Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is facing a projected decline in earnings per share and revenue for the upcoming quarter, while its stock performance has shown resilience compared to broader market indices [2][3]. Company Performance - ConocoPhillips closed at $95.54, reflecting a -1.21% change from the previous day, which is less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.07% [1] - Over the past month, shares of ConocoPhillips have gained 8.15%, outperforming the Oils-Energy sector's loss of 0.33% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.94% [1]. Earnings Estimates - The projected earnings per share (EPS) for the upcoming release is $1.23, indicating a 37.88% decrease from the same quarter last year [2]. - Revenue is expected to be $14.21 billion, down 3.6% from the prior-year quarter [2]. - For the entire fiscal year, earnings are projected at $6.39 per share, representing a -17.97% change from the prior year, while revenue is expected to be $61.27 billion, reflecting a +7.58% change [3]. Analyst Estimates - Recent changes in analyst estimates for ConocoPhillips are crucial as they often indicate shifts in near-term business trends [4]. - The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has increased by 1.32% over the last 30 days, and ConocoPhillips currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]. Valuation Metrics - ConocoPhillips has a Forward P/E ratio of 15.13, which is lower than the industry average Forward P/E of 18.78 [7]. - The company has a PEG ratio of 2.19, compared to the industry average PEG ratio of 2.25 [8]. Industry Context - The Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry, which includes ConocoPhillips, ranks in the bottom 19% of all industries according to the Zacks Industry Rank [9].

​ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is one of the Cheap NYSE Stocks to Buy Now. Wall Street has a cautious outlook on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), mainly due to the supply-side risks facing the oil and liquids sector. On December 8, Arun Jayaram from J.P. Morgan lowered the firm’s price target on the stock from $112 to $102 and maintained a Buy rating. However, earlier on December 4, Charles Meade from Johnson Rice downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold and also lowered the price target from $108 to $105. ​Analyst Ar ...

Core Insights - Investors with significant capital have adopted a bearish outlook on ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) as indicated by recent options trading activity [1][2] - The sentiment among large investors is notably divided, with 25% bullish and 50% bearish positions observed [3] Options Trading Activity - Benzinga's options scanner identified 8 unusual options trades for ConocoPhillips, comprising 3 put options totaling $117,530 and 5 call options totaling $368,597 [2][3] - The projected price targets for ConocoPhillips are between $82.5 and $97.5 based on the analysis of volume and open interest in these options contracts [4] Volume and Open Interest - The average open interest for ConocoPhillips options is 2,052.12, with total trading volume reaching 3,588.00 [5] - A chart detailing the progression of call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades within the $82.5 to $97.5 strike price corridor over the last 30 days is available [5] Company Overview - ConocoPhillips is a US-based independent exploration and production company with operations primarily in Alaska and the Lower 48, as well as in Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa [10] - The company has substantial integrated LNG production and marketing activities across various regions [10] Current Market Position - Two market experts have recently provided ratings for ConocoPhillips, with a consensus target price of $111.0 [11] - An analyst from UBS maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $117, while an analyst from Johnson Rice has downgraded their rating to Hold with a revised target of $105 [12] Stock Performance - The current trading volume for ConocoPhillips is 2,489,896, with the stock price at $92.92, reflecting a 0.04% increase [14] - RSI indicators suggest that the stock may be approaching overbought conditions [14]

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is a significant player in the oil and gas industry, actively enhancing its portfolio since late 2020, which has positively influenced its stock performance [1][5] Company Performance - The stock of ConocoPhillips has underperformed the market over the past one- and three-year periods, despite offering an attractive dividend yield of 3.5% [2][5] - The current stock price is $93.12, reflecting a daily increase of 1.31, or 1.43% [3] - The stock has experienced volatility, with a one-year high of $106.20 and a low of $79.88 [3] Market Position - ConocoPhillips has a market capitalization of approximately $116 billion, indicating its significant presence in the oil and gas sector [4][5] - The trading volume for the day is 6,468,627 shares on the NYSE, demonstrating active investor interest [4] Price Target - Johnson Rice has set a price target of $105 for ConocoPhillips, suggesting a potential increase of 12.76% from its current price [1][5]

