8  

Total revenues

    874     354     693     1,366     2,523  

Costs and expenses:

                               

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    318     315     623     528     363  

Lease and facility operating          

    101     83     163     145     143  

Gathering, processing and transportation

    42     36     76     64     71  

Taxes other than income

    42     27     60     62     88  

Exploration

    60     21     42     85     101  

General and administrative

    89     108     214     210     224  

Gas management, including charges for unutilized pipeline capacity          

    13     171     208     261     979  

Net (gain) loss on sales of assets, divestment or transportation contracts and impairment of producing properties

    (42 )   (202 )   22     (349 )   15  

Acquisition costs

                23      

Other—net

    12     4     16     63     13  

Total costs and expenses

    635     563     1,424     1,092     1,997  

Operating income (loss)

    239     (209 )   (731 )   274     526  

Interest expense

    (93 )   (110 )   (207 )   (187 )   (123 )

Loss on extinguishment of acquired debt

            (1 )   (65 )    

Investment income, impairment of equity method investment and other

    2     1     2     (2 )   1  

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  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  
 
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
   
   
   
 
 
  (In millions, except per share amounts)
 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

    148     (318 )   (937 )   20     404  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (22 )   (95 )   (325 )   24     148  

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    170     (223 )   (612 )   (4 )   256  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    (2 )   13     11     (1,722 )   (85 )

Net income (loss)

    168     (210 )   (601 )   (1,726 )   171  

Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

                1     7  

Net income (loss) attributable to WPX Energy, Inc. 

  $ 168   $ (210 ) $ (601 ) $ (1,727 ) $ 164  

Less: Dividends on preferred stock

  $ 8   $ 11   $ 18   $ 9   $  

Less: Loss on induced conversion of preferred stock

            22          

Net income (loss) attributable to WPX Energy, Inc. common stockholders

  $ 160   $ (221 ) $ (641 ) $ (1,736 ) $ 164  

Amounts attributable to WPX Energy, Inc. common stockholders:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

    162     (234 ) $ (652 ) $ (13 ) $ 256  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    (2 )   13     11     (1,723 )   (92 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 160   $ (221 ) $ (641 ) $ (1,736 ) $ 164  

Basic earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 0.41   $ (0.81 ) $ (2.08 ) $ (0.06 ) $ 1.26  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

        0.04     0.03     (7.36 )   (0.45 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.41   $ (0.77 ) $ (2.05 ) $ (7.42 ) $ 0.81  

Basic weighted-average shares

    392.1     288.2     313.3     234.2     202.7  

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:

                               

Income (loss) from continuing operations

  $ 0.40   $ (0.81 ) $ (2.08 ) $ (0.06 ) $ 1.24  

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

        0.04     0.03     (7.36 )   (0.44 )

Net income (loss)

  $ 0.40   $ (0.77 ) $ (2.05 ) $ (7.42 ) $ 0.80  

Diluted weighted-average shares

    418.8     288.2     313.3     234.2     206.3  

 

 
   
  As of December 31,  
 
  As of June 30,
2017
 
 
  2016   2015  
 
  (Unaudited)
   
   
 
 
  (In millions)
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:

                   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 8   $ 496   $ 38  

Properties and equipment, net (successful efforts method of accounting)

  $ 7,485   $ 6,474   $ 6,522  

Total assets

  $ 7,962   $ 7,264   $ 8,393  

Current portion of long-term debt, net

  $   $   $ 1  

Long-term debt, net

  $ 2,601   $ 2,575   $ 3,189  

Total equity

  $ 4,304   $ 3,466   $ 3,535  

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  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  
 
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
   
   
   
 
 
   
  (In millions)
   
   
 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow:

                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 142   $ 89   $ 262   $ 811   $ 1,070  

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  $ (1,308 ) $ 844   $ 310   $ (1,316 ) $ (1,437 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

  $ 678   $ 60   $ (114 ) $ 473   $ 344  

 

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  
 
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
   
   
   
 
 
  (In millions)
 

Other Financial Data:

                               

Adjusted EBITDAX(1)

  $ 267   $ 225   $ 475   $ 781   $ 447  

(1)
See "—Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAX."

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDAX

        Adjusted EBITDAX represents earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization and exploration expenses and includes adjustments for net (gain) loss on derivatives not designated as hedges, net received (paid) on settlement of derivatives not designated as hedges, sales of assets, impairments, accrual for certain future gathering obligations associated with an abandoned area, accrual for a Denver office lease, costs with respect to our acquisition of RKI, loss on extinguishment of acquired debt and discontinued operations. We believe this non-GAAP measure provides useful information regarding our ability to meet future debt service, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

        Adjusted EBITDAX, however, is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to other financial data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as an indicator of our operating performance. Adjusted EBITDAX does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and our calculation thereof may not be comparable to similarly entitled measures reported by other companies. Although we use adjusted EBITDAX as a measure to assess the operating performance of our business, adjusted EBITDAX has significant limitations as an analytical tool because it excludes certain material costs. For example, adjusted EBITDAX does not take into account a number of significant items, including our

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interest expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense. Our calculation of adjusted EBITDAX for the periods presented is set forth below:

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  
 
  (Unaudited)
  (Unaudited)
   
   
   
 
 
  (In millions)
 

Net income (loss)

  $ 168   $ (210 ) $ (601 ) $ (1,726 ) $ 171  

Interest expense

    93     110     207     187     123  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    (22 )   (95 )   (325 )   24     148  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    318     315     623     528     363  

Exploration

    60     21     42     85     101  

EBITDAX

  $ 617   $ 141   $ (54 ) $ (902 ) $ 906  

Net (gain) loss on derivatives not designated as hedges

    (319 )   97     207     (418 )   (434 )

Net cash received (paid) on settlement of derivatives not designated as hedges

    9     202     302     617     (125 )

Net (gain) loss on sales of assets, divestment of transportation contracts and impairments

    (42 )   (202 )   22     (349 )   15  

Impairment of inventory(1)

            4          

Accrual for Denver office lease(2)

            5          

Accrual for certain future gathering obligations associated with an abandoned area(3)

                23      

RKI acquisition costs and loss on extinguishment of acquired debt

                88      

(Income) loss from discontinued operations

    2     (13 )   (11 )   1,722     85  

Adjusted EBITDAX

  $ 267   $ 225   $ 475   $ 781   $ 447  

(1)
Represents impairment of material and supplies inventory for obsolete items.

(2)
Represents an accrual for a Denver office space we no longer plan to use.

(3)
In December 2015, we plugged and abandoned the remaining wells serviced by a certain natural gas gathering system in the Appalachian Basin. As a result, we recorded approximately $23 million associated with the net present value of future obligations under this gathering agreement.

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Summary Historical Reserve and Operating Data

        We have significant oil and gas producing activities primarily in the Permian, Williston and San Juan Basins located in the United States. Prior to the divestiture of our Piceance assets in April 2016, we also had significant oil and gas producing assets in the Piceance Basin in the United States, which are included in the table below. Also, prior to our divestiture of our ownership interest in Apco Oil and Gas International Inc. in January 2015, we had international oil and gas producing activities, primarily in Argentina. Proved reserves related to international activities were less than 5 percent of our total international and domestic proved reserves as of December 31, 2014. Accordingly, unless specifically stated otherwise, the information in this section relates only to the oil and gas activities in the United States. You should refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 incorporated by reference herein and the other documents incorporated by reference herein and therein when evaluating the material presented below.

        We prepare our own reserves estimates and approximately 98 percent of our reserves as of December 31, 2016 are audited by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. We have not filed on a recurring basis estimates of our total proved net oil, NGL and natural gas reserves with any U.S. regulatory authority or agency other than with the U.S. Department of Energy and the SEC. The estimates furnished to the Department of Energy have been consistent with those furnished to the SEC.

        The following table presents summary data with respect to our proved natural gas and oil reserves as of the dates indicated.

 
  At December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014  

Proved Reserves(1):

                   

Oil (MBbls)

    174,563     142,719     130,829  

Natural Gas (MMcf)

    734,401     2,190,203     3,149,591  

NGLs (MBbls)

    49,443     75,293     70,840  

Total (Mboe)(2)

    346,406     583,046     726,601  

Proved Developed (Mboe)

    181,797     402,245     452,296  

Proved Undeveloped (Mboe)

    164,609     180,801     274,305  

Total (Mboe)(2)

    346,406     583,046     726,601  

PV-10 (in millions)(3)(4)

  $ 1,038   $ 1,284   $ 4,956  

(1)
The SEC defines proved oil and gas reserves (Rule 4-10(a) of Regulation S-X) as those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.

(2)
Total Proved Reserves included in the table above for the Piceance Basin were 303,748 Mboe and 422,425 Mboe as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In April 2016, we disposed of all our assets in the Piceance Basin.

(3)
PV-10 is derived from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, which is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. PV-10 is a computation of the standardized

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    measure of discounted future net cash flows on a pre-tax basis. PV-10 is equal to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows at the applicable date, before deducting future income taxes, discounted at 10 percent. We believe that the presentation of PV-10 is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our estimated proved reserves prior to taking into account future corporate income taxes, and it is a useful measure for evaluating the relative monetary significance of our oil and natural gas assets. Further, investors may utilize the measure as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our reserves to other companies. We use this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to our oil and natural gas assets. PV-10, however, is not a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. Our PV-10 measure and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of our oil and natural gas reserves.

(4)
PV-10 for 2015 includes $270 million related to the Piceance Basin that was divested in April 2016.

        The following table provides a reconciliation of PV-10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows at December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:

 
  At December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014  
 
  (in millions)
 

PV-10

    1,038   $ 1,284   $ 4,956  

Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%

    (b)   (b)   (1,073 )

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows(a)

    1,038   $ 1,284   $ 3,883  

(a)
Standardized Measure represents the present value of estimated future cash inflows from proved natural gas and oil reserves, less future development and production costs and income tax expenses, discounted at ten percent per annum to reflect timing of future cash flows and using certain pricing assumptions. Specifically, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the average domestic combined natural gas and NGL equivalent price was $1.75, $2.32 and $4.34 per Mcfe, respectively. The average domestic oil price used in the estimates for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $35.91, $43.84 and $83.62 per barrel, respectively. Included in the $1,284 million for 2015 is $270 million related to the proved properties in the Piceance Basin that were divested in April 2016.

(b)
Our historical tax basis (i.e. future deduction for taxable income calculation) of proved properties at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is greater than the total future net cash flows before taxes of the standardized measure; therefore, future taxable income would be less than zero.

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        The following table sets forth our estimated domestic net proved reserves for our largest areas of activity expressed by product and on a gas equivalent basis as of December 31, 2016.

 
  As of December 31, 2016  
 
  Oil
(Mbbls)
  Gas
(MMcf)
  NGL (Mbbls)   Equivalent
(Mboe)
 

Delaware Basin

    66,866     274,629     30,895     143,532  

Williston Basin

    86,785     51,771     9,486     104,900  

San Juan Basin

    20,817     367,943     8,820     90,961  

Other

    95     40,058     242     7,013  

Total Proved

    174,563     734,401     49,443     346,406  

Oil and Gas Production, Production Prices and Production Costs

        The following table summarizes our production volumes, excluding any activity associated with discontinued operations, for the periods indicated.

