Hello and welcome to Asking for a Trend. I'm Josh Lipton and for the next half hour, we are breaking down the trends of today that'll move stocks tomorrow. There's a lot to keep track of, so we're focusing on what you need to know to get ahead of the curve.Here are some of the trends we're going to be diving into. The Trump administration is looking to take on China when it comes to critical minerals. We've got the details on the new partnership that was announced Wednesday.And another commodity we're watch ...

Chevron Corporation ( CVX ) beat Q4’25 estimates for revenue and earnings, despite pressure on the energy firm’s earnings due to falling price realizations in the upstream segment in the fourth-quarter. Chevron offset some pressure on its production-derivedAnalyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CVX, XOM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (othe ...

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil Corporation is a leading player in the oil and gas industry, with a new price target set by BMO Capital at $155, indicating a potential increase of 7.8% from its current trading price of $143.78 [1][6] Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock has recently increased by $5.38, representing a 3.89% rise, bringing it closer to the new price target [2][6] - The stock's price has fluctuated between $138.31 and $145.01, with $145.01 being the highest price over the past year, reflecting volatility common in the energy sector [2] - Exxon Mobil's market capitalization is approximately $606.34 billion, indicating its substantial size and influence in the industry [3] Group 2: Investor Activity - The trading volume of 32.82 million shares indicates strong investor interest and activity, which can impact the stock's price movement [3] Group 3: Strategic Developments - Exxon Mobil is resolving a dispute with Sintana Energy Inc. regarding the VMM-37 block in Colombia, which involves cash payments totaling $9 million contingent on certain conditions [4] - This resolution could positively impact Exxon Mobil's operations in Colombia, enhancing its exploration and production capabilities in the region [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron Corporation has reached a 52-week high of $178.82, driven by strong operational execution, rising production, and disciplined capital management, but faces valuation concerns and emerging earnings pressure [2][23]. Price Performance - Chevron's stock has outperformed the broader Oil/Energy sector and the S&P 500 over the past three months, achieving a new 52-week high, although ExxonMobil has seen a larger percentage gain during the same period [4][10]. Valuation Comparison - Chevron now trades at a higher forward earnings multiple compared to ExxonMobil and Shell, indicating a valuation cost associated with its outperformance [7][10]. Earnings Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate projects a 13.2% year-over-year decline in Chevron's earnings per share for 2026, suggesting that earnings growth is expected to turn negative, contrasting with the current stock price optimism [11][23]. Operational Strength - Chevron's fourth-quarter results highlighted robust production supported by the Permian Basin, Kazakhstan, and the Gulf of America, with adjusted free cash flow reaching $20 billion despite weaker oil prices [14][15]. Production Growth - The company is focusing on the Gulf of America for future production growth, with significant projects like Ballymore and Whale expected to contribute to a target of 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2026 [15]. Geopolitical and Operational Risks - Chevron faces operational uncertainties, including a temporary production cut at the Tengizchevroil project in Kazakhstan due to power issues, highlighting execution risks [16]. Additionally, the company's operations in Venezuela are subject to regulatory and political risks that could disrupt cash flows [17]. Strategic Acquisition - The acquisition of Hess strengthens Chevron's long-term production and reserve outlook, particularly in Guyana, but the financial benefits are expected to be back-end loaded, meaning immediate relief may not be forthcoming [19][20]. Capital Strategy - Chevron maintains a strong balance sheet and disciplined capital spending, with a nearly 4% dividend supporting income-focused investors, but remains sensitive to oil price volatility and execution risks compared to peers [21][22]. Conclusion - While Chevron's operational strengths are evident, the investment case appears less compelling at current valuation levels, with projected earnings declines and elevated near-term risks suggesting that locking in gains may be more prudent than pursuing further upside [23].

