YPF SA is setting aside funds to keep spending in the fast-growing Vaca Muerta basin even if oil prices fall this year as management handpicked by libertarian President Javier Milei looks to build the state-run company into a global shale star.“We’ve prepared ourselves,” Chief Executive Officer Horacio Marin said Wednesday during an interview in Buenos Aires. “We’ve managed our portfolio very well, so that in a low oil-price environment we don’t need to reduce investment. Our capex doesn’t change whether a ...

Group 1 - Coterra Energy Inc. is identified as a high-growth, low P/E stock and is recommended as a top pick in the oil sector due to expected benefits from increased merger and acquisition activity [1][2] - Wolfe Research has maintained an Outperform rating on Coterra Energy and raised its price target from $32 to $35, indicating positive market sentiment [2] - Coterra Energy has agreed to merge with Devon Energy Corp. in an all-stock transaction, creating the largest US shale operator with an enterprise value of approximately $58 billion [2][3] Group 2 - Under the merger agreement, Coterra shareholders will receive 0.70 shares of Devon Common stock for each share held, resulting in Devon shareholders owning 54% and Coterra shareholders owning 46% of the combined company [3] - The combined entity is projected to achieve $1 billion in annual pretax synergies by the end of 2027, highlighting the potential for operational efficiencies [3] - Coterra Energy operates in key regions such as the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, and Anadarko Basin, focusing on the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids [4]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the resilience of the US equity market, driven by a strong economy, solid earnings, and accommodative monetary policies, while emphasizing the potential of high-growth stocks despite premium valuations [1]. Economic Outlook - Wall Street strategists expect continued corporate earnings growth in 2026, with S&P 500 company earnings projected to rise by 15.5% in 2026, compared to 13.2% in 2025 and 12.1% in 2024, indicating a positive market outlook [2]. - Some economists predict muted economic growth in 2026, suggesting a focus on growth stocks with low valuations may be beneficial [6]. Investment Strategy - The methodology for selecting high-growth low-PE stocks involved identifying companies with over 20% sales growth and more than 10% upside potential, while focusing on those with a forward P/E of less than 15 and popularity among hedge funds [8]. Company Highlights - **Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA)**: - 5-Year Revenue Growth: 22.43% - Forward P/E: 13.19 - Stock Upside Potential: 11.11% - Recently announced a merger with Devon Energy Corp., creating the largest US shale operator with an enterprise value of approximately $58 billion [11][12]. - **Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL)**: - 5-Year Revenue Growth: 29.96% - Forward P/E: 10.32 - Stock Upside Potential: 11.20% - The company has approved a quarterly dividend and plans to modernize its fleet with new Airbus wide-body jets to meet strong demand [15][16][18].