 
  Six Months Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2017   2016   2016   2015   2014  

Production Sales Volume Data:(1)(2)

                               

Oil (MBbls)

    9,479     7,493     15,178     12,479     8,568  

Natural gas (MMcf)

    36,080     35,583     72,842     66,187     74,533  

NGLs (MBbls)

    2,267     1,617     3,645     2,412     898  

Combined equivalent volumes (MBoe)

    17,759     15,041     30,963     25,922     21,888  

Production Sales Volume Per Day:

                               

Oil (MBbls/d)

    52.4     41.2     41.5     34.2     23.5  

Natural Gas (MMcf/d)

    199     196     199     181     204  

NGL (MBbls/d)

    12.5     8.9     10.0     6.6     2.5  

Combined equivalent volumes (MBoe/d)

    98.1     82.6     84.6     71.0     60.0  

(1)
Excludes production from our discontinued operations, including our Piceance assets disposed in April 2016.

(2)
Reflects production from Permian subsequent to August 16, 2015.

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        The following tables summarize our domestic sales price and cost information for the years indicated.

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014  

Realized average price per unit(1):

                   

Oil:

                   

Oil sales (per barrel)

  $ 36.31   $ 39.61   $ 78.09  

Impact of net cash received related to settlement of derivatives (per barrel)

    12.50     31.21     2.17  

Oil net price including all derivative settlements (per barrel)

  $ 48.81   $ 70.82   $ 80.26  

Natural gas:(2)

                   

Natural gas sales (per Mcf)

  $ 1.72   $ 2.08   $ 3.78  

Impact of net cash received (paid) related to settlement of derivatives (per Mcf)

    1.53     3.93     (0.37 )

Natural gas net price including all derivative settlements (per Mcf)

  $ 3.25   $ 6.01   $ 3.41  

NGL:(2)

                   

NGL sales (per barrel)

  $ 12.48   $ 9.39   $ 22.94  

Impact of net cash received (paid) related to settlement of derivatives (per barrel)

            7.81  

NGL net price including all derivative settlements (per barrel)

  $ 12.48   $ 9.39   $ 30.75  

Combined commodity price per MBoe, including all derivative settlements

  $ 33.04   $ 50.32   $ 44.30  

(1)
Excludes operations classified as discontinued operations, including our Piceance assets disposed in April 2016.

(2)
Realized average prices reflect market prices, net of fuel and shrink.


 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014  

Expenses per Boe(1):

                   

Operating expenses:

                   

Lifting costs and workovers

  $ 4.74   $ 5.02   $ 5.96  

Facilities operating expense

    0.30     0.34     0.26  

Accretion expense

    0.18     0.19     0.22  

Other operating and maintenance

    .04     .04     .07  

Total LOE

  $ 5.26   $ 5.59   $ 6.51  

Gathering, processing and transportation charges

    2.45     2.48     3.25  

Taxes other than income

    1.94     2.38     4.03  

Total production cost

  $ 9.65   $ 10.45   $ 13.79  

General and administrative

  $ 6.90   $ 8.12   $ 10.24  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 20.11   $ 20.39   $ 16.58  

(1)
Excludes operations classified as discontinued operations, including our Piceance assets disposed in April 2016.

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RISK FACTORS

        Before you decide to invest in the notes, you should consider the factors set forth below as well as the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus. See "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference."

Risk Factors Relating to the Notes

Our indebtedness could impair our financial condition and our ability to fulfill our debt obligations, including our obligations under the notes.

        As of June 30, 2017, after giving effect to this offering and the Tender Offers, assuming that the Tender Offers are fully subscribed with an aggregate of $150 million of the Tender Notes being purchased pursuant to the Tender Offers, we would have had total indebtedness of $2,645 and an additional $1,090 million available for borrowing under our Credit Facility.

        Our debt service obligations and restrictive covenants in our Credit Facility, the indenture governing our existing notes and the indenture governing the notes offered hereby could have important consequences to you. For example, they could:

        We are not prohibited under the indentures governing our existing notes and the notes offered hereby from incurring additional indebtedness in addition to the notes. Our incurrence of significant additional indebtedness would exacerbate the negative consequences mentioned above and could adversely affect our ability to pay the interest on, and principal of, the notes.

We have a holding company structure in which our subsidiaries conduct our operations and own our operating assets, which may affect our ability to make payments on the notes.

        We have a holding company structure, and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. Further, substantially all of our cash flows are generated by the subsidiaries that are guarantors under our Credit Facility. We have no significant assets other than the ownership interests in these subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to make required payments on the notes depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by, among other things, applicable state partnership and limited liability company laws and other laws and regulations. In addition, our subsidiaries are not prohibited by the terms of their respective organizational documents or the notes from incurring indebtedness, and the agreements governing such indebtedness may contain restrictions

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on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. Moreover, if our subsidiaries were to incur significant amounts of indebtedness, such occurrence may inhibit their operating results, cash flow, and financial condition, and their ability to make distributions to us could suffer. An inability by our subsidiaries to make distributions to us would materially and adversely affect our ability to pay interest on, and the principal of, the notes because we expect distributions we receive from our subsidiaries to represent a significant portion of the cash we use to pay interest on, and the principal of, the notes. If we are unable to obtain the funds necessary to pay the principal amount at maturity of the notes, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as a refinancing of the notes. We cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance the notes.

Our debt agreements impose restrictions on us that may limit our access to credit and adversely affect our ability to operate our business.

        Our Credit Facility contains various covenants that restrict or limit, among other things, our ability to grant liens to support indebtedness, merge or sell substantially all of our assets, make certain distributions and incur additional debt. In addition, our Credit Facility contains financial covenants and other limitations with which we need to comply. Similarly, the indentures governing our existing notes and the notes offered hereby restrict our ability to grant liens to secure certain types of indebtedness and merge or sell substantially all of our assets. These covenants could adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs or engage in, expand or pursue our business activities and prevent us from engaging in certain transactions that might otherwise be considered beneficial to us. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our current assumptions about future economic conditions turn out to be incorrect or unexpected events occur, our ability to comply with these covenants may be significantly impaired.

        Our failure to comply with the covenants in our debt agreements could result in events of default. Upon the occurrence of such an event of default, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments, if any, to extend further credit. Certain payment defaults or an acceleration under one debt agreement could cause a cross-default or cross-acceleration of another debt agreement. Such a cross-default or cross-acceleration could have a wider impact on our liquidity than might otherwise arise from a default or acceleration of a single debt instrument. If an event of default occurs, or if other debt agreements cross-default, and the lenders under the affected debt agreements accelerate the maturity of any loans or other debt outstanding to us, we may not have sufficient liquidity to repay amounts outstanding under such debt agreements. The notes do not contain a cross-acceleration event of default. See "Description of Notes" and "Description of Debt Securities" in the accompanying base prospectus.

        Our ability to repay, extend or refinance our debt obligations and to obtain future credit will depend primarily on our operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Our ability to refinance our debt obligations or obtain future credit will also depend upon the current conditions in the credit markets and the availability of credit generally. If we are unable to meet our debt service obligations or obtain future credit on favorable terms, if at all, we could be forced to restructure or refinance our indebtedness, seek additional equity capital or sell assets. We may be unable to obtain financing or sell assets on satisfactory terms, or at all.

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The notes will be effectively subordinated to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to liabilities and indebtedness of our subsidiaries.

        We have the $1.2 billion Credit Facility, and we may incur secured indebtedness and grant security interests in our properties and assets in the future. Any holders of any secured indebtedness that we have or may incur in the future would have claims with respect to our assets constituting collateral for such indebtedness that are effectively prior to your claims under the notes. In the event of a default on such secured indebtedness or our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, those assets would be available to satisfy obligations with respect to the indebtedness secured thereby before any payment could be made on the notes. Accordingly, any such secured indebtedness would effectively be senior to the notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the indebtedness. While the indentures governing our existing notes and the notes offered hereby place some limitations on our ability to create liens, there are significant exceptions to these limitations that will allow us to secure some kinds of indebtedness without equally and ratably securing the notes. To the extent the value of the collateral is not sufficient to satisfy the secured indebtedness, the holders of that indebtedness would be entitled to share with the holders of the notes and the holders of other claims against us with respect to our other assets. Holders of the notes will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as the notes, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the notes. As a result, holders of notes may receive less than holders of secured indebtedness.

        In addition, the notes are not guaranteed by our subsidiaries and our subsidiaries are generally not prohibited under the indentures governing our existing notes or the notes offered hereby from incurring additional indebtedness. Our subsidiaries are operating entities with substantial liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, certain of our subsidiaries are guarantors under our Credit Facility. Substantially all of our cash flows are generated by the subsidiaries that are guarantors under our Credit Facility. As a result, holders of the notes will be structurally subordinated to claims of third-party creditors, including holders of indebtedness and other liabilities, of these subsidiaries. Claims of those other creditors, including trade creditors, secured creditors, governmental authorities and holders of indebtedness or guarantees issued by the subsidiaries, will generally have priority as to the assets of the subsidiaries over claims by the holders of the notes. As a result, rights of payment of holders of our indebtedness, including the holders of the notes, will be structurally subordinated to all those claims of creditors of our subsidiaries.

We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control Triggering Event.

        Upon a change of control of us and a downgrade of the rating of the notes (or if the notes have an investment grade rating at the time of the change of control, such notes are downgraded below an investment grade rating by Moody's Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services), we will be required to make an offer to each holder of notes to repurchase all or any part of such holder's notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See "Description of Notes—Change of Control." If such events were to occur, we cannot assure you that we will have the financial resources to purchase your new notes, particularly if such events trigger a similar repurchase requirement for, or result in the acceleration of, other existing or future indebtedness. In addition, our ability to repurchase the notes may be limited by law and regulations or the terms of other agreements relating to our indebtedness outstanding at the time. Any failure to purchase the notes as required under the indenture governing the notes would result in a default under the indenture, which could have material adverse consequences for us and the holders of the notes.

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Our credit ratings may not reflect all risks of your investment in the notes.

        The credit ratings assigned to the notes are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the notes and do not address all material risks relating to an investment in the notes, but rather reflect only the view of each rating agency at the time the rating is issued. We cannot assure you that these credit ratings will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by the applicable rating agencies. An increase in the level of our outstanding indebtedness, or other events that could have an adverse impact on our business, properties, financial condition, results of operations or prospects, may cause the rating agencies to downgrade our debt credit rating generally and the ratings on the notes. Each agency's rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency's rating. Actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in our credit ratings, including any announcement that our ratings are under further review for a downgrade, could affect the trading price for or liquidity of the notes, increase our corporate borrowing costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in more restrictive covenants in future debt agreements.

The limited covenants applicable to the notes may not provide protection against some events or developments that may affect our ability to repay the notes or the trading prices for the notes.

        The indenture governing the notes, among other things, does not:

        In addition, the indenture governing the notes allows us to incur (a) an unlimited amount of debt to develop oil, gas, coal or other mineral or timber properties secured by liens on such properties and (b) an unlimited amount of debt to finance advance payments under any contract for oil, natural gas, hydrocarbon or other mineral exploration or development secured by liens on such contracts.

        As a result, you should consider the limited covenants in the indenture governing the notes as a significant factor in evaluating whether to invest in the notes.

There may not be a liquid market for the notes and, if a market does develop, it may not be maintained.

        When the existing 2024 notes were issued, they were a new class of securities for which there was no market. We expect that the notes offered hereby will trade fungibly with the existing 2024 notes. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market for the notes, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making activities at any time. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a liquid market for the notes will develop or be maintained. We do not intend to apply for the notes to be listed on any securities exchange or to arrange for any quotation system to quote them.

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The market price of the notes may be volatile.

        The market price of the notes will depend on many factors that may vary over time and some of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to:

        As a result of these factors, you may only be able to sell your notes at a price below what you believe to be appropriate, including a price below the price you paid for them.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will receive approximately $             million in net proceeds from this offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses (but including any accrued interest from March 15, 2017 to the closing date of the notes, which the purchasers of the notes offered hereby must pay to us on the closing date). We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering, together with, if required, borrowings under the Credit Facility, to fund the Tender Offers. Any excess net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment or repurchase of outstanding indebtedness.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our capitalization as of June 30, 2017, on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the notes and the application of proceeds therefrom as set forth in "Use of Proceeds."

        This table should be read in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds" and our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2017 incorporated by reference herein.

 
  As of June 30, 2017  
 
  Actual   As Adjusted  
 
  (Unaudited)
 
 
  (In millions)
 

Debt:

             

5.25% Senior Notes due 2024

  $ 500   $ 650  

Other senior notes(1)

    2,100   $ 1,950  

Credit Facility(2)

    25     44  

Other debt

    1     1  

Total debt obligations

    2,626     2,645  

Total equity

    4,304     4,304  

Total capitalization

  $ 6,930   $ 6,949  

(1)
Consists of $500 million of our 2020 Notes, $1.1 billion of our 2022 Notes and $500 million of our 2023 Notes. As adjusted column assumes that the Tender Offers are fully subscribed with an aggregate of $150 million of the Tender Notes being purchased pursuant to the Tender Offers. See "Summary—Recent Developments—Tender Offers."

(2)
Reflects borrowings under our $1.2 billion Credit Facility. As adjusted amount includes estimated premiums and expenses. As of June 30, 2017, on an as adjusted basis, we had $1,090 billion available for borrowing under our Credit Facility, which includes $66 million in letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The Company draws from the Credit Facility for general corporate purposes from time to time. Subsequent to June 30, 2017 and as of August 2, 2017, the Company has borrowed an additional $155 million under the Credit Facility.

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

Senior Notes

        We currently have outstanding $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.50% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "2020 Notes"), $1.1 billion aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Notes due 2022 (the "2022 Notes"), $500 million aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $500 million aggregate principal amount of the existing 2024 notes (collectively, the "Existing Notes"). The Existing Notes were issued under indentures between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee.

        The terms of the Existing Notes are substantially similar.

        Optional Redemption.    We have the option prior to July 1, 2020 for the 2020 Notes, October 15, 2021 for the 2022 Notes, June 1, 2023 for the 2023 Notes, and June 15, 2024 for the existing 2024 Notes to redeem some or all of such notes at a specified "make whole" premium as described in the indenture governing the applicable series of Existing Notes to be redeemed. We also have the option at any time or from time to time on or after July 1, 2020 to redeem the 2020 Notes, on or after October 15, 2021 to redeem the 2022 Notes, on or after June 1, 2023 to redeem the 2023 Notes or on or after June 15, 2024, to redeem the existing 2024 Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.

        Change of Control.    If we experience a change of control (as defined in the indentures governing the notes) accompanied by a specified rating decline, we must offer to repurchase the Existing Notes of such series at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

        Covenants.    The terms of the indentures governing our Existing Notes restrict our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness secured by liens and our ability to effect a consolidation, merger or sale of substantially all our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries. The indentures also require us to file with the trustee and the SEC certain documents and reports within certain time limits set forth in the indentures. However, these limitations and requirements are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions. The indentures do not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity.

        Events of Default.    Each of the following is an "Event of Default" under the indentures with respect to the Existing Notes of any series:

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Credit Facility

        We have a $1.2 billion senior secured revolving credit facility agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Lender and Swingline Lender and the other lenders party thereto. The Credit Facility has a maturity date of October 28, 2019. Based on our current credit ratings, a "Collateral Trigger Period" is currently in effect, making the Credit Facility subject to certain financial covenants and a Borrowing Base as described below. The Credit Facility may be used for working capital, acquisitions, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The financial covenants in the Credit Facility may limit our ability to borrow money, depending on the applicable financial metrics at any given time. As of June 30, 2017, there was $25 million in borrowings and there were $66 million of letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility, and we were in compliance with our financial covenants under the credit agreement. Our unused borrowing availability was $1,109 million as of June 30, 2017.

        Borrowing Base.    During a Collateral Trigger Period, loans under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base as calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Facility. As of March 18, 2016, the borrowing base was set at $1.025 billion. It was reaffirmed at $1.025 billion in October 2016 and was increased to $1.2 billion in April 2017 and will remain in effect until the next redetermination date as set forth in the Credit Facility. The borrowing base is recalculated at least every six months per the terms of the Credit Facility.

        Terms and Conditions.    The Credit Facility is currently guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company (excluding subsidiaries holding midstream assets and subsidiaries meeting other customary exclusion criteria), as Guarantors, and secured by substantially all of the Company's and the Guarantors' assets (including oil and gas properties), subject to customary exceptions and carve outs (which shall also exclude midstream assets and the equity interests of subsidiaries holding midstream assets). Such obligations shall terminate on the earlier of any applicable Collateral Trigger Termination Date (as described below) or the date on which all liens held by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the secured parties are released pursuant to the terms of the Credit Facility.

        The Collateral Trigger Termination Date is the first date, on which:

        Following the Collateral Trigger Termination Date, a Collateral Trigger Period may again occur if the Company's Corporate Rating is BB– or lower (or unrated) by S&P or Ba3 or lower (or unrated) by Moody's or upon the Company's election to voluntarily enter into a Collateral Trigger Period.

        Interest and Commitment Fees.    Interest on borrowings under the Credit Facility is payable at rates per annum equal to, at the Company's option: (1) a fluctuating base rate equal to the alternate base rate plus the applicable margin, or (2) a periodic fixed rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable margin. The alternate base rate will be the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent, (ii) the Prime Rate, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0 percent. The Company is required to pay a commitment fee based on the unused portion of the commitments under the Credit Facility. The applicable margin and the commitment fees during a Collateral Trigger Period are determined by reference to a utilization percentage as set forth in the Credit Facility. The applicable margin and the commitment fee other

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than during a Collateral Trigger Period are determined by reference to a pricing schedule based on the Company's senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt ratings.

        Currently, the Company is required to maintain:

        Following consummation of this issuance of notes and the Tender Offers, assuming that the Tender Offers are fully subscribed with an aggregate of $150 million of the Tender Notes being purchased pursuant to the Tender Offers, the Company will remain in compliance with the Consolidated Secured Indebtedness to Consolidated EBITDAX ratio requirement.

        If a Collateral Trigger Termination Date occurs, other financial covenants would apply.

        Covenants.    The Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative, negative and financial covenants (as described above) which were made only for the purposes of the Credit Facility and as of the specific date (or dates) set forth therein, and may be subject to certain limitations as agreed upon by the contracting parties. The covenants limit, among other things, the ability of our subsidiaries to incur indebtedness; our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to grant certain liens, make restricted payments, materially change the nature of our or their business, make investments, guarantees, loans or advances in non-subsidiaries or enter into certain hedging agreements; the ability of our material subsidiaries to enter into certain restrictive agreements; our ability and the ability of our material subsidiaries to enter into certain affiliate transactions; our the ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to redeem any senior notes; and our ability to merge or consolidate with any person or sell all or substantially all of our assets to any person. We and our subsidiaries are also prohibited from using the proceeds under the Credit Facility in violation of Sanctions (as defined in the Credit Facility). In addition, the representations, warranties and covenants contained in the Credit Facility are subject to certain exceptions and/or standards of materiality applicable to the contracting parties.

        Events of Default.    The Credit Facility includes customary events of default, including events of default relating to:

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        If an event of default with respect to a borrower occurs under the Credit Facility, the lenders will be able to terminate the commitments and accelerate the maturity of the loans of the defaulting borrower under the Credit Facility and exercise other rights and remedies.

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

        You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading "—Certain Definitions." In this description, the terms "WPX," "we," "us," and "our" refer only to WPX Energy, Inc. and not to any of its Subsidiaries. You should read the following information in conjunction with the statements under "Description of Debt Securities" in the accompanying prospectus. This "Description of Notes" replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus to the extent the terms of the notes described below are inconsistent with the provisions of the debt securities set forth in the accompanying prospectus.

        On September 8, 2014, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.25% senior notes due 2024 (the "existing 2024 notes") under the indenture dated as of September 8, 2014 (the "base indenture"), as supplemented by a supplemental indenture which established the terms of the existing 2024 notes (the "first supplemental indenture") between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the "trustee"). The term "indenture" refers to the base indenture as supplemented by the first supplemental indenture. We will issue $150 million aggregate principal amount of additional 5.25% Senior Notes due 2024 as additional notes under the indenture (the "new 2024 notes" and, together with the existing 2024 notes, the "notes"). The new 2024 notes will rank equally with and have the same terms as the existing 2024 notes. The new 2024 notes will become part of the same series and will be designated by the same CUSIP number as the existing 2024 notes. The new 2024 notes and the existing 2024 notes will be treated as a single series for all purposes under the indenture.

        The terms of the notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture and the notes. It does not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the indenture in its entirety because it, and not this description, defines your rights as holders of the notes. Copies of the indenture are available as set forth under "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." Certain defined terms used in this description but not defined below under "—Certain Definitions" have the meanings assigned to them in the indenture.

        The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered holders will have rights under the indenture.

Brief Description of the Notes

        The notes:

        As of June 30, 2017, after giving effect to this offering of the notes and the Tender Offers, assuming that the Tender Offers are fully subscribed with an aggregate of $150 million of the Tender Notes being purchased pursuant to the Tender Offers, on June 30, 2017:

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        Substantially all of our cash flows are generated by the subsidiaries that are guarantors under our Credit Facility.

        The indenture permits us to incur additional indebtedness, including additional senior unsecured indebtedness. The indenture also does not restrict the ability of our Subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness. See "Risk Factors—Our indebtedness could impair our financial condition and our ability to fulfill our debt obligations, including our obligations under the notes" and "Risk Factors—The notes will be effectively subordinated to any of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated to liabilities and indebtedness of our subsidiaries."

Principal, Maturity and Interest

        We will issue the new 2024 notes with an initial maximum aggregate principal amount of $150 million. We previously issued the existing 2024 notes in the aggregate principal amount of $500 million. The notes will mature on September 15, 2024. We will issue the new 2024 notes in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

        Interest on the new 2024 notes will accrue from March 15, 2017 (the most recent date to which interest has been paid on the existing 2024 Notes) at a rate per annum of 5.25%, and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, beginning on September 15, 2017. We will make each interest payment on the notes to the holders of record at the close of business on the immediately preceding March 1 or September 1 (whether or not a Business Day). Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

        We may, without the consent of the holders of notes, issue additional notes having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the notes, except that interest may accrue from the date of issuance of such additional notes. Any additional notes having such similar terms, together with the existing 2024 notes and the notes offered hereby, will constitute a single series of notes under the indenture; provided that if the additional notes are not fungible for U.S. federal income tax purposes with the initial notes of such series, the additional notes shall be issued under a separate CUSIP number.

Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes

        We will pay all principal, interest and premium, if any, on the notes in the manner described under "—Same Day Settlement and Payment" below.

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

        The trustee will initially act as paying agent and registrar. We may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and we or any of our Subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer and Exchange

        A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the indenture. The registrar and the trustee may require a holder to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in

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connection with a transfer of notes. No service charges will be imposed by us, the trustee or the registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but holders may be required to pay all taxes due on transfer or exchange. We are not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption, except the unredeemed portion of any note being redeemed in part. Also, we are not required to transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before mailing notice of any redemption of notes.

Optional Redemption

        We may, at our option, at any time or from time to time prior to June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes) redeem the notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at a redemption price equal to the greater of:

        We also have the option at any time or from time to time on or after June 15, 2024 (which is the date that is three months prior to the maturity date of the notes) to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to but excluding the redemption date.

Selection and Notice

        If less than all of notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select such notes for redemption from the outstanding notes not previously called for redemption by such method as the trustee shall deem fair and appropriate; provided that if the notes are represented by one or more global notes, beneficial interests in the notes will be selected for redemption by DTC in accordance with its standard procedures therefor.

        No notes of $2,000 or less can be redeemed in part. Notices of optional redemption will be mailed by first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered address. Notices of redemption may not be conditional.

        If the notes are to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption will state the portion of the principal amount of the notes that are to be redeemed. New notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original notes will be issued in the name of the holders of the notes upon cancellation of the original notes. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest will cease to accrue on notes or portions of them called for redemption.

Change of Control

        If a Change of Control occurs and is accompanied by a Rating Decline (together, a "Change of Control Triggering Event"), each registered holder of notes will have the right to require us to offer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, provided that the unpurchased portion of any note must be in a minimum denomination of $2,000) of such

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holder's notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.

        Within 30 days following any Change of Control Triggering Event, we will mail a notice (the "Change of Control Offer") to each registered holder of notes with a copy to the trustee stating:

        On the Change of Control Payment Date we will, to the extent lawful:

        The Paying Agent will promptly mail or otherwise deliver to each holder of notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

        If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date of notes, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the person in whose name such note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to holders who tender pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.

        Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control Triggering Event, the indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders to require that we repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

        We will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control Triggering Event if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

        Our and our subsidiaries' current and/or future debt instruments may require that we repay or refinance indebtedness under such debt instruments in the event of a change of control, as defined in such debt instruments. Such change of control provisions may be triggered under such debt instruments prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event, thereby requiring that the

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indebtedness under such debt instruments be repaid or refinanced prior to our repurchasing any notes upon the occurrence of a Change of Control Triggering Event. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of their right to require us to repurchase the notes could cause a default under such debt instruments, even if the Change of Control Triggering Event itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchase on us. In such event, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations to repurchase the notes unless we are able to refinance or obtain waivers with respect to such debt instruments.

        Finally, our ability to pay cash to the holders upon a repurchase may be limited by our then existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

        Even if sufficient funds were otherwise available, the terms of our current and/or future debt instruments may prohibit our prepayment of notes before their scheduled maturity. Consequently, if we are not able to prepay the indebtedness under such debt instruments or obtain requisite consents, we will be unable to fulfill our repurchase obligations if holders of the notes exercise their repurchase right following a Change of Control Triggering Event, resulting in an Event of Default under the indenture. An Event of Default under the indenture may result in a default under our current and/or future debt instruments.

        We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control Triggering Event. To the extent that the provisions of any such securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control offer provisions of the notes, we will comply with those securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the Change of Control offer provisions of the notes by virtue of any such conflict.

        The definition of "Change of Control" includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of our assets and those of our Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

        Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of a Person.

        In addition, under clause (4) of the definition of Change of Control below, a Change of Control will occur when a majority of the members of the Board of Directors or equivalent governing body of WPX ceases to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the date the notes were issued, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body, or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board or equivalent governing body was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board or equivalent governing body (excluding, in the case of both clause (ii) and clause (iii), any individual whose initial nomination for, or assumption of office as, a member of that board or equivalent governing body occurs as a result of an actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents for the election or removal of one or more directors by any person or group other than a solicitation for the election of one or more directors by or on behalf of the Board of Directors). A Delaware Court of Chancery decision has held that the occurrence of a change of control under a similar indenture provision may nevertheless be avoided if the existing directors were to approve the slate of new director nominees, provided the existing directors gave their approval in the good faith exercise of their fiduciary duties owed to the corporation and its shareholders. Therefore, in certain circumstances involving a significant change in the composition of our Board of

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Directors, holders of the Notes may not be entitled to require us to repurchase the Notes as described above.

Mandatory Redemption

        We are not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes.

Certain Covenants

        Except as set forth in this "Description of Notes," neither we nor any of our Subsidiaries will be restricted by the indenture from incurring additional indebtedness or other obligations, from making distributions or paying dividends on our or our Subsidiaries' equity interests or from purchasing our or our Subsidiaries' equity interests. The indenture does not require the maintenance of any financial ratios or specified levels of net worth or liquidity. In addition, the indenture does not contain any provisions that would require us to repurchase or redeem any of the notes in situations that may adversely affect the creditworthiness of the notes.

Liens

        We will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary of ours to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien, other than Permitted Liens, upon any of our or any of our Subsidiaries' property, now owned or hereafter acquired, unless the notes are equally and ratably secured with such Indebtedness until such time as such Indebtedness is no longer secured by a Lien.

        Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, we may, and may permit any Subsidiary of ours to, issue, assume or guarantee any Indebtedness secured by a Lien, other than a Permitted Lien, without securing the notes; provided that the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness of ours and any Subsidiary of ours then outstanding secured by any such Liens (other than Permitted Liens) does not exceed 15% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets.

Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

        The indenture provides that we may not directly or indirectly consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets and properties and the assets and properties of our Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) in one or more related transactions to another Person (as defined in the indenture), unless:

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        Upon any consolidation by us with or our merger into any other Person or Persons where we are not the survivor or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties and assets and the properties and assets of our Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to any Person or Persons in accordance herewith, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, us under the indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as WPX therein; and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be released from all obligations and covenants under the indenture and the debt securities.

        Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of a Person.

        An assumption of our obligations on the notes and under the indenture by any successor Person might be deemed for U.S. federal income tax purposes to cause an exchange of the notes for new notes by the beneficial owners thereof, resulting in recognition of gain or possible loss for such purposes and possibly other adverse tax consequences to the beneficial owners. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of such an assumption.

Reports

        We will be required to file with the trustee, within 30 days after we have filed the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or pursuant to Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Annual reports, information, documents and reports that are filed by us with the SEC via the EDGAR system or any successor electronic delivery procedure will be deemed to be filed with the trustee at the time such documents are filed via the EDGAR system or such successor procedure. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the trustee is for informational purposes only, and the trustee's receipt of such will not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including our compliance with any of our covenants in the indenture.

Events of Default

        Each of the following will constitute an event of default under the indenture with respect to the notes:

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        In case an event of default specified in clause (1) or (2) above shall occur and be continuing with respect to the notes, holders of at least 25%, and in case an event of default specified in clause (3) above shall occur and be continuing with respect to the notes, holders of at least a majority, in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding may declare the principal amount of all the notes then outstanding under the indenture to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default described in clause (4) above shall occur and be continuing then the principal amount of all the notes then outstanding under the indenture shall be and become due and payable immediately, without notice or other action by any holder or the trustee, to the full extent permitted by law.

        Holders of the notes may not enforce the indenture or the notes except as provided in the indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the then notes may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to the notes. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of the notes of any default with respect to the notes (except in payment of principal of or interest or premium on the notes) if the trustee considers it in the interest of holders to do so.

        Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the notes, waive any past or existing default or event of default under the indenture and its consequences, except a continuing default (a) in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the notes or (b) in respect of a covenant or other provision of the indenture, which under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding note.

        We are required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture.

Same Day Settlement and Payment

        WPX will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. WPX will make all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Certificated Notes (i) to holders having an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 or less, by check mailed to such holder's registered address or (ii) to holders having an aggregate principal amount of more than $2,000,000, by check mailed to such holder's registered address or, upon application by a holder to the registrar not later than the relevant record date or in the case of payments of principal or premium, if any, not later than 15 days prior to the principal payment date, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to that holder's account within the United States (subject to surrender of the Certificated Note in the case of payments of principal or premium), which application shall remain in effect until the holder notifies the registrar to the contrary in writing. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. WPX expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

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        Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised WPX that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTC's settlement date.

Certain Definitions

        Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to the indenture for a full disclosure of all such terms, as well as any other capitalized terms used herein for which no definition is provided.

        "Adjusted Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for that redemption date.

        "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with" have correlative meanings.

        "Board of Directors" means:

        "Business Day" means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York or another place of payment are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

        "Capital Stock" means:

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        "Change of Control" means:

        "Commission" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Exchange Act or any successor agency.

        "Comparable Treasury Issue" means the United States Treasury security or securities selected by the Quotation Agent as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the remaining term of the notes that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate notes of comparable maturity to the remaining term of the notes.

        "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date:

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        "Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means at any date of determination, the total amount of assets of us and our Subsidiaries (less applicable reserves and other properly deductible items but including investments in non-consolidated persons) after deducting therefrom:

        "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of WPX that is incorporated or organized under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, as such are in effect on the date of the indenture.

        "holder" means a Person in whose name a note is registered.

        "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any specified Person, any obligation created or assumed by such Person, whether or not contingent, for the repayment of money borrowed from others or any guarantee thereof.

        "International Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary of WPX other than a Domestic Subsidiary.

        "Investment Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than: (i) Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's; or (ii) BBB– (or the equivalent) by S&P, or, if either such entity ceases to rate the notes for reasons outside of WPX's control, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any other Rating Agency.

        "Joint Venture" means any Person that is not a direct or indirect Subsidiary of ours in which we or any of our Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock.

        "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest or other similar encumbrance.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or, if Moody's Investors Service, Inc. shall cease rating notes having a maturity at original issue of at least one year and such ratings business shall have been transferred to a successor Person, such successor Person; provided, however, that if there is no successor Person, then "Moody's" shall mean any other national recognized rating agency, other than S&P, that rates notes having a maturity at original issuance of at least one year and that shall have been designated by us.

        "Non-Recourse Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness incurred by any Joint Venture or Non-Recourse Subsidiary which does not provide for recourse against us or any Subsidiary of ours (other than a Non-Recourse Subsidiary) or any property or asset of ours or any Subsidiary of ours (other than the Capital Stock or the properties or assets of a Joint Venture or Non-Recourse Subsidiary).

