How Is ConocoPhillips’s Stock Performance Compared to Other Oil & Gas E&P Stocks?

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is a leading independent exploration and production company with a market cap of $107 billion, focusing on crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production across various global regions [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - ConocoPhillips operates purely in the upstream sector, emphasizing resource extraction and production efficiency, unlike integrated oil companies that also handle refining and retail [2]. - The company maintains strong capital discipline, low break-even costs, and aims to return value to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [2]. - Its performance is significantly influenced by global commodity prices, energy demand trends, and geopolitical conditions in key resource markets [2]. Group 2: Stock Performance - Shares of ConocoPhillips have decreased by 20.1% from their 52-week high of $108.99, although the stock has risen 10.3% over the past three months, outperforming the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF's (XOP) 1.7% return [3]. - Year-to-date, ConocoPhillips has declined 12.2%, underperforming XOP's marginal loss, and over the past 52 weeks, COP shares have fallen 18.4%, compared to XOP's 9.2% decline [4]. - The stock has primarily traded below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since early October, indicating a sustained downtrend [4]. Group 3: Market Conditions - On November 21, ConocoPhillips shares fell over 1% as WTI crude oil dropped more than 2% to a four-week low, reflecting investor concerns about near-term energy demand and market volatility [5]. - The performance of ConocoPhillips is closely tied to crude price movements, which puts pressure on upstream producers amid fluctuating market conditions [5]. - In comparison, ConocoPhillips stock has underperformed relative to The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB), which has seen a 3.2% increase over the past 52 weeks and an 11.3% increase year-to-date [6].