Is ConocoPhillips Stock Still Worth Owning After Strong Q1 Earnings?

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips (COP) reported strong first-quarter 2025 earnings, exceeding expectations due to higher oil equivalent production volumes and a positive business outlook [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q1 were $2.09, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.06 and increasing from $2.03 in the prior year [2]. - Quarterly revenues reached $17.1 billion, up from $14.48 billion year-over-year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16.54 billion [3]. Strategic Acquisitions - The acquisition of Marathon Oil has enhanced COP's upstream presence in the Lower 48, improving scale, production capacity, and operational efficiencies [4]. - COP has saved over $500 million through the integration of Marathon Oil, with additional estimated gains of $1 billion from debt refinancing, commercial synergies, and tax benefits [5]. Production Outlook - COP maintains a strong production outlook supported by low-cost drilling sites, with costs below $40 per barrel, ensuring continued production viability [6]. - The company's business model is resilient to commodity price fluctuations, allowing it to sustain operations and profitability even in a declining price environment [7]. Industry Context - Other energy majors like Chevron and BP have reported mixed results, with Chevron's earnings at $2.18 per share and BP's at 53 cents per share, both affected by lower oil price realizations [8][10]. - Despite COP's positive developments, the stock has declined 20.1% over the past six months, outperforming the 29.1% decline of the industry [12]. Valuation Metrics - COP is currently undervalued, trading at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 5.14x, compared to the industry average of 10.94x [15].