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is a significant player in the oil and gas industry, maintaining a strong portfolio despite fluctuating oil prices and market challenges [1][5]. Group 1: Stock Performance - On December 4, 2025, Johnson Rice downgraded ConocoPhillips to a "Hold" rating, with the stock priced at $93.12, influenced by fluctuating oil prices [2][6]. - The stock has underperformed the market over the past one- and three-year periods, despite outperforming the S&P 500 over the last five years when considering reinvested dividends [3][6]. - The current stock price reflects a 1.43% increase, with fluctuations between $91.81 and $93.19 today, and a market capitalization of approximately $116 billion [4]. Group 2: Oil Prices Impact - Brent oil prices have declined by 14% over the past year and more than 25% over the last three years, significantly impacting ConocoPhillips' stock performance [2][6]. Group 3: Company Resilience - ConocoPhillips' diversified portfolio and global operations have been crucial in navigating the challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices, ensuring its continued relevance in the energy sector [5]. - The company boasts an attractive dividend yield of 3.5%, contributing to its long-term performance [3][6].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts a 13% increase in Alaska's crude oil production by 2026, marking the highest output since 2018 and the most significant annual growth rate since the 1980s [1][7]. Production Drivers - The increase in oil production is attributed to large-scale projects transitioning from planning to production, notably ConocoPhillips' Nuna project and Santos' Pikka Phase 1 project [3][4]. - ConocoPhillips' Nuna project is expected to reach a peak capacity of 20,000 barrels per day (bpd) [3]. - The Pikka Phase 1 project is anticipated to start in early 2026 and peak at 80,000 bpd, contributing nearly 20% of Alaska's total production in 2025 [4]. Impact on Major Oil Companies - Major oil companies like ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil will benefit from increased revenues and cash flows due to the production surge [2][6]. - ConocoPhillips, as the dominant producer in Alaska, is well-positioned to gain from its multiple projects, including Nuna and the future Willow development [6][7]. Energy ETFs and Investment Opportunities - The projected increase in oil production serves as a catalyst for the U.S. energy sector, potentially boosting earnings and share prices of key companies [7]. - Investors may consider energy ETFs for diversified exposure to the growth in Alaska's oil production, particularly those with significant holdings in ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil [8][9]. Specific Energy ETFs - **State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE)**: AUM of $27.87 billion, with XOM at 23.21% weight and COP at 6.77% weight; YTD gain of 9.8% [10]. - **Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE)**: Net assets of $7.1 billion, with XOM at 23.01% weight and COP at 5.52% weight; YTD gain of 9.5% [12]. - **Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY)**: Net assets of $1.3 billion, with XOM at 21.9% weight and COP at 5.70% weight; YTD gain of 9.7% [13].

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips has demonstrated significant long-term stock performance, outperforming the S&P 500 over the past five years, despite recent short-term challenges related to oil prices [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Over the past five years, ConocoPhillips' stock has increased by 129.2%, while its total return, including reinvested dividends, has risen by 173.4% [2]. - In contrast, the S&P 500 has shown a total return of 86.7% over the same period [2]. - However, ConocoPhillips has underperformed the S&P 500 in the one- and three-year periods, with stock price declines of 13.7% and 25%, respectively [2]. Group 2: Oil Prices Impact - Brent oil prices have decreased by 14% over the past year and more than 25% over the last three years, closely mirroring the decline in ConocoPhillips' stock price [3]. - Despite recent declines, crude oil prices have rallied nearly 33% over the last five years, contributing to the company's long-term stock performance [3]. Group 3: Strategic Acquisitions - ConocoPhillips has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its portfolio, including the acquisition of Concho Resources for $9.7 billion in 2020 and Shell's position in the Delaware basin for $9.5 billion in 2021 [5]. - In 2023, the company acquired a 50% interest in the Surmont Canadian oil sands facility for $2.7 billion and previously purchased Marathon Oil for $22.5 billion [5]. Group 4: Operational Efficiency - The company has capitalized on lower crude prices post-pandemic to acquire low-cost oil and gas resources, positioning itself to generate more free cash flow even at lower oil prices [6]. - These strategic moves have enabled ConocoPhillips to pay a growing dividend and repurchase shares, enhancing shareholder value [6][7].

