about the oil price shock that you mentioned because I've seen two arguments really emerge on Wall Street. One, if we have a sustained increase in oil like you were alluding to, we could see this upward pressure of inflation that could trickle through into gas prices which we know have been pretty stable. That's been helping the consumer right now.On the opposite side of that, that could also dent growth which could lead to maybe a deceleration of the labor market and then that would force the Fed to act mo ...

If you are a dividend lover like I am, then you care a lot about finding stocks with big yields backed by growing dividends. That's what you'll get with Chevron (CVX 0.78%), Enterprise Products Partners (EPD 0.21%), and Enbridge (ENB -0.45%). However, there's more to understand about a company than just its yield and dividend history. Here's why these three are my top high-yield dividend stocks in the energy sector right now.Impressive dividend records start the showBefore getting into the deeper story, a f ...

Core Insights - Ring Energy, Inc. has affirmed its borrowing base at $585 million under its $1.0 billion senior secured credit facility, with the term extended to June 2029 and Bank of America appointed as the new Administrative Agent [1][2]. Financial Highlights - The company has focused on strengthening its balance sheet and improving asset quality, maintaining a sufficient borrowing base despite slight reductions from the previous year due to oil and gas price volatility in 2025 [2]. - The company aims to generate free cash flow through cost reductions, divestitures of non-core assets, and acquisitions of high-margin, low-break-even assets, using excess cash to reduce debt and enhance shareholder value [2]. Banking Relationships - Ring Energy has expanded its banking relationships by adding Citibank, N.A. to its syndicate, which now includes a total of 11 banks, including Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Lending Partners, LLC [2][5]. Credit Facility Details - The company entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with a borrowing base of $585 million, reflecting a 25 basis point reduction in the Applicable Margin pricing grid [5]. - The next regularly scheduled bank redetermination is set to occur in the fall of 2025 [5]. Company Overview - Ring Energy, Inc. is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development, and production, with a focus on developing its assets in the Permian Basin [3].

Group 1: Airline Industry Overview - Airline stocks experienced a surge on June 16, with United Airlines leading with a 6% gain, while Delta Air Lines and American Airlines each rose by 5% [2] - The rally in airline stocks coincided with a retreat in oil prices, attributed to reports of Iran seeking to de-escalate tensions with Israel [2][4] - Fuel costs are a critical factor for airline profitability, representing approximately 20% of total operating expenses for major carriers [4] Group 2: Oil Price Dynamics - West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices increased by 20% from $61 per barrel on May 30 to $73 on June 13, before slightly pulling back to $72 [3] - The initial surge in oil prices was driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Iran [3] Group 3: United Airlines Investment Case - United Airlines is currently trading at $77 per share, valued at 6.7 times its trailing twelve months adjusted earnings of $11.64 per share, which is a significant discount to its three-year average price-to-earnings ratio of 9.4 times [5] - The company demonstrates superior operational metrics, including higher revenue growth and better profitability compared to its peers [6] - The combination of attractive valuation metrics and operational efficiency positions United Airlines as a compelling investment opportunity, especially with signs of oil price stabilization [7]

Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) is trading at a premium valuation with an EV/EBITDA of 6.47x compared to the industry average of 4.05x [1][9] Group 1: Upstream Business Challenges - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects the West Texas Intermediate Spot Average price for 2025 at $61.81 per barrel, down from $76.60 in 2024, and further down to $55.24 in 2026, indicating a bearish outlook for crude prices [4] - Lower crude prices are expected to negatively impact XOM's earnings, as the company derives a significant portion of its income from upstream operations [5] - Other major integrated oil companies like Chevron (CVX) and BP are also facing similar challenges due to their reliance on exploration and production activities [5][6] Group 2: Chemical Business Environment - XOM has established a strong position in the petrochemical industry, manufacturing essential products like olefins and polyolefins [7] - The global market is currently experiencing an oversupply of chemical products, leading to lower prices and challenging conditions for XOM's chemicals business [8][9] Group 3: Market Performance and Outlook - Over the past year, XOM's stock has declined by 4.6%, underperforming the oil-energy sector's composite decline of 1.5% [11] - Recent earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have been revised downward, reflecting broader challenges faced by XOM and its peers [14] - Given the current business environment, it may be advisable for investors to consider divesting from XOM stock, as indicated by its Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [15]

29 May 2025 J P M O R G A N Ian Mitchell - Specialist Sales - European Energy AC (44-20) 7134-1356 ian.e.mitchell@jpmorgan.com J.P. Morgan Securities plc Europe Specialist Sales OIL WEEKLY, OIL DEMAND, EU SPOTLIGHT, TTE, BP Ian Mitchell +44 207 134 1356 ian.e.mitchell@jpmorgan.com JPM Friday Movie Quote/Song Lyric Quiz - Last week's Song Lyric was "Oh, I'm not the girl I was or used to be / Uh (m)itch I might be better"and was Lizzo with About Damn Time. Back to Movie Quotes this week, and your quote is "I' ...

