ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) stock slipped 2.2% through 11:15 a.m. ET Tuesday on a double dose of "bad" news. First and most obviously, oil prices are down today, and for a company that makes its money selling oil, that's self-evidently bad news. Second, and less obviously, Roth/MKM just downgraded ConocoPhillips stock. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks » Image source: Getty ...

Production and Reserves - Total company production for 2025 was 2,375 MBOED, with the Lower 48 segment contributing 67% of consolidated liquids production and 74% of consolidated natural gas production[14][37]. - Net proved reserves at December 31, 2025, totaled 7,637 million barrels of oil equivalent, a decrease from 7,812 million in 2024[20]. - The Alaska segment contributed 12% of consolidated liquids production and 1% of consolidated natural gas production, with an average daily net production of 199 MBOED[24][25]. - The Delaware Basin in the Lower 48 had an average daily net production of 661 MBOED, with 321 MBD of crude oil and 1,011 MMCFD of natural gas[38]. - Average daily net production in the Lower 48 for 2025 was 1,484 MBOED, with crude oil production at 749 MBD and natural gas production at 2,119 MMCFD[38]. - Total consolidated operations for crude oil reserves were 3,321 million barrels at the end of 2025, down from 3,406 million in 2024[20]. - Canadian operations contributed 9% of consolidated liquids production and 5% of consolidated natural gas production in 2025, with total average daily net production of 177 MBOED[47][48]. - The Asia Pacific segment contributed 4% of consolidated liquids production and 2% of consolidated natural gas production in 2025[76]. Projects and Developments - The Willow Project is expected to achieve first oil in early 2029, with near 50% project completion anticipated by winter 2025[26]. - In 2025, the Greater Kuparuk Area achieved first oil from the Nuna project in Q4 2024, with ongoing drilling activity planned through 2027[28]. - The Surmont oil sands project in Alberta achieved first production from Pad 104W-A in Q4 2025, with a focus on cost reduction and optimizing asset performance[49]. - The Montney play in British Columbia saw 31 wells drilled and 23 brought online in 2025, with approximately 297,000 net acres held[51]. - The Eagle Ford segment, with approximately 489,000 net acres, saw 251 operated wells drilled and 264 brought online in 2025[40]. - The company holds approximately 416,000 net acres in the Midland Basin, focusing on full-field development, resulting in 86 operated wells drilled and 94 brought online in 2025[42]. - Phase 4B project includes up to 144 new wells, with 95 completed and online by December 2025[83]. - Phase 5 project includes up to 91 new wells, with 25 completed and online by December 2025[83]. - Gumusut Phase 4 achieved first production in early 2025, targeting Brunei acreage[85]. - Malikai Phase 2 development achieved first oil in February 2021, operating on a tension leg platform[88]. - Siakap North-Petai (SNP) Phase 2 achieved first oil in November 2021, tied back to a FPSO operated by PTTEP[89]. Operational Highlights - ConocoPhillips operated ten rigs and three frac crews in the Delaware Basin, resulting in 176 operated wells drilled in 2025[39]. - The company holds approximately 782,000 net acres in the Delaware Basin, focusing on resource-rich unconventional plays[39]. - The company has a 30% working interest in the Kebabangan Cluster, which has been operational since 2019[86]. - The company has a 35% working interest in Malikai, with first oil achieved in February 2021[88]. - The company has a 30% interest in QatarEnergy LNG N(3), contributing 12 MBD of crude oil and 373 MMCFD of natural gas in 2025[62]. - The company has a 64.2% interest in the Alba Unit in Equatorial Guinea, producing 8 MBD of crude oil and 149 MMCFD of natural gas in 2025[68]. - The company operates two fully subscribed 4.5 MTPA LNG trains in Australia, with long-term sales agreements for LNG with Sinopec and Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.[78]. - The company has contractual commitments to deliver approximately 9 MTPA of LNG and 175 million barrels of crude oil through 2042[103]. Strategic Focus and Future Outlook - Approximately 84% of proved reserves are located in OECD countries, highlighting the company's strategic asset allocation[19]. - ConocoPhillips is evaluating lower carbon opportunities for future investments while maintaining traditional capital allocation processes[102]. - The company maintains memberships in various Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSROs) for effective disaster management[99]. - At year-end 2025, ConocoPhillips had approximately 9,900 employees, with 62% based in the U.S.[108]. - The company has a total regasification capacity in Europe of approximately 6.7 MTPA[97]. - The company operates an 800-mile pipeline as part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, with a 29.5% ownership interest[32].

