Core Insights - Energy stocks have significantly outperformed the broader S&P 500 index in 2024, contributing to the index's record-setting performance [1][2] - Rising crude oil prices, driven by OPEC's supply management and geopolitical tensions, have been a major factor in the strong performance of energy stocks [2][7] Energy Sector Performance - The S&P 500 index is up over 10% in 2024 and over 25% in the past 12 months, with energy stocks playing a crucial role in this growth [1] - Brent crude oil prices have increased by approximately 7% to over $80 per barrel, while WTI prices have risen nearly 10% to just under $80 per barrel [2] Company Highlights - ExxonMobil reported nearly $14.7 billion in cash flow from operating activities in Q1 2024, a $1 billion increase from Q4 2023, and achieved a nearly 18% gain in its share price this year [3] - Targa Resources experienced a record year in 2023 with a 22% increase in adjusted EBITDA and expects 8% growth in 2024, leading to a 50% dividend increase [4] - Diamondback Energy generated over $1.3 billion in cash from operating activities in Q1 and is set to enhance its cash flow through the acquisition of Endeavor Energy Resources [5] - Valero reported strong Q1 results despite maintenance activities and is expanding into renewable fuels, which positions it well for future earnings growth [6] Industry Outlook - The energy sector is benefiting from rising oil production and demand, allowing companies to generate cash for expansion and shareholder returns [7] - Despite the global shift towards lower-carbon fuels, oil and gas will remain essential for decades, making energy stocks a potential source of high returns [7]

Berkshire Hathaway has generated life-changing returns for more than 58 years under Warren Buffett's direction.The U.S. economy has a century-long track record of producing the world's most valuable companies:United States Steel became the world's first $1 billion company in 1901.By 1955, General Motors became the first $10 billion company.Industrial giant General Electric rode its portfolio of businesses -- from aerospace to financial services -- to a $100 billion valuation in 1995.Apple (AAPL -0.75%) cros ...

Among Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla, there are two Magnificent Seven members prominent billionaires want nothing to do with, and another they keep piling into.You may not realize it, but last week marked one of the most important data releases of the quarter for investors -- and I'm not talking about the highly anticipated April inflation report.May 15 was the deadline for institutional money managers with at least $100 million in assets under management to file Form ...

Parkev Tatevosian, CFA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Home Depot. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Parkev Tatevosian is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through his link, he will earn some extra money that supports his channel. His opinions remain his own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool. ...

They provide passive income under any circumstances.Inflation, recession, or not, investors are getting more pumped about the economy. The S&P 500 hit a new high last week and is up 11% year to date, and many companies are reporting growth and stability.Home Depot (HD -1.65%) is reporting declining sales, but investors are cheering its resilience despite inflation and getting ready for a rebound. Realty Income (O -2.47%), conversely, is still suffering from negative investor sentiment related to high intere ...

These high-performing companies can help you safely grow your wealth.Contrary to popular belief, stock splits don't alter the value of a business. They just spread its earnings among a greater number of lower-priced shares. It's kind of like slicing up your favorite apple pie. You still have the same amount of gooey goodness. You simply divided it into smaller portions.Still, investors love stock splits. Perhaps they're right to do so. Companies that split their stock are typically firing on all cylinders - ...

The Vanguard Mega Cap ETF is a balanced buy for investors targeting large industry-leading companies.Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are some of the most popular, low-cost ways to achieve diversification across different sectors or market themes.The ultra-popular Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO -0.29%) has $1.08 trillion in net assets and just a 0.03% expense ratio. It is one of the cheapest ways to invest in the S&P 500.But there's another low-cost Vanguard Fund that is beating both the S&P 500 and the Nas ...

A small amount of money can go a long way when you invest in quality companies for the long haul.Warren Buffett is one of the world's most-followed investors. Since becoming CEO of Berkshire Hathaway in 1965, Buffett and his team have delivered 20% average annualized returns.Buffett is known for his disciplined, patient approach to investing. He seeks to invest in high-quality companies at reasonable prices and hold on to them for the long haul. His proven ability to pick winners lends credence to the notio ...

Parkev Tatevosian, CFA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Parkev Tatevosian is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through his link, he will earn some extra money that supports his channel. His opinions remain his own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool. ...

Snowflake is one of the fastest-growing tech stocks out there.In this video, I will cover Snowflake's (SNOW 0.39%) first-quarter earnings, which were better than expected, but the stock remains extremely expensive when you consider the guidance provided.*Stock prices used were from the trading day of May 22, 2024. The video was published on May 22, 2024. ...