        "Non-Recourse Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of ours (i) whose principal purpose is to incur Non-Recourse Indebtedness and/or construct, lease, own or operate the assets financed thereby, or to become a direct or indirect partner, member or other equity participant or owner in a partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association or joint venture created for such purpose (collectively, a "Business Entity"), (ii) who is not an obligor or otherwise bound with respect to any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Indebtedness,

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(iii) substantially all the assets of which Subsidiary or Business Entity are limited to (x) those assets being financed (or to be financed), or the operation of which is being financed (or to be financed), in whole or in part by Non-Recourse Indebtedness or (y) Capital Stock in, or Indebtedness or other obligations of, one or more other Non-Recourse Subsidiaries or Business Entities and (iv) any Subsidiary of a Non-Recourse Subsidiary; provided that such Subsidiary shall be considered to be a Non-Recourse Subsidiary only to the extent that and for so long as each of the above requirements are met.

        "Permitted International Debt" means Indebtedness of any International Subsidiary for which neither WPX nor any Domestic Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, provides any guarantee or other credit support and which is secured, if at all, only by pledges of or liens on assets (i) held by an International Subsidiary on the date of the base indenture, (ii) acquired by an International Subsidiary from a Person not constituting an Affiliate or (iii) acquired by an International Subsidiary from WPX, any Domestic Subsidiary or other Affiliate on terms that, in the good faith judgment of WPX's Board of Directors, are no less favorable to WPX or the relevant Domestic Subsidiary or other Affiliate than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by WPX or such Domestic Subsidiary or other Affiliate with an unrelated Person or, if in the good faith judgment of WPX's Board of Directors, no comparable transaction is available with which to compare such transaction, such transaction is otherwise fair to WPX or the relevant Domestic Subsidiary or other Affiliate from a financial point of view.

        "Permitted Liens" means:

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        Each of the foregoing paragraphs (1) through (23) shall also be deemed to permit (i) appropriate Uniform Commercial Code and other similar filings to perfect the Liens permitted by such paragraph and (ii) Liens on the products and proceeds (including insurance, condemnation and eminent domain proceeds) of and accessions to, and contract or other rights (including rights under insurance policies and product warranties) derivative of or relating to, the property permitted to be encumbered under such paragraph, but subject to the same restrictions and limitations herein set forth as to Liens on such property (including the requirement that such Liens on products, proceeds, accessions and rights secure only the specified obligations, and in the amount, that such property is permitted to secure).

        "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

        "Quotation Agent" means the Reference Treasury Dealer appointed as such agent by us.

        "Rating Agencies" means Moody's and S&P, or if S&P or Moody's or both shall not make a rating on the notes publicly available (other than as a result of voluntary action, or inaction, on the part of WPX), a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by WPX (as certified by a resolution of WPX's Board of Directors) which shall be substituted for S&P or Moody's, or both, as the case may be.

        "Rating Decline" means a decrease in the ratings of the notes by one or more gradations (including gradations within categories as well as between rating categories) by each of the Rating Agencies on any date from the date of the public notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the 30-day period following public notice of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which 30-day period will be extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either of the Rating Agencies and the other Rating Agency has either downgraded, or publicly announced that it is considering downgrading, the notes). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the notes have an Investment Grade Rating by each of the Rating Agencies, then "Ratings Decline" means a decrease in the ratings of the notes by one or more gradations (including gradations within categories as well as between rating categories) by each of the Rating Agencies such that the rating of the notes by each of the Rating Agencies falls below an Investment Grade Rating on any date from the date of the public notice of an arrangement that could result in a Change of Control until the end of the 30-day period following public notice of the occurrence of the Change of Control (which 30-day period will be extended so long as the rating of the notes is under publicly announced consideration for possible downgrade by either of the Rating Agencies and the other Rating Agency has either downgraded, or publicly announced that it is considering downgrading, the notes).

        "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to any Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Quotation Agent, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Quotation Agent by that Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third Business Day preceding that redemption date.

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        "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of (i) Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and RBS Securities Inc., unless any of such entities ceases to be a primary U.S. Government securities dealer in New York City (a "Primary Treasury Dealer"), in which case we shall substitute another Primary Treasury Dealer; and (ii) any two other Primary Treasury Dealers selected by us.

        "Specified Escrow Arrangements" means cash deposits at one or more financial institutions for the purpose of funding any potential shortfall in the daily net cash position of WPX or any of its Subsidiaries.

        "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any specified Person:

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Service or, if Standard & Poor's Ratings Service shall cease rating notes having a maturity at original issue of at least one year and such ratings business shall have been transferred to a successor Person, such successor Person; provided, however, that if there is no successor Person, then "S&P" shall mean any other national recognized rating agency, other than Moody's, that rates notes having a maturity at original issuance of at least one year and that shall have been designated by WPX.

        "Voting Stock" of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

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BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM

        The notes offered hereby will initially be issued in registered, global form without interest coupons (the "Global Notes") in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. New 2024 notes will be issued at the closing of this offering only against payment in immediately available funds. The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.

        Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole but not in part, only to DTC, to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Only in the limited circumstances described below may beneficial interests in the Global Notes be exchanged for definitive notes in registered certificated form ("Certificated Notes") in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. See "—Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes." New 2024 notes will be issued at the closing of this offering only against payment in immediately available funds.

        Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of the Euroclear System ("Euroclear"') and Clearstream Banking, S.A. ("Clearstream")), which may change from time to time.

Depositary Procedures

        The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. WPX takes no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

        DTC has advised WPX that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.

        DTC has also advised WPX that, pursuant to procedures established by it:

        DTC has advised WPX that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not

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receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or WPX. Neither WPX nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and WPX and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

        Transfers between the Participants will be effected in accordance with DTC's procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.

        Subject to compliance with the transfer restrictions applicable to the notes described herein, cross-market transfers between the Participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTC's rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by their respective depositaries; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.

        DTC has advised WPX that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for Certificated Notes, and to distribute such notes to its Participants.

        Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. None of WPX, the trustee or any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes

        A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:

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In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        This section summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership, and disposition of the notes. This summary does not provide a complete analysis of all potential tax considerations. The information provided below is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (referred to herein as the "Code"), Treasury regulations issued under the Code, judicial authority and administrative rulings and practice, all as of the date of this prospectus supplement and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. As a result, the tax considerations of purchasing, owning or disposing of the notes could differ from those described below. This summary deals only with beneficial owners who purchase the notes on original issuance at the first price at which a substantial portion of the notes is sold for cash (other than to bond houses, brokers or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) and who hold the notes as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code. This summary does not deal with persons in special tax situations, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, S corporations, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt investors, dealers in securities and currencies, traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, controlled foreign corporations, corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax, U.S. expatriates, persons holding notes as a position in a "straddle," "hedge," "conversion transaction," or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, investors in pass-through entities, or U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. Further, this discussion does not address the consequences under U.S. alternative minimum tax rules, U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws, the tax laws of any U.S. state or locality, any non-U.S. tax laws, or any tax laws other than income tax laws. We will not seek a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") with respect to any of the matters discussed herein and there can be no assurance that the IRS will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described herein.

        As used herein, the term "U.S. Person" means:

        As used herein, a "U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of notes that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Person. As used herein, the term "non-U.S. holder" means a beneficial owner, other than a partnership (or entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes), of notes that is not a U.S. holder.

        If a partnership, including for this purpose any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a beneficial owner of notes, the treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. A holder of notes that is a partnership and partners in such a partnership should consult their independent tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of holding and disposing of notes.

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        Investors should consult their tax advisor concerning the tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, including the tax consequences under the laws of any foreign, state, local or other taxing jurisdictions and the possible effects on investors of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

Issue

        We intend to treat the notes as part of the same issue as the existing 2024 notes and, accordingly, such notes are expected to have the same issue date and issue price as such existing 2024 notes.

U.S. holders

Interest

        It is anticipated, and this discussion assumes, that the notes will be issued without original issue discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, except as described below with respect to pre-issuance accrued interest, interest on a note will be includable by a U.S. holder as interest income at the time it accrues or is received in accordance with such holder's method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes and will be ordinary income.

Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest

        A portion of a U.S. holder's purchase price for the notes will be allocable to interest that accrued prior to the date the notes are purchased ("pre-issuance accrued interest"). On the first interest payment date, a portion of the interest received in an amount equal to the pre-issuance accrued interest will be treated as a return of the pre-issuance accrued interest and not as a payment of interest on the notes. Accordingly, the amount treated as a return of pre-issuance accrued interest should not be taxable when received. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax treatment of pre-issuance accrued interest.

Bond Premium

        If a U.S. holder's initial tax basis in a note (which will generally equal the cost of the note to such holder (excluding amounts allocated to pre-issuance accrued interest)) exceeds the stated principal amount of the note, the note will be treated as having been acquired with "bond premium." A U.S. holder may elect to amortize such bond premium, in which case the amount required to be included in the U.S. holder's income each year with respect to stated interest on the note will be reduced by the amount of amortizable bond premium allocable (based on the note's yield to maturity) to that year. However, because of the optional redemption features of the notes, special rules apply that may reduce, eliminate or defer the amount of bond premium that may be amortized. Any election to amortize bond premium will apply to all bonds (other than bonds the interest on which is excludable from the gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes) held by a U.S. holder at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election applies or thereafter acquired by the holder, and is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. If a U.S. holder does not elect to amortize bond premium, any bond premium on a note will decrease any gain or increase any loss such holder may otherwise recognize on retirement or other disposition of the note.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes

        Upon a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount realized on the disposition (other than amounts attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which will, except in the case of pre-issuance accrued interest, be taxed as interest income as discussed above to the extent not previously included in income) and (ii) the U.S. holder's tax basis in the note. A U.S. holder's tax

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basis in a note generally will equal the cost of the note (excluding amounts allocated to pre-issuance accrued interest), reduced by the amount of any amortizable bond premium previously used to offset such holder's interest income. A U.S. holder's gain or loss will generally constitute capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder has held such note for longer than one year. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations. Net long-term capital gain recognized by a non-corporate U.S. holder is generally taxed at preferential rates.

Medicare Tax

        U.S. holders who are individuals, estates or certain trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. holder's "net investment income" (or undistributed "net investment income" in the case of estates and trusts) for the relevant taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. holder's modified gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals will be between $125,000 and $250,000 depending on the individual's circumstances). Net investment income will generally include interest income and net gains from the disposition of the notes, unless such interest income or net gains are derived in the ordinary course of the conduct of a trade or business (other than a trade or business that consists of certain passive or trading activities). A U.S. holder that is an individual, estate or trust should consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of the Medicare tax to its income and gains in respect of its investment in the notes.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        In general, a U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding at the applicable tax rate with respect to payments of interest or the gross proceeds from dispositions of notes, unless the holder (i) is an entity that is exempt from backup withholding (generally including tax-exempt organizations and certain qualified nominees) and, when required, provides appropriate documentation to that effect or (ii) provides the applicable withholding agent with the holder's social security number or other taxpayer identification number ("TIN"), certifies that the TIN provided is correct and that the holder has not been notified by the IRS that it is subject to backup withholding due to underreporting of interest or dividends, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules. In addition, such payments to U.S. holders that are not exempt entities will generally be subject to information reporting requirements. A U.S. holder who does not provide the applicable withholding agent with the correct TIN may be subject to penalties imposed by the IRS. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. holder will be allowed as a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

Non-U.S. holders

Interest

        Subject to the discussions of backup withholding and the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA") below, interest income of a non-U.S. holder will qualify for the "portfolio interest exemption" and therefore not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding, provided that:

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        If any of these conditions are not met, interest on the notes paid to a non-U.S. holder will generally be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate unless (a) an applicable income tax treaty reduces or eliminates such tax, and the non-U.S. holder claims the benefit of that treaty by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute or successor form or such other form as the IRS may prescribe) that has been properly completed and duly executed, or (b) the interest is ECI and the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable certification requirements by providing an IRS Form W-8ECI (or a suitable substitute or successor form or such other form as the IRS may prescribe) that has been properly completed and duly executed.

