Core Viewpoint - Maurel & Prom has been authorized by the U.S. to expand its operations in Venezuela, marking a significant step towards resuming oil exports after a halt due to previous sanctions [1]. Group 1: Company Operations - Maurel & Prom's teams in Venezuela are fully mobilized and prepared for the next phases of development following the U.S. authorization [1]. - The company had previously halted exports from Venezuela in the second quarter of last year due to the suspension of its license by the U.S. government [1]. - The CEO of Maurel & Prom stated that the clarity provided by the new general license will enable the company to operate with confidence in Venezuela [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The U.S. Treasury Department issued a new general license that includes Maurel & Prom among other companies authorized to operate in Venezuela [1]. - The updated regulatory framework is expected to stabilize Maurel & Prom's activities in the region [1]. Group 3: Market Response - Following the news of the U.S. authorization, shares of Maurel & Prom increased by 6% in early trading in Paris [1]. - The company has submitted a new license application to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to fully resume its operations in Venezuela [1]. Group 4: Resource Potential - Maurel & Prom reported a significant increase in identified reserves in Venezuela, with studies confirming the potential of previously unproven zones [1].

Core Insights - Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has made its first-ever purchase of Venezuelan oil, while HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL) has bought Venezuelan crude for the first time in two years, indicating a shift in India's oil sourcing strategy [1][1] - Each company has purchased one million barrels of Venezuela's Merey crude grade, which will be co-loaded on a very large crude carrier to optimize shipping costs [1][1] - This move is part of India's strategy to diversify its oil supply mix as it reduces imports from Russia, with total imports of Venezuelan crude expected to reach at least 6 million barrels through April [1][1] Company-Specific Summaries - BPCL will split the cargo for discharge at Kochi port for its 310,000 barrel-per-day refinery and at Sikka port for its 156,000 barrel-per-day Bina refinery [1][1] - HMEL, a joint venture of Hindustan Petroleum Corp and steel tycoon Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, imports crude through Mundra port for its 226,000 barrel-per-day Bathinda refinery [1][1] - Previous purchases of Venezuelan oil by Indian refiners were at prices approximately $6.5-$7 per barrel below the Dubai crude oil benchmark [1][1] Industry Context - Indian refiners are increasingly turning to Venezuelan oil to mitigate the impact of reduced Russian oil imports, which has facilitated an interim trade deal with the U.S. [1][1] - The U.S. has granted licenses to traders like Vitol and Trafigura to market and sell Venezuelan oil, reflecting a shift in the geopolitical landscape affecting oil trade [1][1] - Exports of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. are anticipated to increase, with Valero Energy set to receive up to 6.5 million barrels in March, indicating a broader trend of U.S. refiners seeking direct purchases from Venezuela [1][1]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's final quarter as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway highlights the significant size of his largest positions, particularly focusing on what he left behind rather than any adjustments made in that quarter [1] Group 1: Berkshire Hathaway's Top Positions - Apple's investment is valued at over $60 billion, making it the largest position in Berkshire's portfolio, accounting for approximately 19% [2] - American Express is the second-largest position at $52 billion, representing about 17% of the portfolio [3] - Coca-Cola is the third-largest position, making up around 10% of the portfolio, while Bank of America and Chevron account for about 9% and 7%, respectively [3] Group 2: Notable Aspects of Apple's Position - The significant allocation to Apple is noteworthy as Buffett has traditionally avoided technology stocks, indicating his expectation of strong long-term returns and the company's staying power [4] - Buffett initiated a stake in Apple in 2016 and significantly increased it in 2017, citing the product's stickiness and usefulness [5]

Industry Overview - The oil industry is characterized as a long-term business, with significant time required from the initial discovery of oil to its market availability [1] - Oil and natural gas are noted as highly political commodities, with recent geopolitical developments affecting market dynamics [2] Company Analysis: Chevron - Chevron received an upgrade from Melius Research, with a new target price of $205, representing a 13.5% increase from its previous closing price of $180.55 [3] - Chevron shares have increased by 18.5% year-to-date, driven by higher oil prices, with West Texas Intermediate crude up 2.4% to $62.33 per barrel and Brent crude up 10.8% to $57.42 [4] - Melius Research highlighted four key factors for Chevron's upgrade: 1. A management reshuffle aimed at prioritizing younger leaders to drive growth 2. Integration of assets from the $55 billion merger with Hess Corp in the Permian Basin 3. New exploration opportunities in Libya, Iraq, and shale prospects in Argentina, including a lease agreement with Greece for exploration [5] 4. Chevron's unique position as the only major U.S. company operating in Venezuela, with current production of 250,000 barrels per day expected to double by 2030 [5]

