The initial pandemic period, when there were no vaccines, saw an environment of heightened uncertainties. The price of crude oil plunged to a negative $36.98 per barrel on Apr 20, 2020. However, with the rapid developments of vaccines, which led to the gradual opening of the economies, the pricing scenario of West Texas Intermediate crude improved drastically over time to reach $123.64 per barrel on Mar 8, 2022. Oil price data are per the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and currently, the WTI oil pr ...

ConocoPhillips (COP) , a leading upstream energy firm in the world in terms of production and reserves, is well-positioned to capitalize on handsome crude prices.  Currently, the firm carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Factors Working in FavorWest Texas Intermediate crude price, approaching $79 per barrel, is highly favorable for upstream activities.ConocoPhillips has secured a solid production outlook thanks to its decades of drilling inventories across its low-cost and diversified upstream asset base. The res ...

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” (Excellent) of Sooner Insurance Company (Sooner) (Colchester, VT). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Sooner’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Sooner’s balance sheet stre ...

OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AM Best has assigned a Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and a Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a+” (Excellent) to Rodeo Insurance Company (Rodeo) (Houston, TX). The outlook assigned to these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Rodeo’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Rodeo’s balance sheet streng ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the appeal of acquiring stalwart stocks, likening it to befriending a powerful figure for security and stability in uncertain market conditions [1] Group 1: Procter & Gamble (PG) - Procter & Gamble is highlighted as a consumer goods giant that remains essential regardless of economic conditions, with a revenue of over $82 billion for the fiscal year ending June 2023 [2] - Analysts project revenue growth to $84.74 billion in 2024 and $88.06 billion in 2025, indicating a consistent growth trajectory [2] - The company offers a forward dividend yield of 2.34%, with a payout increase for the past 68 years, making it a premier stalwart stock [3] Group 2: Kroger (KR) - Kroger is positioned as a grocery store giant that balances price and quality, making it relevant for families looking to save on food expenses [5] - The stock trades at a forward earnings multiple of 11.21X, significantly below the sector median of 17.56X, suggesting potential for growth [5] - Analysts estimate earnings per share of $4.60 for the current year and $4.72 for 2025, supported by ongoing economic realities [5][6] Group 3: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola is recognized for its affordability and potential to benefit from consumers trading down from more expensive options, with projected sales of $45.77 billion for the current year [7] - Analysts expect sales to reach over $48 billion by the end of next year, with high-side estimates of $46.5 billion in 2024 and $48.78 billion in 2025 [7] - The stock has a forward dividend yield of 3.17% and a payout increase track record of 63 years, making it a strong candidate for stalwart stocks [8] Group 4: Meta Platforms (META) - Meta Platforms, traditionally not seen as a stalwart stock, has shifted its narrative by announcing a dividend for the first time [10] - The company reported sales of $134.9 billion last year, with analysts projecting $158.21 billion in revenue for the current year and $177.95 billion for the following year [11] - Meta is viewed as a strong buy with a consensus price target of $529, reflecting its influential market position [11] Group 5: Exelon (EXC) - Exelon is a public utility firm that benefits from a natural monopoly, making it a reliable stalwart stock despite recent market challenges [12] - Analysts predict revenue declines in 2024 and 2025, but high-side estimates suggest modest growth, supported by consistent profitability [13] - The company offers a forward dividend yield of 4.21% and is rated a moderate buy with a price target of $41 [13] Group 6: Microsoft (MSFT) - Microsoft is recognized for its strong position in business software and PC operating systems, with projected sales of $244.26 billion in 2024 and $279.24 billion in 2025 [14][15] - The company’s recent focus on artificial intelligence is seen as a significant growth driver, despite skepticism about the technology's impact on jobs [14] Group 7: ConocoPhillips (COP) - ConocoPhillips, while primarily focused on hydrocarbon exploration, remains relevant in the energy sector despite the push for renewable energy [16] - The company reported revenue of $56.14 billion last year, with projections of $58.96 billion in 2024 and over $61 billion in 2025 [17] - ConocoPhillips has a strong buy consensus and a forward yield of 2.08%, positioning it as a balanced stalwart stock [17]

Cavan Images/Cavan via Getty Images Company Overview ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is an independent E&P company headquartered in Houston, TX exploiting hydrocarbon resources including crude oil, bitumen, NGL and natural gas with significant positions in the continental US, Alaska, the North Sea and South East Asia. 2023 average production stood at ~1.8Mboed with a roughly 51% oil and 67% liquids share (excluding affiliates 58% and 75%) making it the largest independent E&P company in the US. The company, w ...

Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?Let's take a look at what these Wall Street heavyweights have to say about ConocoPhillips (COP) before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage.ConocoPhillips currently has an avera ...

Financial Overview - Total assets of ConocoPhillips as of December 31, 2023, were approximately $96 billion[7]. - Total company production for the year was 1,826 MBOED[7]. - ConocoPhillips employed approximately 9,900 people worldwide as of December 31, 2023[7]. - The company has $16.2 billion remaining in its $45 billion share repurchase program as of December 31, 2023[133]. Production and Reserves - Proved crude oil reserves increased to 3,032 million barrels in 2023, up from 2,975 million barrels in 2022[12]. - Proved natural gas reserves decreased to 1,408 million cubic feet in 2023, down from 1,461 million cubic feet in 2022[12]. - Total proved reserves across all categories reached 6,758 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2023[12]. - In 2023, the Lower 48 segment contributed 64% of consolidated liquids production and 76% of consolidated natural gas production[20]. - Average daily net production in the Lower 48 was 569 MBD, with the Delaware Basin contributing 274 MBD[21]. - The Asia Pacific segment contributed 5% of the company's consolidated liquids production and 3% of consolidated natural gas production in 2023, with 844 MMCFD of natural gas production from the Australia Pacific LNG[46]. Operational Highlights - Alaska operations contributed 15% of consolidated liquids production and 2% of consolidated natural gas production[13]. - Average daily net production in Alaska was 195 MBOED, with 173 MBD of crude oil and 38 MMCFD of natural gas[14]. - The company operates in 13 countries, with a diverse portfolio including unconventional plays in North America and conventional assets globally[7]. - The Surmont oil sands development in Canada achieved first production on Pad 267 in December 2023, with expectations for Pad 104 in 2025[29]. - The Greater Ekofisk Area in Norway achieved first production from the Tommeliten A development in 2023, with Eldfisk North expected to start production in 2024[33]. Environmental and Regulatory Considerations - The company aims for a 50-60% reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2030 from a 2016 baseline, with a near-zero methane intensity target of less than 1.5 kg CO2 equivalent per BOE by 2030[67]. - The company anticipates that increasing attention to climate change may lead to higher costs of capital and potential litigation risks[118]. - Compliance with environmental regulations is expected to incur substantial capital and operating costs, affecting financial performance[110]. - New regulations, such as those from the EPA regarding methane emissions, may lead to increased capital expenditures and operational costs[114]. Workforce and Diversity - The company has a global workforce composition of 73% male and 27% female, with 68% of U.S. employees identifying as White and 32% as people of color (POC)[79]. - In 2023, the total voluntary attrition rate for ConocoPhillips was 4%[82]. - ConocoPhillips is focused on enhancing its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, with 41% of diversity hiring targeting U.S. POC[82]. Cybersecurity Measures - The company has implemented a multilayered approach to cybersecurity risk management, integrating administrative, technical, and physical controls to protect its IT and operational technology (OT) systems[142]. - The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) leads the cybersecurity strategy and has over 20 years of experience, with 15 years specifically in cybersecurity[150]. - A Cybersecurity Operation Center (CSOC) is in place to monitor threats and coordinate incident response, ensuring timely management of cybersecurity incidents[144]. - The company conducts annual risk assessments to evaluate cybersecurity risks, which are discussed with the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of Directors[143]. Market and Economic Factors - In 2023, WTI crude oil prices fluctuated between a low of $67 per barrel in March and a high of $94 per barrel in August, indicating significant volatility in commodity prices[93]. - Prolonged periods of low commodity prices could adversely affect revenues, operating income, cash flows, and liquidity, potentially impacting dividend declarations and share repurchase programs[94]. - The exploration and production sector is highly competitive, with challenges from both traditional and alternative energy sources[97]. - The company faces risks associated with geopolitical conditions and regulatory changes in international markets, which could adversely affect profitability and cash flows[124].

Commodities such as oil tend to increase when there are geopolitical tensions, especially in the Middle East region, as they could affect the supply chains and further elevate the price of black gold.According to sources within the market citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute (API), U.S. crude oil inventories increased last week, while fuel stockpiles experienced declines. The API data indicated a rise of 8.52 million barrels in crude stocks for the week ending February 9. Gasoline inventorie ...

LNG Tanker Moored To The Jetty Felix Cesare/Moment via Getty Images In late January, President Biden issued a statement announcing a "pause" on pending approvals for new LNG export terminals. The negative response from the Republicans and the O&G industry was expected and did not disappoint. However, the "pause" does not impact LNG terminals that have already been approved by the Biden administration. As most of my followers know, I have been reporting on ConocoPhillips' (NYSE:COP) pivot from investing he ...