        If the interest on the notes is ECI, the non-U.S. holder will be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on that interest on a net income basis generally in the same manner as a U.S. holder (and the 30% withholding tax described above will not apply, provided the appropriate statement is provided to the applicable withholding agent). If, however, a non-U.S. holder is eligible for the benefits of any income tax treaty between the United States and its country of residence, any interest income that is ECI will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the manner specified by the treaty and will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax only if such income is attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder in the United States and the non-U.S. holder claims the benefit of the treaty by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or a suitable substitute or successor form or such other form as the IRS may prescribe) that has been properly completed and duly executed. In addition, interest received by a corporate non-U.S. holder that is ECI may also, under certain circumstances, be subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate, or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, Retirement or Other Taxable Disposition of the Notes

        Subject to the discussions of backup withholding and FATCA below, a non-U.S. holder will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized on a sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other taxable disposition of the notes unless:

        If a non-U.S. holder falls under the first of these exceptions, the holder will be taxed on the net gain derived from the disposition under the graduated U.S. federal income tax rates that are applicable to U.S. Persons and, if the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation, it may also be subject to the branch profits tax described above.

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        If an individual non-U.S. holder falls under the second of these exceptions, the holder generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate) on the gain derived from the disposition, which may be offset by capital losses allocable to sources within the United States for the taxable year of the disposition.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        Generally, the amount of interest paid to a non-U.S. holder and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments must be reported annually to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest, and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty. Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of interest on the notes to a non-U.S. holder if the holder certifies its status as a non-U.S. person under penalties of perjury or otherwise establishes an exemption (provided that the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. Person or that the conditions of any other exemptions are not in fact satisfied).

        The payment of the proceeds of the disposition of notes to or through the United States office of a United States or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting and, depending on the circumstances, backup withholding unless the non-U.S. holder provides the certification described above or otherwise establishes an exemption (and the applicable withholding agent does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the non-U.S. holder is a U.S. Person or that the conditions of any other exemptions are not in fact satisfied). The payment of the proceeds of a disposition effected outside the United States by a non-U.S. holder to or through a foreign office of a broker generally will not be subject to backup withholding or information reporting. However, if that broker is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. person, a controlled foreign corporation, a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for certain periods is effectively connected with a trade or business in the United States, or a foreign partnership that is engaged in the conduct of a trade or business in the United States or that has one or more partners that are U.S. persons who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of the income or capital interests in the partnership, information reporting requirements will apply unless that broker has documentary evidence in its files of such holder's status as a non-U.S. holder and has no actual knowledge or reason to know to the contrary or unless such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.

        Any amounts withheld from a payment to a non-U.S. holder under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle it to a refund, provided it timely furnishes the required information to the IRS.

FATCA

        Under FATCA, a 30% withholding tax may be imposed on interest on notes paid to a foreign financial institution (including amounts paid to a foreign financial institution on or behalf of a holder) and certain other non-financial foreign entities. Additionally, after December 31, 2018, a 30% withholding tax may apply to gross proceeds from the disposition of the notes that are paid to such persons.

        Withholding under FATCA generally will not apply where such payments are made to (1) a foreign financial institution that undertakes, under either an agreement with the U.S. Treasury or pursuant to an intergovernmental agreement between the jurisdiction in which it is a resident and the U.S. Treasury, to generally identify accounts held by certain U.S. persons and foreign entities with substantial U.S. owners, annually report certain information about such accounts and withhold 30% on payments made to non-compliant foreign financial institutions and certain other account holders, (2) a non-financial foreign entity that either certifies it does not have any substantial U.S. owners or

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furnishes identifying information regarding each substantial U.S. owner, or (3) a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity that otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules.

        Investors should consult their tax advisors regarding FATCA and the regulations thereunder.

        The U.S. federal tax discussion set forth above as to both U.S. holders and non-U.S. holders is included for general information only and may not be applicable depending upon a holder's particular situation. Holders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences to them of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, including the tax consequences under state, local, foreign and other tax laws and the possible effects of changes in U.S. federal or other tax laws.

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UNDERWRITING

        Subject to the terms and conditions in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement by and among us and the underwriters named below, for whom Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is acting as representative, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed to purchase from us, severally and not jointly, the principal amount of the notes set forth opposite the underwriter's name.

Underwriter
  Principal
Amount of
Notes
 

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

  $    

Total

  $ 150,000,000  

        The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to purchase the notes included in this offering is subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and certain other conditions. Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, if the underwriters purchase any of the notes, then they are obligated to purchase all of the notes.

        The underwriters propose to offer the notes initially at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement. After the initial offering of the notes to the public, the public offering price and other selling terms to dealers may be changed. The underwriters may offer and sell notes through certain of their affiliates.

        We have agreed not to offer or sell any of our debt securities (other than the notes) for a period of 45 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without the prior written consent of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.

        We estimate that the total expenses of this offering to be paid by us, excluding underwriting discounts, will be approximately $             million.

        In connection with this offering and in compliance with applicable law, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing and syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:

        These stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. The underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities and such activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

        Neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the notes. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation that the underwriters will

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engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

        The notes are offered for sale only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to offer them. The offering of the notes by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters' right to reject any order in whole or in part.

        When the existing 2024 notes were issued, they were a new class of securities for which there was no market. We expect that the notes offered hereby will trade fungibly with the existing 2024 notes. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes, as permitted by applicable law. The underwriters are not obligated, however, to make a market in the notes, and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice, in their sole discretion. If the underwriters cease to act as a market-maker for the notes for any reason, there can be no assurance that another firm or person will make a market in the notes. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any market for these notes. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system.

        We have agreed to indemnify the several underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or other Federal or state statutory law or to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any such liabilities.

        It is expected that delivery of the notes offered pursuant to this prospectus will be made to investors on or about August             , 2017, which will be the                         business day following the date of this prospectus (such settlement being referred to as "T+            "). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act as currently in effect, trades in the secondary market are required to settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the notes prior to three business days before the notes are delivered will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes initially settle in T+            , to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement. Purchasers of the notes who wish to trade such notes prior to their date of delivery hereunder should consult their advisors.

Other Relationships

        Certain of the underwriters and their affiliates have performed investment banking, commercial banking and advisory services for us and our affiliates from time to time for which they have received customary fees and expenses. The underwriters and their affiliates may, from time to time in the future, engage in transactions with and perform services for us and our affiliates in the ordinary course of business. In particular, an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is the administrative agent, lender and swingline lender under the Credit Facility. In addition, certain of the other underwriters or their affiliates are also lenders under the Credit Facility. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates may also hold our equity or debt securities from time to time. Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates may hold some of the notes being tendered in the Tender Offers. See "Use of Proceeds". Additionally, affiliates of each of the underwriters are lenders under our Credit Facility and accordingly will receive a portion of the proceeds from this offering pursuant to the repayment of borrowings under our Credit Facility.

        Certain of the underwriters or their respective affiliates have a lending relationship with us, and as a result, certain of these underwriters or their respective affiliates routinely hedge and certain of those underwriters or their respective affiliates may hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. Typically, these underwriters and their respective affiliates would hedge such exposure by entering into transactions which consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities, including potentially the notes offered hereby. Any such credit default swaps or short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the notes offered hereby.

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        The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of our assets, securities or instruments and the underwriters may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire long and/or short positions of our assets, securities and instruments.

Notice to Investors

        The notes may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the notes must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

        Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this offering memorandum (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

        Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

        In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area (each, a "Relevant Member State"), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, it has not made and will not make an offer of notes which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus supplement to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

        For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of notes to the public," in relation to any notes in any Relevant Member State, means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.

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        Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain matters with respect to the issuance and sale of the notes offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Various legal matters relating to the offering will be passed on for the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of WPX Energy, Inc. appearing in WPX Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016, including the schedule appearing therein, and the effectiveness of WPX Energy, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        Approximately 98 percent of our year-end 2016 U.S. proved reserves estimates included in WPX Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2016 were audited by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., an independent petroleum engineering firm. The description of the audit of such estimates is incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement upon the authority of said firm as an expert in these matters.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN
DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may inspect and copy our reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings can also be found on our website at http:// www.wpxenergy.com/investors. However, except for our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement, the information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus supplement.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus supplement, which means that we can disclose important information about us by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus supplement. This prospectus supplement incorporates by reference the documents and reports listed below (other than portions of these documents that are deemed to have been furnished and not filed):

        We also incorporate by reference the information contained in all other documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than portions of these documents that are deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including current reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 (including any financial statements of exhibits relating thereto furnished pursuant to Item 9.01)) after the date of this prospectus supplement and prior to the sale of all the shares covered by this prospectus supplement. The information contained in any such document will be considered part of this prospectus supplement from the date the document is filed with the SEC.

        Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus supplement.

        All of our reports and corporate governance documents may also be obtained without charge by contacting Investor Relations, WPX Energy, Inc., 3500 One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172.

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PROSPECTUS

LOGO

WPX Energy, Inc.

COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES



        We may offer and sell, from time to time, in one or more offerings, any of the following securities:

        This prospectus provides a general description of these securities. We may provide specific terms of any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in the prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement carefully before you invest.

        We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering and will set forth the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents involved in the offering and any applicable fees, commissions or discount arrangements.

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WPX." Any prospectus supplement will indicate whether the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.



        Investing in our securities involves risks. See "Risk Factors" on page 2 of this prospectus and "Item 1A—Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein, as well as the "Risk Factors" section of any applicable prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference herein, and the other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in our securities.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



   

The date of this prospectus is July 14, 2015


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About This Prospectus

    1  

Risk Factors

    2  

Prospectus Summary

    3  

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    4  

Use of Proceeds

    6  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    6  

Description of Capital Stock

    7  

Description of Debt Securities

    12  

Certain ERISA Considerations

    21  

Plan of Distribution

    23  

Legal Matters

    23  

Experts

    23  

Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference

    24  

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-3 that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") as a "well-known seasoned issuer" as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell, at any time and from time to time, in one or more offerings, any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. As allowed by the SEC rules, this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, including its exhibits, as well as any accompanying prospectus supplement, any documents incorporated by reference herein or therein and any applicable free writing prospectus. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement about the provisions or contents of any agreement or other document are not necessarily complete. If the SEC's rules and regulations require that an agreement or document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see that agreement or document for a complete description of the related matters.

        You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and any applicable free writing prospectus, together with any information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized any person to provide you with any additional or different information. If given or made, any such other information or representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized by us. We are not making an offer to sell our securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted.