Core Insights - The article highlights three companies with strong cash flow, dividends, value, and growth potential: Coca-Cola, Chevron, and McDonald's [1] Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola reported a 12% year-over-year revenue growth to $11.2 billion, with 10% of this growth attributed to organic sales volume [1] - The company maintains impressive operating margins around 33% and has a forward P/E ratio of 22, indicating potential for further appreciation [1] - Coca-Cola's strong brand recognition globally contributes to its consistent cash flows and growth [1] Chevron (CVX) - Chevron experienced a 12% revenue growth in the last quarter, with an EPS of $1.52 that exceeded estimates by over 5% [1] - The company has demonstrated resilience in maintaining margins despite fluctuations in commodity prices [1] - Chevron offers a dividend yield of over 4% and has a history of buybacks and dividend increases, making it attractive for long-term investors [1] McDonald's (MCD) - McDonald's achieved a 7% system-wide sales growth, driven by digital initiatives and menu innovation [1] - The company's strong global brand presence has allowed it to maintain market share and expand margins [1] - Despite a lower dividend yield compared to the other companies mentioned, McDonald's continues to raise its dividend due to increased cash flows [1]

Core Insights - Warren Buffett's final significant investment was in The New York Times Company, marking a return to his roots in media and storytelling [1] - The New York Times has successfully transformed its business model, achieving 12.8 million digital subscribers and a 243% increase in net income to $344 million since 2020 [1] - Berkshire Hathaway's cash reserves reached a record $381.6 billion, with recent portfolio adjustments including a $4 billion increase in Alphabet stake and reductions in Apple and Amazon holdings [1] Investment Highlights - The New York Times has grown its digital subscription revenue by 14% annually and maintains gross margins around 48%, showcasing strong pricing power [1] - The company has diversified its offerings, including popular products like Wordle and The Athletic, which enhance its content portfolio [1] - Berkshire Hathaway now holds approximately 5.065 million shares of The New York Times, valued at about $376 million, representing around 3% of the company [1] Transition to Greg Abel - Greg Abel officially took over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026, concluding Buffett's 60-year leadership, which yielded a cumulative return of 6.1 million percent [1] - Under Abel's leadership, Berkshire has begun to implement changes, including divesting from Bank of America and Apple, while increasing investments in Chevron and Chubb Limited [1] - The New York Times investment may symbolize Buffett's final influence on the company before Abel establishes his own strategic direction [1] Market Context - Despite a focus on technology and AI in the current market, Buffett's investment in The New York Times underscores the enduring value of trusted brands and quality content [1] - The New York Times reported a 25% growth in digital advertising revenues in Q4 2025, generating $551 million in free cash flow for the year [1] - Buffett's career trajectory from undervalued newspapers to investing in a leading news brand highlights the resilience of trusted media in a rapidly changing technological landscape [1]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. refiners Phillips 66 and Citgo Petroleum are planning to purchase heavy crude directly from Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA starting in April, aiming to enhance profitability by bypassing trading houses and Chevron [1] Group 1: Company Initiatives - Phillips 66 is seeking compliance and internal clearance to buy directly from PDVSA and plans to charter tankers for crude loading at PDVSA's terminals [1] - Citgo Petroleum is in discussions to buy crude directly from Venezuela, with intentions to have it delivered to the U.S. Gulf Coast, although logistical challenges exist due to PDVSA's limited vessel availability [1] - Valero, the second-largest U.S. refiner, intends to start direct purchases from PDVSA later in the year after evaluating Venezuela's loading infrastructure [1] Group 2: Market Dynamics - The U.S. refiners' direct purchasing plans come in the context of a general license issued by the Trump administration, which is expected to expand the pool of buyers and increase trade to $5 billion in the coming months [1] - Venezuelan crude prices have recently decreased, with offers for Venezuelan Merey cargoes at $10 per barrel below Brent, compared to $6-$7.50 per barrel below Brent last month [1] - The refiners' plans may face challenges due to the need for individual licenses or specific clearance from the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control, as well as reluctance from U.S. banks to finance Venezuelan oil transactions [1]

