This Top Oil Stock Expects to Deliver Steadily Rising Free Cash Flow Before Hitting a Gusher in 2029

Core Insights - ConocoPhillips is significantly increasing its free cash flow, allowing for substantial returns to investors while maintaining a strong financial position [1][2] Financial Performance - The company generated $5.4 billion in cash flow from operations and $2.5 billion in free cash flow after capital expenses in the third quarter [4] - Year-to-date, ConocoPhillips has produced $15.6 billion in operating cash flow and $6.1 billion in free cash flow, returning $7 billion to investors through $3 billion in dividends and $4 billion in share repurchases [6][7] Strategic Investments - ConocoPhillips is in a multi-year capital investment phase, focusing on long-term expansion projects that will enhance free cash flow through 2028, culminating in a significant increase in 2029 with a major oil project [8][14] - The company is investing $3.4 billion in global liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, with production expected to start next year [9] - The Willow project in Alaska is anticipated to tap into a 600-million-barrel resource, with first oil expected by 2029 and an increased investment estimate of $8.5 billion to $9 billion due to inflation [10] Future Projections - ConocoPhillips expects to generate an additional $1 billion in free cash flow annually from 2026 to 2028, with a projected $4 billion increase in annual free cash flow starting in 2029 [11][13] - The cumulative total of free cash flow growth is expected to reach $7 billion by the end of the decade, nearly double the current year's production [13][14]