Investment Rating - The report downgrades Sipchem to Neutral from Buy due to limited earnings upside and full valuation [3][62]. Core Insights - The energy sector is experiencing a lower-for-longer oil price environment, with oil prices dropping approximately 13% since the start of the year to US$65/bbl, and forecasts suggest an average of US$64/bbl for 2025 and 2026 [1][34]. - The report favors GCC upstream/midstream names, particularly Abu Dhabi energy companies, which are better positioned to weather market volatility due to secured growth potential and advantageous contractual frameworks [2][34]. - In the chemicals sector, fertilizers are preferred due to strong demand dynamics, while caution is advised on petrochemicals due to high uncertainty and oversupply concerns [3][62]. Summary by Sections Energy Sector - The report highlights a preference for Abu Dhabi energy names due to their regulated returns and visible growth potential, with companies like ADNOC Drilling, ADNOC Gas, and Saudi Aramco rated as Buy [2][36]. - GCC energy names have shown strong year-on-year growth, with an average EBITDA consensus beat of approximately 6%, although share price performance has been muted [35][38]. - The report notes that the UAE's natural gas supply is expected to grow significantly, with Saudi Aramco aiming to increase gas production by over 60% by 2030 [12][54]. Chemicals Sector - The ME&A chemicals sector has underperformed, down approximately 11% year-to-date, with a notable decline in share prices for companies like Sipchem and Kayan [20][62]. - The report indicates that while margins are expected to expand in the second quarter, a weak macro backdrop could pressure earnings into the second half of 2025 [22][67]. - Companies with balanced product exposure and those benefiting from shareholder returns have fared better, while Sipchem is seen as less likely to benefit from a lower oil price environment due to its high fixed feed component [62][63].

Core Insights - PrimeEnergy Resources Corporation (PNRG) reported a 1.6% increase in shares since Q1 2025 results, outperforming the S&P 500's 1.8% decline during the same period [1] - The company achieved Q1 revenues of $50.1 million, a 16.4% increase from $42.99 million in the prior year, driven by higher natural gas and NGL volumes despite a decline in oil revenues [2] - Net income decreased by 19.3% to $9.1 million, with diluted EPS falling 15.7% to $3.72 due to increased depreciation and interest expenses [2] Production and Revenue Growth - Oil production rose 6% year over year to 457,000 barrels, while natural gas output increased by 106.6% to 2.39 billion cubic feet, and NGL production surged 120.4% to 454,000 barrels [3] - Oil sales decreased by 1.9% to $32.7 million, but natural gas revenues more than quadrupled to $6 million, and NGL revenues increased by 95.4% to $8.5 million, leading to a total oil and gas revenue improvement of 21% year over year [4] Operating Expenses and Margins - Production costs rose 4.3% to $9.5 million, while depreciation, depletion, and amortization expenses nearly doubled to $20.4 million due to expanded asset base [5] - Interest expenses increased by 174.4% to $590,000, reflecting higher debt balances and interest rates [5] Management Commentary - The CFO described the quarter as showing "strong operational momentum," highlighting growth in gas and NGL volumes and ongoing capital returns through share repurchases [6] - Management emphasized the portfolio's resilience to commodity price volatility, supported by a mix of mature reserves and active development areas in Texas [6] Strategic Factors - Performance was influenced by robust development in West Texas, with participation in numerous new horizontal wells leading to production gains, particularly in natural gas and NGLs [7] - Weaker oil and NGL pricing partially offset revenue gains, while increased depreciation and interest costs impacted profitability [7] Guidance and Outlook - The company plans to invest $118 million in 38 horizontal wells in 2025, continuing aggressive capital deployment in the Midland Basin [8] - Management intends to fund capital needs primarily through operating cash flows and a $300 million credit facility, with $108.5 million remaining available [8] Shareholder Returns - In the quarter, PrimeEnergy repurchased 47,970 shares for $9.17 million, continuing its share repurchase program, with a total of $112.6 million returned to shareholders through buybacks [10] - A gain of $619,000 was recorded from the sale of a workover rig, reflecting ongoing portfolio optimization [10] Overall Assessment - Despite a decline in earnings due to increased investment and rising costs, underlying growth in production and revenues, along with continued capital returns, indicate confidence in the company's long-term strategy [11]

