Yahoo Finance·2026-01-06 19:20Core Insights - The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average reached record highs in 2025, while the energy sector only gained 4.4% and consumer staples lost 1.2% compared to a 16.4% increase in the S&P 500 [1][2]. Chevron - Chevron is focusing on disciplined capital management and rewarding shareholders, particularly through its acquisition of Hess, which has valuable assets in the Bakken Basin and offshore Guyana [4]. - For 2026, Chevron anticipates capital expenditures (capex) between $18 billion and $19 billion, with over half allocated to U.S. projects, including $6 billion in the Permian, DJ, and Bakken basins, and $7 billion in offshore investments [5]. - The company's strategy of emphasizing international upstream production alongside onshore U.S. production may lead to lower production costs and higher margins [6]. - Chevron has effectively reduced costs, allowing it to sustain operating expenses, long-term investments, and capital plans, including dividends and stock repurchases, even at lower oil prices, with a breakeven point below $50 per barrel of Brent Crude oil through 2030 [7]. - With a 4.5% dividend yield and a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 20.2, Chevron is positioned as a strong buy for value and income investors in 2026, having increased its dividend for 38 consecutive years [8]. Kinder Morgan - Kinder Morgan, a midstream company, plays a crucial role in the energy sector by investing in and maintaining infrastructure assets such as pipelines and terminals, which are essential for transporting, storing, and processing hydrocarbons [11]. - The company is expected to benefit from growing U.S. energy consumption and exports, positioning it favorably in the current market environment [10]. Kimberly-Clark - Despite poor recent results, Kimberly-Clark's stock is considered undervalued and presents an attractive investment opportunity [10].