Equinor (NYSE:EQNR) is one of the best value stocks to buy now. On February 5, Equinor and Eneco entered into a five-year gas supply agreement, securing up to 0.5 billion cubic meters/bcm of natural gas per year for the Dutch market. Deliveries to the Netherlands’ gas grid commenced earlier on February 1. This partnership reinforces the long-standing relationship between the Norwegian energy giant and the Rotterdam-based utility provider, which serves over two million customers across the Netherlands, Belg ...

Core Viewpoint - Equinor ASA announced a cash dividend of USD 0.37 per share for the third quarter of 2025, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders [1]. Group 1: Dividend Announcement - The cash dividend per share for the third quarter of 2025 is set at USD 0.37 [1]. - The NOK equivalent of the cash dividend is calculated based on the average USDNOK fixing rate from Norges Bank, which was 9.5267, resulting in NOK 3.5249 per share [1]. Group 2: Payment Details - The cash dividend will be paid on 27 February 2026 to shareholders on the Oslo Børs and to holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the New York Stock Exchange [2]. - This announcement complies with the Continuing Obligations and the disclosure requirements of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act [2].

Core Insights - Equinor and its partners have made a significant oil and gas discovery in the Granat prospect near the Gullfaks field in Norway's North Sea, with preliminary estimates of 1.3 to 3.8 million barrels of oil equivalent [1] - The discovery will be evaluated for potential integration with existing infrastructure in the Gullfaks area, aligning with Equinor's strategy of infrastructure-led exploration to enhance supply at lower costs [2] - Equinor plans to drill 20 to 30 exploration wells annually, focusing 80% of its efforts near existing infrastructure while exploring new concepts in the remaining 20% [3] Industry Context - The Norwegian Offshore Directorate emphasizes the need for new discoveries and investments in oil and gas projects to counteract the expected production decline from the late 2020s [5] - Equinor's senior vice president highlights the importance of integrating new discoveries into existing infrastructure as a key task for future operations [4]

Core Viewpoint - The oil market is currently characterized by a split sentiment, with bears dominating the narrative due to oversupply, while bulls remain optimistic about potential geopolitical developments that could tighten the market [1][10]. Supply and Demand Dynamics - Over the past two years, oil supply has significantly outpaced demand, leading to an increase in global inventories by approximately 477 million barrels, or 1.3 million barrels per day, primarily driven by higher production from the US, Brazil, and OPEC+ [3][12]. - Despite healthy annual demand growth of nearly 1 million barrels per day, the excess output remains a concern for market participants [3][12]. - Preliminary data indicates that stockpiling has continued into early 2026, although the increase in inventories has been less than anticipated due to supply outages, including a drop in global production by over 1 million barrels in January due to adverse weather and operational disruptions [4][13]. Geopolitical Factors - The geopolitical landscape plays a crucial role in oil market dynamics, with traders closely monitoring the actions of key political figures, including US and Russian leaders, as well as developments in Iran [8][9]. - The bulls argue that Russia and Iran may eventually need to cut production, which could tighten the global market, while the bears contend that surplus barrels will eventually find buyers, particularly in China, if geopolitical tensions ease [9][10]. Market Sentiment and Price Outlook - Currently, oil prices are stable, fluctuating between $60 and $70 per barrel, as the market awaits a catalyst to drive significant price movements [10][11]. - The bulls believe that if China continues to build its strategic reserves, it could absorb surplus barrels without significantly impacting benchmark prices [7][10]. - The risk profile appears to favor the bulls, as the potential upside from geopolitical conflicts could lead to substantial price increases, while the downside is limited [11].

The shares in Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR; NYSE: EQNR) will as from today be traded on the Oslo Stock Exchange exclusive the third quarter 2025 cash dividend as detailed below. Ex. date: 16 February 2026 Dividend amount: 0.37 Announced currency: USD This information is published in accordance with the requirements of the Continuing Obligations and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. ...

Core Insights - Equinor (NYSE: EQNR) possesses one of the strongest portfolios among major oil companies, featuring a significant renewable energy segment, strategically positioned natural gas assets, and robust core oil production [2] Group 1: Company Overview - Equinor has outperformed since the last recommendation, indicating strong market performance and investor confidence [2] - The company is recognized for its extensive renewable portfolio, which positions it favorably in the transition to sustainable energy [2] Group 2: Investment Strategy - The Value Portfolio focuses on constructing retirement portfolios through a fact-based research approach, which includes thorough analysis of 10Ks, analyst commentary, market reports, and investor presentations [2] - The Retirement Forum, led by a seasoned investment group, offers model portfolios, macroeconomic overviews, and detailed company analyses to assist investors in maximizing returns [2]