Chevron vs ConocoPhillips: Which Is the Better Buy as Energy Sector Crushes the Market? - 24/7 Wall St. [S&P 5006,807.60 -0.48%][Dow Jones49,462.60 -0.16%][Nasdaq 10024,522.20 -0.63%][Russell 20002,633.16 -0.22%][FTSE 10010,509.20 +0.38%][Nikkei 22556,638.00 -0.24%][Investing]# Chevron vs ConocoPhillips: Which Is the Better Buy as Energy Sector Crushes the Market?### Quick ReadChevron (CVX) beat Q4 earnings with 12% production growth from Hess acquisition. ConocoPhillips (COP) missed estimates as net income ...

Core Investment Strategy - Dividend investing is emphasized as a key strategy for investors seeking steady income and long-term capital appreciation in 2026, particularly in a mixed economic backdrop with stabilizing interest rates [1] Company Analysis: Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) - Merck is positioned defensively within the healthcare sector, trading at $121.41 with a forward dividend of $3.40 per share, yielding 2.80% [2][3] - The company maintains a forward payout ratio of 34.93%, indicating strong dividend coverage and room for reinvestment [2][3] - Merck has increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to shareholder returns [4] - The quarterly dividend is currently $0.85, with the next payment scheduled for early April 2026 [4] - Merck benefits from the stability of the healthcare sector and has a strong oncology franchise, particularly with treatments like Keytruda, which supports revenue generation [4] Company Analysis: ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) - ConocoPhillips operates in the energy sector, providing exposure to global oil and gas prices, which can lead to both risks and rewards [6][7] - The stock is trading at $111.43, with a forward annual dividend of $3.36 per share, yielding 3.02% [8][9] - The forward payout ratio is 50.06%, reflecting a balance between reinvestment in production assets and returning capital to shareholders [8][9] - ConocoPhillips has structured its capital strategy around disciplined spending and strong free cash flow generation, ensuring sustainability of shareholder returns [7] - The company distributes dividends quarterly, with the next payment of $0.84 scheduled for March 2026 [9]

ConocoPhillips and its partners have submitted two plans for development and operation (PDOs) to Norway’s Ministry of Energy for the Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk and Tommeliten Gamma fields in the Greater Ekofisk Area of the North Sea. The proposals outline a combined redevelopment of these previously produced fields, with recoverable gas and condensate resources estimated at 90–120 million barrels of oil equivalent. The project involves installing four subsea templates and drilling 11 wells, which will be ...

