Core Insights - Hess Corporation (HES) shares have increased by 13% over the past six months, outperforming the oil-energy sector and the Zacks S&P 500 composite, which grew by 4.7% and 1.5% respectively. The company's market capitalization stands at $44 billion [1] - The company is currently trading above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA), indicating a bullish trend [2] - Hess's disciplined cost control has led to a 6.4% sequential increase in upstream income to $563 million, despite weaker oil prices and volumes [5][8] - The Yellowtail project in Guyana is on track for startup in Q3 2025, with an expected initial production capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil per day [7] - The average price target for Hess shares is $160.97, suggesting a potential upside of 13.56% from the last closing price [11] Financial Performance - Adjusted net income for Hess's exploration and production (E&P) segment rose 6.4% sequentially to $563 million in Q1 2025, despite lower oil prices and reduced sales volumes [8] - Cash operating costs were reported at $12.27 per barrel of oil equivalent (Boe), and depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) costs were $13.25/Boe, both within manageable ranges [9] - Capital and exploratory expenditure increased to $1.09 billion in Q1 2025 from $927 million a year earlier, with over half directed towards high-return projects in Guyana [10] Strategic Focus - Hess's investment strategy emphasizes high-return assets, particularly in offshore Guyana, with major developments like Uaru, Yellowtail, and Whiptail expected to drive long-term production and cash flow growth [10] - The company has a strong earnings surprise history, surpassing earnings estimates in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 9.58% [14]