        You should also read and carefully consider the information in the documents we have referred you to in "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference" below. Information incorporated by reference after the date of this prospectus is considered a part of this prospectus and may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. The information in this prospectus, any accompanying prospectus supplement or any document incorporated by reference herein or therein is accurate only as of the date contained on the cover of such documents. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any accompanying prospectus supplement, nor any sale made under this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will, under any circumstances, imply that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is correct as of any date after this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. Our business, financial condition and results of operations may have changed since that date. Any information in such subsequent filings that is inconsistent with this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement (or any document previously incorporated by reference herein or therein) will supersede the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement (or such document previously incorporated by reference herein or therein).

        In this prospectus, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires, "WPX," "we," "our," "our company" and "us" refer to WPX Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and all of its subsidiaries.

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RISK FACTORS

        Investing in our securities involves risk. You should review carefully the risks described under "Item 1A—Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein, as well as the "Risk Factors" section of any applicable prospectus supplement, any applicable free writing prospectus or any document incorporated by reference herein, and the other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in our securities.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights certain information contained elsewhere in this prospectus or incorporated by reference herein. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our securities. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the risks related to our business and investing in our securities discussed in "Item 1A—Risk Factors" beginning on page 26 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein and the other information and documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto.


Overview

        Incorporated in 2011, we are an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company engaged in the exploitation and development of long-life unconventional properties. We are focused on developing and growing our oil positions in the Williston Basin in North Dakota and the San Juan Basin in the southwestern United States and on profitably exploiting our significant natural gas reserves base and related natural gas liquids ("NGLs") in the Piceance Basin of the Rocky Mountain region.

        We have built a geographically diverse portfolio of natural gas and oil reserves through organic development and strategic acquisitions. Our domestic proved reserves at December 31, 2014 were 4,360 billion cubic feet of gas equivalent ("Bcfe"). As of December 31, 2014, our domestic reserves reflect a mix of 72 percent natural gas, 18 percent crude oil and 10 percent NGLs. During 2014, we replaced our domestic production for all commodities at a rate of 94 percent. For oil alone, we replaced 421 percent of our oil production during 2014. Our Piceance Basin operations form the majority of our proved reserves and current production, providing a low-cost, scalable asset base.

        Our principal areas of operation are the Williston Basin in North Dakota, the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado and the Piceance Basin in Colorado.

        Our principal executive office is located at 3500 One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172. Our telephone number is 855-979-2012. We maintain an Internet site at www.wpxenergy.com. Except for our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein and in any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus include forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These forward-looking statements relate to anticipated financial performance, management's plans and objectives for future operations, business prospects, outcome of regulatory proceedings, market conditions and other matters.

        All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in any of the foregoing documents that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will exist or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements.

        Forward-looking statements can be identified by various forms of words such as "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "could," "may," "should," "continues," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "might," "goals," "objectives," "targets," "planned," "potential," "projects," "scheduled," "will" or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management and include, among others, statements regarding:

        Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, uncertainties and risks that could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference herein. Many of the factors that will determine these results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Specific factors that could cause actual results to differ from results contemplated by the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

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        All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. Given the uncertainties and risk factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, we caution investors not to unduly rely on our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation to and do not intend to update the above list or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements to reflect future events or developments, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

        In addition to causing our actual results to differ, the factors listed above may cause our intentions to change from those statements of intention set forth in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Such changes in our intentions may also cause our results to differ. We may change our intentions, at any time and without notice, based upon changes in such factors, our assumptions or otherwise.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities that may be offered hereby for our general corporate purposes, which may include repayment of indebtedness, acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures and repurchases of our common stock. Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
   
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2015
 
 
  2014   2013   2012   2011   2010  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    1.97     2.56            (a)          (b)   2.49            (c)

        The ratio of earnings to fixed charges has been computed by dividing (i) income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity earnings, (ii) fixed charges and (iii) distributed income of equity-method investees, excluding proportionate share from 50% owned investees and unconsolidated majority-owned investees less capitalized interest by fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest accrued, including proportionate share from 50% owned investees and unconsolidated majority-owned investees and rental expense in an amount deemed to be representative of the interest factor.

        For the periods indicated above, we had no outstanding shares of preferred stock. Therefore, the ratios of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends are identical to the ratios presented in the tables above.


(a)
Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $1,730 million.

(b)
Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $260 million.

(c)
Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges by $887 million.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

        The following is a description of the material terms of our capital stock as provided in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws. We also refer you to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation (including our amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation) and our amended and restated bylaws, copies of which are incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

Authorized Capitalization

        Our authorized capital stock consists of (i) 2,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share and (ii) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of June 30, 2015, we had 205,057,581 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

        Authorized but unissued shares of our capital stock may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions. The Delaware General Corporation Law does not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares. However, the listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, which apply so long as our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, require stockholder approval of certain issuances equal to or exceeding 20% of the then outstanding voting power or then outstanding number of shares of common stock.

Listing

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "WPX."

Voting Rights

        Each share of our common stock entitles its holder to one vote in the election of each director. No share of our common stock affords any cumulative voting rights. This means that the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares voting for the election of directors can elect all directors to be elected if they choose to do so, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preferred stock. Generally, except as discussed in "—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions," all matters to be voted on by stockholders must be approved by a majority of the total voting power of the common stock present in person or represented by proxy at a meeting at which a quorum exists, subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any preferred stock Except as otherwise provided by law or in the amended and restated certificate of incorporation (as further discussed in "—Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions"), and subject to any voting rights granted to holders of any outstanding preferred stock, amendments to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation must be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of common stock.

Dividends

        Subject to the rights, if any, of holders of any outstanding series of preferred stock, holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends in such amounts and at such times as our board of directors in its discretion may declare out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Dividends on our common stock will be paid at the discretion of our board of directors after taking into account various factors, including:

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Other Rights

        On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of WPX, after payment in full of the amounts required to be paid to holders of preferred stock, if any, all holders of common stock are entitled to receive the same amount per share with respect to any distribution of assets to holders of shares of common stock.

        No shares of common stock are subject to redemption or have preemptive rights to purchase additional shares of our common stock or other securities.

Preferred Stock

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock. Unless required by law or by any stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by our stockholders. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including the following:

        The preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The particular terms of each series being offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. You should also refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and to the certificate of designations relating to the series of the preferred stock being offered for the complete terms of that series of preferred stock. The certificate of designations with respect to each series of preferred stock offered will be incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Each series of preferred stock will, when issued against full payment of the purchase price relating to a series of preferred stock, be fully paid and nonassessable.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws Provisions

        Some provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws could make the following more difficult:

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        These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions also are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure our company outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of them could result in an improvement of their terms.

Classified Board

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors is divided into three classes until the election of directors at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2017. Commencing at the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders, successors to the class of directors whose terms expire at such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. Commencing with the election of directors at the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders, the board of directors shall no longer be divided into classes and all directors shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified.

Election and Removal of Directors

        A director nominee shall be elected to our board of directors if the votes cast for such nominee's election exceed the votes cast against such nominee's election. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires that directors may only be removed for cause and only by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Size of Board and Vacancies

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors on our board of directors will be fixed exclusively by our board of directors. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in our authorized number of directors will be filled solely by the vote of our remaining directors in office. Any vacancies in our board of directors resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause will be filled solely by the vote of our remaining directors in office.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for our stockholders to act by written consent.

Stockholder Meetings

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that a special meeting of our stockholders may be called only by (i) our board of directors or (ii) the chairman of our board of directors with the concurrence of a majority of our board of directors.

Amendments to Certain Provisions of our Bylaws

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws provide that the provisions of our bylaws relating to the calling of meetings of stockholders, notice of meetings of stockholders, stockholder action by written consent, advance notice of stockholder business or director nominations, the

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authorized number of directors, the classified board structure, the filling of director vacancies or the removal of directors (and any provision relating to the amendment of any of these provisions) may only be amended by the vote of a majority of our entire board of directors or by the vote of holders of at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Amendment of Certain Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation

        The amendment of any of the above provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires approval by the vote of a majority of our entire board of directors followed by the vote of holders of at least 75% of the votes entitled to be cast by the outstanding capital stock in the election of our board of directors.

Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

        Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and nomination of candidates for election as directors other than nominations made by or at the direction of our board of directors or a committee of our board of directors.

No Cumulative Voting

        Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors.

Undesignated Preferred Stock

        The authorization of our undesignated preferred stock makes it possible for our board of directors to issue our preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes of control of our management.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute

        We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"). Subject to specific exceptions, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

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"Business combinations" include mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the "interested stockholder." Subject to various exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years did own, 15% or more of the corporation's outstanding voting stock These restrictions could prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts with respect to us and, therefore, may discourage attempts to acquire us.

Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, subject to limitations imposed by the DGCL, no director shall be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:

        Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys' fees and disbursements and court costs) and carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        Computershare Trust Company, N.A. is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        We may offer the debt securities from time to time as senior debt. The debt securities will be issued under the indenture, dated as of September 8, 2014, between us and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee. The terms of the indenture are also governed by certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Trust Indenture Act").

        The debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The particular terms of each series which is offered by a prospectus supplement will be described in the related prospectus supplement.

        We have summarized the material terms of the indenture below. The indenture has been incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement. See "Where You Can Find Additional Information; Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference." You should read the indenture for provisions that may be important to you. Whenever we refer in this prospectus or in the related prospectus supplement to particular sections or defined terms contained in the indenture, those sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference in this prospectus or the related prospectus supplement, as applicable.

        In this section, "WPX," "we," "our," "our company" and "us" refer only to WPX Energy, Inc. and not to any of our subsidiaries.

General

        The indenture provides that debt securities in separate series may be issued by us from time to time without limitation as to aggregate principal amount. We may specify a maximum aggregate principal amount for the debt securities of any series. We will determine the terms and conditions of the debt securities, including the maturity, principal and interest. The debt securities will be unsecured obligations of our company.

        A prospectus supplement will set forth the following terms of, and information relating to, the debt securities:

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        If a series of debt securities is denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars, the prospectus supplement will specify the denomination in which the debt securities will be issued and the coin or currency in which the principal and any premium or interest on those debt securities will be payable. In addition, special U.S. federal income tax or other considerations applicable to any debt securities which are denominated in a currency or currency unit other than U.S. dollars may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

        The debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. Special U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities sold at an original issue discount may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets

        The indenture provides that we may not directly or indirectly consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets and properties and the assets and properties of our Subsidiaries (as defined in the indenture) (taken as a whole) in one or more related transactions to another Person (as defined in the indenture), unless:

        Upon any consolidation by us with or our merger into any other Person or Persons where we are not the survivor or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties and assets and the properties and assets of our Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) to any Person or Persons in accordance herewith, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which we are merged or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, us under the indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as WPX therein; and thereafter, except in the case of a lease, the predecessor Person shall be released from all obligations and covenants under the indenture and the debt securities.

        Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of a Person.

        An assumption of our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture by any successor Person might be deemed for U.S. federal income tax purposes to cause an exchange of the debt securities for new debt securities by the beneficial owners thereof, resulting in recognition of gain or possible loss for such purposes and possibly other adverse tax consequences to the beneficial owners. You should consult your tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of such an assumption.