Summary of Emerson Electric Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) - **Date**: February 18, 2026 - **Key Speakers**: Lal Karsanbhai (President and CEO), Mike Baughman (CFO) Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - Emerson's software business is valued at **$1.6 billion ACV** with a target of **10% growth** in ACV for the year, driven by strong demand in mission-critical applications across regulated industries such as power generation, pharmaceuticals, and energy [1][14] - The company emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into existing software, with products like **Ovation Virtual Advisor** and **Aspen Virtual Advisor** already generating over **$100 million in quotations** [14][21] - The software business is protected by three key moats: 1. **Deterministic and domain expertise** in vertical applications [5][6] 2. Focus on **mission-critical applications** in regulated industries [9] 3. Economic moat through **perpetual licenses** and usage-based tokens [11][12] Financial Performance - Emerson reported a **9% ACV growth** in the last quarter and expects similar growth in the current quarter, despite a **2-point headwind** from a previous job [14] - The company has seen **74% order growth** in the Ovation product line, primarily driven by modernization projects in the U.S. [50][62] - The overall order rate is stable, with a trailing twelve-month rate of **6%**, supported by a strong installed base of **$155 billion** [80][87] Regional Insights - The U.S. market is experiencing strong growth, particularly in sectors like **semiconductors, aerospace and defense, energy, life sciences, and power** [46][48] - Emerson has aligned its strategy to focus on these growth factors, benefiting from favorable U.S. industrial policies [48][49] - The company anticipates continued growth in the Middle East and India, offsetting weaknesses in China and Europe [135][137] Future Outlook - Emerson is committed to returning **$10 billion** in cash to shareholders, with plans for **$6 billion in share repurchases** and **$4 billion in dividends** [172] - The company is focused on enhancing its R&D investment, which has increased from **4% to 8%**, aiming for **double-digit growth** in technology innovation [184] - Emerson is preparing for potential growth in the nuclear sector and is actively pursuing opportunities in emerging markets like India and the Middle East [76][137] Challenges and Considerations - The company has assumed a **weak recovery** in China and Europe in its forecasts, which could impact overall growth if conditions improve unexpectedly [37][38] - There are ongoing challenges in the automotive sector, particularly in the electrical batteries and ADAS markets, which remain weak [106][108] - Emerson is monitoring supply chain dynamics, particularly regarding DRAM availability and tariffs, which could affect costs but are not expected to materially impact overall financial performance [152][154] Conclusion - Emerson Electric is strategically positioned for growth through its focus on software integration, strong market presence in critical industries, and commitment to shareholder returns. The company is navigating challenges in certain markets while capitalizing on opportunities in the U.S. and emerging markets.

As the technology sector stumbled in early 2026, American and international oil giants emerged as market leaders, helping keep the S&P 500 roughly flat year-to-date (YTD).S&P 500 stock market index YTD chart. Source: GoogleSpecifically, while the index itself is down 0.22% and big tech firms such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) fell 16% and 2% YTD, firms like Chevron (NYSE: CVX) and Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY) are flying high, having gained 20% and 13%.CVX and OXY stock YTD price ...

Buffett Dumps More Apple - 24/7 Wall St.[S&P 5006,872.60 +0.30%][Dow Jones49,634.00 +0.14%][Nasdaq 10024,831.60 +0.45%][Russell 20002,648.07 +0.01%][FTSE 10010,675.00 +0.95%][Nikkei 22557,158.00 +0.18%][Investing]# Buffett Dumps More Apple### Quick ReadBuffett Has Been Selling Apple For Several QuartersApple Has Not Moved Into AIBuffett May See Limits To iPhone Sales- Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? [SmartAsset's free tool] can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that to ...