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips and its partners are set to invest approximately $2.11 billion to restart production in the Greater Ekofisk area by the end of 2028, focusing on extracting hydrocarbons from previously shut fields [1] Investment Details - The investment will target three fields: Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk, and Tommeliten Gamma, which were shut down in 2019 [1] - The project, named Previously Produced Fields (PPF), aims to recover an estimated 90 million to 120 million barrels of oil equivalent in natural gas and condensate from these fields [1] Stakeholder Information - ConocoPhillips holds a 35.1% stake in both Albuskjell and Vest Ekofisk, and a 28.3% stake in Tommeliten Gamma [1] - Other partners include Vaar Energi with a 52.3% stake in Albuskjell and Vest Ekofisk, Orlen Upstream with 7.6%, and state-owned Petoro with 5% [1] - In Tommeliten Gamma, Orlen holds a 62.6% stake while Vaar Energi has 9.1% [1] Production Timeline - The first gas production from the project is anticipated to commence in the final quarter of 2028 [1]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **Energy sector**, highlighting a significant repricing of energy equities in 2026, with the XLE index up **23%** compared to the S&P 500's **1%** increase. This strength is attributed to positive GDP revisions, a tech rotation, and favorable oil momentum amid geopolitical uncertainties and smaller-than-expected surpluses [1][2]. Core Investment Ideas - The report identifies **10 stocks** with attractive total return potential, averaging **19%** total return, based on a mid-cycle view of **$70** Brent and **$3.75** Henry Hub prices [1][5]. Key Stocks and Their Investment Thesis 1. **HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO)** - Current Price: **$58.76**, Price Target: **$64** (9% upside) - Expected total return of **12%** with a **3%** dividend yield. - Strong balance sheet, non-refining earnings contributions, and exposure to a tighter West Coast market are key drivers [6]. 2. **ConocoPhillips (COP)** - Current Price: **$111.21**, Price Target: **$120** (8% upside) - Expected total return of **11%** with a **3%** dividend yield. - Major growth projects and cost reductions expected to generate **$7 billion** in incremental free cash flow by 2029 at **$70/b** WTI [7][9]. 3. **EQT Corporation (EQT)** - Current Price: **$56.93**, Price Target: **$66** (16% upside) - Expected total return of **17%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Strong inventory position in the low-cost Appalachian Basin and improved cost structure post-acquisition are highlighted [10]. 4. **Viper Energy, Inc. (VNOM)** - Current Price: **$43.85**, Price Target: **$54** (23% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **5%** dividend yield. - No-capex business model and commitment to return **75%** of cash available for distribution to shareholders are key factors [11]. 5. **Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG)** - Current Price: **$169.01**, Price Target: **$187** (11% upside) - Expected total return of **13%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Strong operational execution and commitment to return capital to shareholders are emphasized [13]. 6. **Kinder Morgan, Inc. (KMI)** - Current Price: **$31.45**, Price Target: **$32** (2% upside) - Expected total return of **6%** with a **4%** dividend yield. - Significant natural gas-focused backlog and recent earnings beat are noted [14]. 7. **Cheniere Energy, Inc. (LNG)** - Current Price: **$219.41**, Price Target: **$275** (25% upside) - Expected total return of **26%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Highly contracted asset footprint provides insulation from commodity price downside [15]. 8. **Golar LNG Limited (GLNG)** - Current Price: **$44.20**, Price Target: **$56** (27% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Shift towards floating liquefaction business and potential for significant EBITDA growth are highlighted [18]. 9. **Halliburton Company (HAL)** - Current Price: **$35.03**, Price Target: **$40** (14% upside) - Expected total return of **16%** with a **2%** dividend yield. - Strong performance in international markets and potential for margin expansion are noted [19]. 10. **Vistra Corp. (VST)** - Current Price: **$160.15**, Price Target: **$205** (28% upside) - Expected total return of **29%** with a **1%** dividend yield. - Upside potential from contracting remaining nuclear generation and favorable valuation metrics are discussed [21]. Additional Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring macroeconomic factors, commodity prices, and operational execution as key risks for the companies mentioned [26][27][29][30][31][34]. - The overall sentiment in the energy sector remains constructive, with expectations of continued strength in energy services and integrated oil stocks, despite some relative weakness in gas exploration and production [23]. This comprehensive overview captures the essential insights and investment opportunities within the energy sector as discussed in the conference call.

Chevron is up big in 2026 as part of a rip-roaring rally in energy stocks.In December, I said that Chevron (CVX +1.94%) stood out as a top high-yield dividend stock to buy before 2026 -- even better than what I consider to be the best U.S. energy exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips.Both stocks have done phenomenally well year to date, with Chevron up 18.7% and ConocoPhillips rising 15% compared to just a 1.3% gain in the S&P 500.With Chevron hovering around an all-time high, some investors ma ...

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP).And retail traders should know.We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with COP, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.So how do we know what these investors just did? Today, Benzinga's options scanner spott ...

Core Insights - ConocoPhillips (COP) shares have increased by 13.7% over the past six months, which is lower than the energy sector's average gain of 21% and significantly less than Exxon Mobil Corporation's 42.9% increase [1][9] Company Overview - ConocoPhillips is a key player in the exploration and production sector, with a strong asset base in major U.S. shale basins such as the Delaware Basin, Midland Basin, Eagle Ford, and Bakken shale [2] - The company has a durable and diverse portfolio that is expected to support production growth for decades, although it remains vulnerable to crude price volatility due to its upstream focus [2] Crude Price Vulnerability - In its latest earnings call, ConocoPhillips indicated that 2026 could be a challenging year for commodity prices, which are crucial for its earnings and cash flows [4] - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that the price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude will average $53.42 per barrel in 2026, down from $65.40 per barrel in 2025, which could negatively impact ConocoPhillips [5] Capital Expenditures and Financial Flexibility - ConocoPhillips has reduced capital spending compared to 2025 but still faces significant pre-productive capital expenditures for its Willow project, which is currently 50% complete and expected to start production in 2029 [10] - The ongoing capital commitments for the Willow project may limit the company's financial flexibility, especially in a low crude price environment [11] Market Valuation - The current valuation of ConocoPhillips suggests that the stock may be slightly overvalued, with a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio of 5.85X, compared to the industry average of 5.77X [13]