Core Viewpoint - SandRidge Energy, Inc. has demonstrated strong financial performance in Q1 2025, with significant revenue and earnings growth, driven by increased production and favorable commodity prices, particularly in natural gas [2][8]. Revenue & EPS Growth - Total revenues for Q1 2025 reached $42.6 million, a 41% increase from $30.3 million in Q1 2024, attributed to a 17% rise in total production and a 30% increase in oil output [2]. - Diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose to 35 cents from 30 cents year-over-year, while adjusted EPS improved to 39 cents from 23 cents [3]. Operational & Financial Strength - The company generated $13.6 million in free cash flow, slightly down from $14.5 million in Q1 2024, despite increased capital expenditures [4]. - As of March 31, SandRidge held $101.1 million in cash with no outstanding debt, and paid out $4.1 million in dividends during the quarter [4]. Production & Pricing - Average production was 17.9 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoed), up from 15.1 MBoed a year earlier, with oil comprising 17% of the total volume [5]. - Realized oil prices decreased to $69.88 per barrel from $75.08, while natural gas prices rose to $2.69 per Mcf from $1.25 [5]. Management Commentary - CEO Grayson Pranin emphasized the success of the Cherokee drilling program and the company's focus on capital discipline, allowing flexibility in response to commodity price trends [6]. - CFO Jonathan Frates highlighted the company's financial stability, noting a 10% reduction in adjusted general and administrative costs per Boe year-over-year [7]. Drivers Behind Financial Performance - Revenue and EBITDA growth were primarily driven by increased production and favorable natural gas pricing, with EBITDA rising to $25.5 million from $14.7 million in the prior year [8]. - Net income increased to $13 million from $11.1 million, and adjusted operating cash flow rose to $26.3 million from $17.5 million [9]. Guidance & Strategic Flexibility - The company confirmed a capital spending plan of $66-85 million for the year, targeting the drilling of eight operated Cherokee wells [11]. - Production is expected to increase significantly in the second half of the year, with oil output projected to rise by another 30% from Q1 levels [11]. Other Developments - No acquisitions or divestitures were reported, but the company remains open to M&A opportunities that align with its operational strengths [12][13]. - The share repurchase program is active, with $70 million authorized at the end of the quarter after $5 million in shares were bought back [13].

Core Viewpoint - Core Laboratories Inc. (CLB) has seen a year-to-date stock price decrease of 29.7%, significantly underperforming the broader oil and gas sector and the oil and gas field services sub-industry [1] - The sharp drop in share price raises questions for investors about whether this represents a buying opportunity or a sign of deeper issues [2] Company Overview - Core Laboratories provides specialized services in the oil and gas industry, focusing on analyzing reservoir rock and fluid samples and improving well productivity [5][6] - The company operates through two main segments: Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement [5] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, CLB reported adjusted earnings of 8 cents per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 15 cents, primarily due to the underperformance of the Reservoir Description segment [7] - Total costs and expenses for Q1 were $119.2 million, an increase of 1.6% from the previous year [7] Revenue Trends - First-quarter 2025 revenues fell 4.4% sequentially to $123.6 million, indicating weakened customer activity across both business segments [8] - The decline in revenue reflects softness in international activity, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Africa, and a downward trend in North America's activity [8] Operational Challenges - Expanded sanctions and tariffs have disrupted laboratory services and delayed product sales, including a $1.1 million international order in Q1 [10] - Core's return on invested capital (ROIC) for Q1 2025 was 8.3%, raising concerns about capital efficiency compared to industry peers [11] Shareholder Returns - CLB pays a nominal quarterly dividend of 1 cent per share, significantly lower than peers, and repurchased $2 million worth of shares in Q1, which is modest relative to its cash flow profile [12] - The company faces foreign currency exchange headwinds in Latin America, which can erode margins and add unpredictability to earnings [13] Market Sensitivity - CLB's performance is closely tied to crude oil demand, which is uncertain due to OPEC+ production increases and U.S. tariffs [14] - The Energy Information Administration forecasts minimal U.S. production growth in 2025-2026, which may lead to stagnation in domestic revenues [14] Investment Outlook - The combination of weak earnings, falling revenues, and exposure to geopolitical and currency risks suggests structural challenges for CLB [16] - Investors may be better off exploring other opportunities in the oil and gas sector unless the company demonstrates improved financial results and operational stability [18]