Events of Default

        Unless otherwise specified in the prospectus supplement, each of the following will constitute an event of default under the indenture with respect to debt securities of any series:

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        In case an event of default specified in clause (1), (2) or (3) above shall occur and be continuing with respect to the debt securities of such series, holders of at least 25%, and in case an event of default specified in clause (4) or (6) (unless, in the case of clause (6), otherwise provided for in the applicable series of debt securities) above shall occur and be continuing with respect to the debt securities of such series, holders of at least a majority, in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of such series outstanding under the indenture to be due and payable immediately. If an event of default described in clause (5) above shall occur and be continuing then the principal amount of all the debt securities of such series then outstanding under the indenture shall be and become due and payable immediately, without notice or other action by any holder or the trustee, to the full extent permitted by law.

        Holders of the debt securities may not enforce the indenture or the debt securities except as provided in the indenture. Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of such series may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to the debt securities of such series. The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any such series of any default with respect to the debt securities of such series (except in payment of principal of or interest or premium on the debt securities of such series) if the trustee considers it in the interest of holders to do so.

        Holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of such series then outstanding by notice to the trustee may on behalf of the holders of all of the debt securities of such series, waive any past or existing default or event of default under the indenture and its consequences, except a continuing default (a) in the payment of principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on the debt securities of such series or (b) in respect of a covenant or other provision of the indenture, which under the indenture cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series.

        We are required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture.

Modification and Amendment

        The indenture provides that modifications and amendments may be made by us and the trustee with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each

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series affected by the modification or amendment voting as a single class. We may not make any of the following modifications or amendments to the indenture without the consent of the holder of each outstanding debt security of such series affected by the modification or amendment:

        A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the indenture that has been included expressly and solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of debt securities, or that modifies the rights of holders of debt securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, are deemed not to affect the rights under the indenture of the holders of debt securities of any other series.

        The indenture provides that we and the trustee may, at any time and from time to time, without the consent of any holders of the debt securities of any series, enter into one or more supplemental indentures, in form satisfactory to the trustee, for any of the following purposes:

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Discharge, Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        The indenture provides that we may satisfy and discharge our obligations under the debt securities of any series and the indenture if:

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        Notwithstanding such satisfaction and discharge, our obligations to compensate and indemnify the trustee and our and the trustee's obligations to hold funds in trust and to apply such funds pursuant to the terms of the indenture with respect to the debt securities of such series, with respect to issuing temporary debt securities of such series, with respect to the registration, transfer and exchange of debt securities of such series, with respect to the replacement of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities of such series and with respect to the maintenance of an office or agency for payment with respect to the debt securities of such series, shall in each case survive such satisfaction and discharge.

        The indenture provides that (i) we will be deemed to have paid and will be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of such series, and the provisions of the indenture will, except as noted below, no longer be in effect with respect to the debt securities of such series ("defeasance") and (ii) we may, with respect to debt securities of such series, omit to comply with the covenants under "—Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets," and (unless otherwise set forth therein) any additional covenants described in the applicable prospectus supplement, and such omission shall be deemed not to be an event of default under clause (3) of the first paragraph of "—Events of Default and Remedies" with respect to the debt securities of such series ("covenant defeasance") and provided that the following conditions shall have been satisfied:

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        Notwithstanding a defeasance or covenant defeasance with respect to the debt securities of such series, our obligations with respect to the following will survive until otherwise terminated or discharged under the terms of the indenture or until no debt securities of such series are outstanding:

No Personal Liability

        None of any affiliate, director, officer, partner, employee, incorporator, manager or owner of our Capital Stock (as defined in the indenture), as such, will have any liability for any of our obligations under the debt securities of any series, the indenture, or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of debt securities of such series by accepting a debt security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the debt securities of such series. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Notices

        Notices to holders of the debt securities of any series will be given by mail to the addresses of such holders as they appear in the security register.

Reports

        We will be required to file with the trustee, within 30 days after we have filed the same with the SEC, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents, and other reports that we are required to file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or pursuant to Section 314 of the Trust Indenture Act. Annual reports, information, documents and reports that are filed by us with the SEC via the EDGAR system or any successor electronic delivery procedure will be deemed to be filed with the trustee at the time such documents are filed via the EDGAR system or such successor procedure. Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the trustee is for informational purposes only, and the trustee's receipt of such will not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including our compliance with any of our covenants in the indenture.

Title

        We or the trustee may treat the registered owner of any registered debt security as the owner thereof (whether or not the debt security shall be overdue and notwithstanding any notice to the contrary) for the purpose of making payment and for all other purposes.

Governing Law

        The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The indenture is subject to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act that are required to be a part of the indenture and shall, to the extent applicable, be governed by those provisions.

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Concerning the Trustee

        The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. is the trustee under the indenture. If the trustee becomes a creditor of ours, the indenture limits its right to obtain payment of claims in certain cases or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if the trustee acquires any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) after a default has occurred and is continuing, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the Securities and Exchange Commission for permission to continue or resign.

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding debt securities of a series, will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee with respect to the debt securities of such series, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent person in the conduct of such person's own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of debt securities of a series, unless such holder has offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

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CERTAIN ERISA CONSIDERATIONS

        Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the following is a summary of certain considerations associated with the purchase of the securities offered under this prospectus by employee benefit plans that are subject to Title I of the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), plans, individual retirement accounts and other arrangements that are subject to Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") or provisions under any federal, state, local, non-U.S. or other laws or regulations that are similar to such provisions of the Code or ERISA (collectively, "Similar Laws"), and entities whose underlying assets are considered to include "plan assets" of any such plan, account or arrangement (each, a "Plan").

General Fiduciary Matters

        ERISA and the Code impose certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries of a Plan subject to Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code (an "ERISA Plan") and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of an ERISA Plan and its fiduciaries or other interested parties. Under ERISA and the Code, any person who exercises any discretionary authority or control over the administration of such an ERISA Plan or the management or disposition of the assets of such an ERISA Plan, or who renders investment advice for a fee or other compensation to such an ERISA Plan, is generally considered to be a fiduciary of the ERISA Plan.

        In considering an investment in the securities to be offered under this prospectus of a portion of the assets of any Plan, a fiduciary should determine whether the investment is in accordance with the documents and instruments governing the Plan and the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code or any Similar Law relating to a fiduciary's duties to the Plan including, without limitation, the prudence, diversification, delegation of control and prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA, the Code and any other applicable Similar Laws.

Prohibited Transaction Issues

        Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code prohibit ERISA Plans from engaging in specified transactions involving plan assets with persons or entities who are "parties in interest," within the meaning of ERISA, or "disqualified persons," within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code, unless an exemption is available. A party in interest or disqualified person who engaged in a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to excise taxes and other penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code. In addition, the fiduciary of the ERISA Plan that engaged in such a non-exempt prohibited transaction may be subject to penalties and liabilities under ERISA and the Code. The acquisition and/or holding of securities to be offered under this prospectus by an ERISA Plan with respect to which any of the issuer, the underwriter, or their affiliates is considered a party in interest or a disqualified person may constitute or result in a direct or indirect prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA and/or Section 4975 of the Code, unless the investment is acquired and is held in accordance with an applicable statutory, class or individual prohibited transaction exemption. In this regard, the U.S. Department of Labor (the "DOL") has issued prohibited transaction class exemptions, or "PTCEs," that may apply to the acquisition and holding of the securities to be offered under this prospectus. These class exemptions include, without limitation, PTCE 84-14 respecting transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers, PTCE 90-1 respecting insurance company pooled separate accounts, PTCE 91-38 respecting bank collective investment funds, PTCE 95-60 respecting life insurance company general accounts and PTCE 96-23 respecting transactions determined by in-house asset managers. In addition, Section 408(b)(17) of ERISA and Section 4975(d)(20) of the Code provide relief from the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code for certain transactions, provided that neither the issuer of the securities to be offered under this prospectus nor any of its affiliates (directly or indirectly) have or exercise any discretionary authority or control or render any investment advice with respect to the assets of any ERISA Plan involved in the transaction and provided further that the ERISA Plan pays no more than adequate consideration in connection with the transaction. There can be no assurance that all of the conditions of any such exemptions will be satisfied.

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        Because of the foregoing, the securities to be offered under this prospectus should not be purchased or held by any person investing "plan assets" of any Plan, unless such purchase and holding will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code or similar violation of any applicable Similar Laws.

Representation

        Accordingly, by acceptance of a security, each purchaser and subsequent transferee of a security will be deemed to have represented and warranted that either (i) no portion of the assets used by such purchaser or transferee to acquire and hold the securities constitutes assets of any Plan or (ii) the purchase and holding of the securities by such purchaser or transferee will not constitute a non-exempt prohibited transaction under Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code or similar violation under any applicable Similar Laws.

        The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be all inclusive. Due to the complexity of these rules and the penalties that may be imposed upon persons involved in non-exempt prohibited transactions, it is particularly important that fiduciaries, or other persons considering purchasing the securities on behalf of, or with the assets of, any Plan, consult with their counsel regarding the potential applicability of ERISA, Section 4975 of the Code and any Similar Laws to such investment and whether an exemption would be applicable to the purchase and holding of the securities.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We may offer and sell these securities to or through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. We will provide the specific plan of distribution for any securities to be offered in supplements to this prospectus.


LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, New York, New York.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of WPX Energy, Inc. appearing in WPX Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014 including the schedule appearing therein, and the effectiveness of WPX Energy, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements are, and audited financial statements to be included in subsequently filed documents will be, incorporated herein in reliance upon the reports of Ernst & Young LLP pertaining to such financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the respective dates (to the extent covered by consents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission) given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The audited consolidated financial statements of RKI Exploration & Production, LLC incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent certified public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        Approximately 88 percent of our year-end 2014 U.S. proved reserves estimates included in WPX Energy, Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2014 were audited by Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., an independent petroleum engineering firm. The description of the audit of such estimates is incorporated by reference into this prospectus upon the authority of said firm as an expert in these matters.

        Information incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding RKI Exploration & Production, LLC's estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves was prepared by LaRoche Petroleum Consultants, Ltd., independent petroleum engineers, geologists and geophysicists, as stated in their reserve reports with respect thereto.

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may inspect and copy our reports filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of its Public Reference Room. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings can also be found on our website at http:// www.wpxenergy.com/investors. However, except for our filings with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus, the information on or accessible through our website is not a part of this prospectus.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information into this prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information about us by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus. This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents and reports listed below (other than portions of these documents that are deemed to have been furnished and not filed):

        We also incorporate by reference the information contained in all other documents we file with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than portions of these documents that are deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules, including current reports on Form 8-K furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 (including any financial statements of exhibits relating thereto furnished pursuant to Item 9.01)) after the date of this prospectus and prior to the sale of all the securities covered by this prospectus. The information contained in any such document will be considered part of this prospectus from the date the document is filed with the SEC.

        Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

        All of our reports and corporate governance documents may also be obtained without charge by contacting Investor Relations, WPX Energy, Inc., 3500 One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172.

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$150,000,000

LOGO

WPX Energy, Inc.

5.25% Senior Notes due 2024



PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT



Wells Fargo Securities

                        , 2017