Core Insights - Equinor ASA (EQNR) has signed a five-year gas supply agreement with Dutch gas grid operator Eneco to deliver up to 0.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually starting February 1, 2026 [1][7] - The agreement includes the provision of 'guarantees of origin' certificates, which indicate that the gas is produced with lower carbon emissions, contributing to a reduction of over 10% in Eneco's reported CO2 emissions [2][7] - This deal enhances energy relations between Norway and the Netherlands, bolsters Dutch energy security, and provides stability and improved cash flow for Equinor [3][7] Industry Context - Current West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices are below $65 per barrel, indicating a potentially easing business environment for Equinor's upstream segment, although predictions suggest further price decreases may pressure the upstream business [4] - Other major players in the integrated oil and gas sector, such as Chevron Corporation (CVX), Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), and BP p.l.c. (BP), are also facing similar crude price volatility, with each holding a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Equinor has agreed to sell its entire assets in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale basin to local company Vista Energy for approximately $1.1 billion, as part of its strategy to optimize its international investment portfolio [1] Group 1: Transaction Details - The agreement includes the sale of a 30% non-operating interest in the Bandurria Sur asset and a 50% non-operating interest in the Bajo del Toro asset, both located in a rapidly growing shale region in Argentina [1] - The transaction price consists of $550 million in upfront cash, stock from Vista Energy, and contingent payments linked to future production and oil prices over the next five years [1] - The effective date of the transaction is retroactive to July 1, 2025, with Equinor's equity production in Bandurria Sur expected to be approximately 24,400 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the third quarter of 2025 [1] Group 2: Buyer Information - Vista Energy is one of the major independent producers focused on shale gas in Argentina, and this acquisition will further strengthen its position in the Vaca Muerta basin [1]

Core Insights - Equinor ASA (EQNR) reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 81 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 60 cents, and up from 63 cents in the same quarter last year [1][11] - Total quarterly revenues were $25.3 billion, a decline from $27.7 billion in the prior-year quarter, but still surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $23.4 billion [1][11] Financial Performance - The better-than-expected quarterly results were primarily due to increased liquids and gas production across major Exploration & Production segments, although a decline in liquid prices offset some of the positives [2] - The company's average daily production of liquids and gas increased by 5% to 1,468 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoe/d) from 1,398 MBoe/d in the prior-year quarter, attributed to new fields and additional wells [4][11] - Equinor ended the fourth quarter with a negative net cash flow of $1,062 million, an improvement from a negative net cash flow of $4,969 million in the year-ago period [12] Segment Analysis - Exploration & Production Norway (E&P Norway) reported adjusted earnings of $5,026 million, down 26% from $6,804 million in the year-ago quarter, affected by natural declines in several fields and lower gas and liquids prices [3] - E&P International's adjusted operating profit totaled $214 million, down 29% from $303 million in the year-ago quarter, primarily due to a decline in production volumes and lower liquids prices [5] - E&P USA generated an adjusted operating profit of $359 million, a 95% increase from $184 million in the fourth quarter of 2024, supported by higher natural gas prices and production volumes [7] - The Marketing, Midstream & Processing segment reported adjusted earnings of $678 million, a 3% increase from $659 million a year ago, benefiting from higher sales volumes and increased realized gas prices in the U.S. [9] Future Outlook - Equinor expects oil and gas production to grow around 3% in 2026 compared to 2025 levels, with plans to drill approximately 30 exploration wells and projected organic capital expenditures of approximately $13 billion [14]

Core Viewpoint - Equinor and Eneco have signed a five-year contract for natural gas supply to the Netherlands, starting from February 1, with an annual volume of up to 500 million cubic meters, emphasizing sustainability and lower greenhouse gas emissions [1][2][3]. Group 1: Contract Details - The agreement allows for the supply of natural gas produced from the Norwegian Continental Shelf, which is noted for its lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to other European sources [1]. - Eneco will receive sustainability guarantees through a platform operated by Attributes SAS, leading to a reported decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by over 10% [2]. Group 2: Company Statements - Equinor's senior vice-president highlighted the significance of the agreement with Eneco, a major energy provider focused on sustainability, marking it as a step towards energy security and sustainability [3]. - Eneco's CEO expressed satisfaction with the deal, aligning it with their One Planet goal of climate neutrality, while acknowledging the necessity of natural gas in the energy mix for the foreseeable future [4]. Group 3: Operational Context - Eneco operates from Rotterdam, providing electricity, natural gas, and heat across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and the UK, serving over two million households and businesses [4]. - In December 2025, Equinor and its partners identified oil, condensate, and gas at the Tyrihans Øst prospect, located approximately 250 km southwest of Brønnøysund in the Norwegian Sea [5].