Despite being one of the pioneers in the U.S. shale gas industry in the early 2000s, Chesapeake Energy made an announcement in November, saying depressed oil and natural gas prices may force it to breach loan covenants over the next year and that a massive debt pile threatens its ability to “continue as a going concern,” according to Oilprice.com.

Carrying $9.7 billion in total debt, the company is facing tough times trying to heal it balance sheet. It is evaluating multiple options to reduce debt and to become, finally, free cash flow positive next year.

Simultaneously, Chesapeake stock has lost nearly 60% in less than a month, touching a 25-year low during this time. The company’s shares have lost 72% year-to-date.

Learn more: Yahoo Finance > This U.S. shale giant is on the brink of collapse