Market Performance - The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 185.13 points, closing at 47,474.46, an increase of 0.39% [1] - The Nasdaq Composite gained 137.75 points, ending at 23,413.67, up by 0.59% [1] - The S&P 500 index increased by 16.74 points, closing at 6,829.37, a rise of 0.25% [1] Sector Performance - Major technology stocks mostly increased, with Apple up over 1%, Facebook nearly 1%, Nvidia up 0.86%, Microsoft up 0.67%, Google up 0.29%, Amazon up 0.223%, while Tesla fell by 0.21% [1] - Energy stocks declined across the board, with ExxonMobil down over 1%, Chevron down more than 1%, ConocoPhillips down over 1%, Schlumberger down 0.7%, and Western Oil down nearly 1% [1] - Airline stocks collectively rose, with Boeing up over 10%, American Airlines up more than 2%, Delta Airlines up over 1%, Southwest Airlines up nearly 2%, and United Airlines up over 3% [1] - Semiconductor stocks mostly increased, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising by 1.83%, Intel up over 8%, NXP Semiconductors up more than 7%, Microchip Technology up over 6%, and Texas Instruments up over 4% [1] Chinese Stocks - The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index fell by 0.65%, with individual stocks like Xpeng Motors down nearly 8%, and Artis Solar down nearly 6% [2] - Some Chinese stocks saw gains, such as Wanwu Xingsheng up over 6%, Atour up more than 5%, and Tiger Brokers up nearly 2% [2] Economic Indicators - Recent data indicates a gradual cooling of the economy, with policymakers urging caution on interest rate cuts and warning of potential inflationary pressures [2] - The probability of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December has surged to 89.2% according to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange [2] European Market Performance - European stock indices showed mixed results, with the FTSE 100 in London down 0.01%, the CAC 40 in Paris down 0.28%, and the DAX in Frankfurt up 0.51% [2] Commodity Prices - International oil prices fell, with light crude oil futures for January 2026 down by $0.68, closing at $58.64 per barrel, a decrease of 1.15% [3] - Brent crude oil futures for February fell by $0.72, closing at $62.45 per barrel, a decline of 1.14% [3] Currency Exchange Rates - The US dollar index decreased by 0.06%, closing at 99.357 [3] - The euro traded at 1.1622 against the dollar, the pound at 1.3211, and the yen at 155.88 [3]

Core Insights - Oil stocks are currently influenced by geopolitical developments, including a halt in exports from the Caspian Pipeline Consortium due to a Ukraine drone attack and ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, which may affect supply [1] - OPEC+ has decided to maintain oil output levels unchanged for the first quarter of 2026, contributing to the current market dynamics [1] - January-dated crude prices have increased by 1% to $59.11 [1] Company Performance - Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:XOM) shares have risen by 0.6% to $116.70, following an increase in HSBC's price target from $121 to $126, despite a year-to-date gain of only 8.6% [2] - Chevron Corp (NYSE:CVX) stock is up 1.1% to $152.80, maintaining a year-to-date breakeven level while trading between $146 and $161 since July [3] - ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) shares have increased by 1.8% to $90.32, although the stock is down 9% in 2025, facing resistance from moving averages above [3] Analyst Sentiment - Analysts remain overwhelmingly bullish on Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips, with only three out of 77 brokerage positions rated as "sell," while the majority are "buy" or "hold" ratings [4] - Potential downgrades could occur if analysts are dissatisfied with the geopolitical developments affecting these companies [4]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in large-cap high-yield dividend stocks as a strategy for growth and income, particularly in the current volatile market environment [4][6]. Company Summaries - **ConocoPhillips**: This exploration and production company has a dividend yield of 3.57% and recently completed a $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil, enhancing its asset portfolio in key shale regions [8][10]. - **Ford Motor Co.**: An American automotive corporation with a 4.83% dividend yield, Ford operates in multiple segments, including commercial vehicles and financing services [11][14]. - **Johnson & Johnson**: A diversified healthcare giant with a 2.60% dividend yield, trading at 14.5 times forward earnings, noted for its strong brand and conservative approach in pharmaceuticals [15][17]. - **Prudential Financial**: This company offers a 5.04% dividend yield and provides a range of insurance and investment management services, making it a safe option for conservative investors [18][23]. - **Verizon Communications**: With a 6.63% dividend yield and trading at 9.13 times estimated 2026 earnings, Verizon has a stable revenue stream and a strong interest coverage ratio of 4.6 to 5.0 times, supporting its dividend payments [24][25].