Investment Returns - The total return on the Fund's net asset value for the first half of 2025 was 2.3%, with dividends and capital gains reinvested [1] - The S&P Energy Sector and the S&P 500 Materials Sector had returns of 0.8% and 6.0%, respectively, while the benchmark (S&P 500 Energy Sector 80% and S&P 500 Materials Sector 20%) returned 1.8% [1] - The total return on the Fund's market price for the same period was 3.1% [1] Annualized Comparative Returns - For the 1-year period, the Fund's net asset value (NAV) decreased by 2.2%, while the market price increased by 1.7% [4] - Over 3 years, the NAV returned 10.7% and the market price returned 12.3% [4] - The 5-year returns were 21.2% for NAV and 22.1% for market price, while the 10-year returns were 6.1% for NAV and 6.8% for market price [4] Net Asset Value - As of June 30, 2025, the Fund's net assets were $634.74 million, down from $689.99 million a year earlier [6] - The number of shares outstanding increased to 26,888,697 from 25,453,641 [6] - The net asset value per share decreased to $23.61 from $27.11 [6] Largest Equity Portfolio Holdings - The top ten equity holdings accounted for 62.9% of net assets, with Exxon Mobil Corporation at 22.7% and Chevron Corporation at 11.5% [7] - Other significant holdings included ConocoPhilips (5.3%), Linde plc (4.7%), and EOG Resources, Inc. (3.8%) [7] Industry Weightings - The Fund's net assets were allocated primarily to the energy sector, with Integrated Oil & Gas at 35.1% and Exploration & Production at 19.8% [9] - Other allocations included Storage & Transportation (11.6%), Chemicals (13.6%), and Metals & Mining (3.6%) [10]

Core Viewpoint - A resolution in Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corporation is imminent, with arbitration nearing a decision that could significantly impact Chevron's growth trajectory and cash flow prospects [1][2]. Acquisition Details - The arbitration centers on whether Exxon Mobil and CNOOC have a right of first refusal on Hess's stake in the Stabroek block, which is crucial for Chevron's all-stock deal [3][4]. - The deal has already passed antitrust review and received shareholder approval, indicating strong initial support for the acquisition [2][4]. Potential Outcomes - If the arbitrators rule that the right of first refusal does not apply to a full corporate acquisition, Chevron's deal could close quickly [4]. - Conversely, if the right of first refusal is upheld, only Exxon or CNOOC could acquire Hess's stake, potentially derailing Chevron's plans [5]. Strategic Importance - The acquisition is viewed as transformative for Chevron, significantly increasing production with low-cost oil and expanding its geographic footprint [6]. - It addresses a projected gap in Chevron's project pipeline beyond 2027, fostering free cash flow growth into the early 2030s [6]. Financial Projections - While the merger may initially dilute free cash flow per share, it is expected to outperform Chevron's standalone free cash flow by 2029 [7]. - Chevron is projected to generate over $18 per share in free cash flow by 2028 at $70 Brent, supported by major project ramp-ups [7]. Market Position - Chevron currently trades at an 11% free cash flow yield, higher than Exxon's 9%, indicating potential for a re-rating as clarity on post-2027 growth emerges [8]. - The downside risk for Chevron appears limited, as it offers advantages such as an integrated value chain and a balanced portfolio [9]. Future Considerations - The anticipated organic growth over the next two years could provide Chevron with the flexibility to pursue additional acquisitions, although high-quality targets are becoming scarce [10]. - If the Hess deal does not close, Chevron may redefine its strategic direction based on the resulting clarity [10].

Group 1 - Hess Corporation shares increased by 4.8% to $150.23, with a higher-than-average trading volume, reflecting a 4.9% gain over the past four weeks [1] - The company has significant stakes in oil discoveries offshore Guyana and is a key partner in the ExxonMobil-led consortium in the Stabroek Block, enhancing its long-term production visibility and cash flow potential [2] - The upcoming quarterly earnings are expected to be $1.28 per share, a decrease of 51.2% year-over-year, with revenues projected at $2.67 billion, down 18.1% from the previous year [3] Group 2 - The consensus EPS estimate for Hess has been revised marginally higher in the last 30 days, indicating a potential for price appreciation [4] - Hess currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) within the Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry [5] - Calumet, Inc., another company in the same industry, has a consensus EPS estimate of -$0.42, reflecting a 12.5% year-over-year change, and also holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [6]

Core Insights - Hess Corporation has officially exited Suriname's offshore Block 59, concluding its exploration activities after meeting minimum work obligations, with the block reverting to state control [1][9] - The exit follows the withdrawal of Hess' former partners, Exxon Mobil and Equinor, over high drilling risks and financial uncertainties [2][9] - Block 59, located in deepwater with depths of 2,700-3,500 meters, struggled to attract new partners for exploration after the exit of ExxonMobil and Equinor [3][9] Exploration Challenges - Hess avoided further financial commitments by opting out before the next exploration phase ending in July 2025, as the region has not yet shown viable production prospects [4] - Staatsolie, Suriname's state oil company, aims to reassign Block 59 as part of its strategy to maximize offshore investment, with nearly half of Suriname's offshore territory under production sharing agreements [5][6] Future Partnerships - Staatsolie is committed to securing new partnerships to explore the country's hydrocarbon potential, despite the challenges associated with ultra-deepwater exploration [6]

Group 1 - The article discusses the analysis of oil and gas companies, focusing on identifying undervalued firms within the sector [1] - It emphasizes the importance of understanding the balance sheet, competitive position, and development prospects of these companies [1] - The author has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, viewing it as a cyclical sector that requires patience and expertise [2] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to the companies mentioned [3][4][5]

Core Insights - Chevron Corporation is poised for a significant opportunity depending on the arbitration ruling regarding its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corporation, which is crucial for accessing the Stabroek oilfield in Guyana [1][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The arbitration is being overseen by the International Chamber of Commerce, which is currently reviewing the decision before sharing it with the involved parties [2]. - Chevron's interest in acquiring Hess is primarily driven by Hess's 30% stake in the Stabroek block, a key offshore oilfield operated by Exxon and involving CNOOC [3]. - The Stabroek block is vital for Chevron's strategy to address declining reserves, as indicated by a reserve replacement ratio of -4% in 2024, highlighting the urgency of this acquisition [3][7]. Group 2: Dispute Context - Exxon and CNOOC assert that their joint venture agreements provide them a right of first refusal on Hess's stake, while Chevron and Hess argue that this clause does not apply to their merger [4]. - The outcome of the arbitration will determine if Chevron can proceed with the acquisition or if Exxon and CNOOC can block the deal and potentially acquire the stake themselves [5]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - A favorable ruling for Chevron would enhance its position in a promising oil region, while an unfavorable outcome could jeopardize one of the largest oil deals in recent history [5].

Core Viewpoint - There is significant speculation regarding the potential acquisition of Hess Midstream by Chevron if Chevron's acquisition of Hess is successful, indicating a strategic interest in Hess Midstream's value [1] Group 1: Investment Perspective - The market is perceived to be overly focused on short-term challenges, leading to mispricing of fundamentally strong companies, which presents long-term investment opportunities [1] - The emphasis is on uncovering short-term mispricings to unlock long-term value in companies like Hess Midstream [1]

Hess Midstream Investor Relations Presentation January 2025 Forward-Looking Statements This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of U.S. federal securities laws. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "guidance," "could," "may," "should," "would," "believe," "intend," "project," "plan," "predict," "will," "target," "imply" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. Our forward-looking statements may ...

Core Insights - Hess Corporation (HES) shares have increased by 13% over the past six months, outperforming the oil-energy sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which grew by 4.7% and 1.5% respectively. The company's market capitalization stands at $44 billion [1] - The company is currently trading above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a bullish trend [2] - Hess's disciplined cost control has led to a 6.4% sequential increase in upstream income to $563 million, despite weaker oil prices and volumes [5][8] - The Yellowtail project in Guyana is on track for startup in Q3 2025, with an expected initial production capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil per day [7] - The average price target for Hess shares is $160.97, suggesting a potential upside of 13.56% from the last closing price [11] Financial Performance - Adjusted net income for Hess's exploration and production (E&P) segment rose 6.4% sequentially to $563 million in Q1 2025, despite lower oil prices and reduced sales volumes [8] - Cash operating costs were reported at $12.27 per barrel of oil equivalent (Boe), and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) costs were $13.25/Boe, both within manageable ranges [9] - Capital and exploratory expenditure increased to $1.09 billion in Q1 2025 from $927 million a year earlier, with over half directed towards high-return projects in Guyana [10] Strategic Focus - Hess's investment strategy emphasizes high-return assets, particularly in offshore Guyana, with major developments like Uaru, Yellowtail, and Whiptail expected to drive long-term production and cash flow growth [10] - The company has a strong earnings surprise history, surpassing earnings estimates in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 9.58% [14]

Group 1 - Hess Midstream shares have performed well over the past year, gaining 6% and offering a dividend yield of over 7% [1] - Despite the gains, shares remain below pre-Liberation Day highs due to pressure from oil prices [1]