Why Energy Stocks Like Exxon and Hess Are Back in Focus

Core Insights - The energy sector is experiencing a significant shift due to recent events in Europe, particularly a power outage in Portugal and Spain, highlighting the challenges of overreliance on renewable energy sources [2][3] - Major players like Exxon Mobil and Hess are positioned to benefit from the ongoing reliance on fossil fuels, presenting long-term investment opportunities [3][4] Exxon Mobil - Exxon Mobil's stock forecast indicates a 12-month price target of $126.50, representing a 19.11$106.20, with a high forecast of $144.00 and a low of$105.00 [4] - The company reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings despite declining crude oil prices, which could have negatively impacted earnings per share (EPS) [4][5] - Management's decision to maintain the share buyback program signals confidence in the stock's undervaluation and potential for future price increases [5][6] - Analysts from Barclays have reiterated an Overweight rating on Exxon Mobil, with a valuation target of $130 per share, indicating a 23$164.46, indicating a 24.28% upside from the current price of $132.33, with a high forecast of$194.00 and a low of $136.00 [8][9] - The recent European blackout has led to increased institutional interest in Hess, with the Bank of New York Mellon boosting its holdings by 22.2$572.1 million [9][10] - Wall Street analysts project an EPS of $3.18 for Hess in the final quarter of 2025, a 63$1.95, supporting the growth thesis and recent institutional buying [11] Transocean Ltd. - Transocean, a drilling equipment maker and leaser, presents an attractive investment opportunity due to its asymmetrical risk-reward profile, especially after its stock has fallen to a 52-week low [12][13] - Analysts have set a consensus price target of $4.6 per share for Transocean, suggesting a potential upside of 98.5% from its current levels [14]