Core Insights - Chevron has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Syrian Petroleum Company and Qatari firm UCC Holding to explore oil and gas offshore Syria [1] Group 1 - The agreement aims to evaluate the potential for oil and gas exploration in offshore Syria [1] - This partnership indicates Chevron's interest in expanding its operations in the Middle East region [1] - The involvement of UCC Holding suggests a collaborative approach to tapping into the resources available in Syria [1]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron has reaffirmed its commitment to the Yoyo-Yolanda gas project, which is located at the maritime border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, indicating a strategic focus on gas development in the region [1] Group 1: Project Commitment - Chevron is actively renewing its commitment to the Yoyo-Yolanda gas project, highlighting the importance of this initiative for the company [1] - The project straddles the maritime border between Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, showcasing its cross-border significance [1] Group 2: Strategic Importance - The Yoyo-Yolanda gas project is part of Chevron's broader strategy to enhance its gas portfolio in West Africa, reflecting the company's long-term vision for energy development in the region [1]

Core Viewpoint - Chevron Corporation is positioned as a strong player in the oil and gas industry, with a new price target set by Argus Research indicating a potential increase of 14.65% from its current trading price [1][6]. Financial Performance - Chevron has achieved over 30% returns since initial coverage, demonstrating strong fundamentals despite oil market volatility [2]. - The company's stock is currently priced at $176.97, reflecting a 1.69% increase today, with a yearly high of $177.38 and a low of $132.04 [4]. Valuation Metrics - A dividend discount model-derived target price for Chevron is $200.73, while a price-to-earnings-based fair value reaches up to $272.32, indicating significant upside potential [3]. - Chevron offers a 4.02% dividend yield, making it an attractive option for investors seeking both income and growth [3][6]. Market Position - Chevron's market capitalization is approximately $353.83 billion, with a trading volume of 4,594,085 shares today, underscoring its robust market presence [5]. - The company's operational efficiencies, strong balance sheet, and strategic acquisitions, such as Hess, enhance its production capabilities and cost control [2][6].

Core Viewpoint - Devon Energy Corporation is actively engaged in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, with a significant focus on the Delaware Basin and a strategic merger with Coterra Energy to enhance its market position and operational efficiency [1][3][4]. Group 1: Company Overview - Devon Energy is a major player in the energy sector, primarily involved in oil and natural gas exploration and production [1]. - The company competes with other significant energy firms such as ConocoPhillips and Chevron within the U.S. shale industry [1]. Group 2: Recent Developments - On February 3, 2026, Scotiabank updated its rating for Devon Energy to "Sector Perform" and raised the price target to $45 from $41, with the stock price at $40.62 at that time [2][6]. - The merger with Coterra Energy, valued at $58 billion, is a pivotal move in U.S. shale consolidation, creating a combined entity focused on the Delaware Basin with 750,000 net acres [2][3]. Group 3: Financial Expectations - The merger is expected to generate $1 billion in annual pretax savings by 2027, enhancing cash flow concentration in the Delaware Basin while maintaining multi-basin options [3][4]. - Devon Energy's current stock price is $40.55, reflecting a 1.00% increase, with a market capitalization of approximately $25.43 billion [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. refiners are facing challenges in absorbing a sudden increase in Venezuelan oil imports, leading to price pressures and unsold volumes following a significant supply deal between Caracas and Washington [1]. Group 1: U.S. Refiners' Challenges - U.S. Gulf Coast refiners are struggling to manage a rapid surge in Venezuelan crude shipments, which have increased significantly since a $2 billion supply deal was established [1]. - The demand from U.S. refiners is soft, creating obstacles for the U.S. government's plans to increase Venezuelan oil imports following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro [1]. - Some refiners are reluctant to purchase Venezuelan crude due to high prices compared to competing Canadian heavy grades, despite a slight decline in prices [1]. Group 2: Venezuelan Oil Exports - Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S. nearly tripled in January to 284,000 barrels per day (bpd), up from a much lower figure due to previous sanctions [1]. - Total Venezuelan oil exports rose to almost 800,000 bpd in January, recovering from a low of 498,000 bpd in December [1]. - The U.S. was previously importing around 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan oil before sanctions were imposed in 2019, with exports dropping to zero by mid-2025 [1]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - Trading houses Vitol and Trafigura have been granted U.S. licenses to market Venezuelan oil, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to secure buyers among Gulf Coast refiners [1]. - Chevron has increased its Venezuelan oil exports to 220,000 bpd in January from 99,000 bpd in December, but it must store or market excess production due to limited refining capacity [1]. - The potential for increased Venezuelan oil exports may arise from a trade deal with India, which could lead to Indian companies considering imports of Venezuelan oil [1].

In the current session, the stock is trading at $174.57, after a 0.31% spike. Over the past month, Chevron Inc. (NYSE:CVX) stock increased by 11.17%, and in the past year, by 13.75%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are optimistic but others are more likely to look into the price-to-earnings ratio to see if the stock might be overvalued.How Does Chevron P/E Compare to Other Companies?The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregat ...