Core Viewpoint - OPEC+ is anticipated to agree on another monthly increase in oil-output quotas despite forecasts of a global supply surplus in the coming years [1] Group 1 - OPEC+ is a coalition of major crude-oil producers [1] - The meeting this week is expected to result in a decision on oil-output quotas [1] - There are expectations for a global supply surplus in both this year and the next [1]

VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) is among the hidden penny stocks to buy now. During the first quarter, Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) through the acquisition of 91,200 shares of the company’s stock. According to the disclosure with the SEC, the firm owns 0.09% of the company, an investment worth approximately $343,000. As revealed in the latest earnings call, VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY) has exceeded or at least maintained its quarterly production guidance, which in tur ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights two pipeline stocks, Energy Transfer and Genesis Energy, as having strong upside potential for investors, particularly in the current market environment where AI stocks are gaining attention. Group 1: Energy Transfer - Energy Transfer has established one of the largest midstream systems in the U.S., handling natural gas, crude oil, NGLs, and refined products, benefiting from volume movements and regional spreads [2] - The company plans to invest approximately $5 billion in growth capital expenditures this year, an increase from $3 billion the previous year, focusing on projects in the Permian Basin [3] - The Lake Charles LNG project is progressing, which could secure long-term cash flows as global LNG demand is projected to grow by 60% by 2040 [4] - Financially, Energy Transfer is in a strong position with low leverage, expecting 90% of 2025 EBITDA from fee-based contracts, and plans to increase its distribution by 3% to 5% annually [5] Group 2: Genesis Energy - Genesis Energy has improved its financial health by selling its soda ash business for $1.4 billion, using the proceeds to reduce debt and save approximately $84 million annually in interest [7] - The company is set to benefit from two major offshore projects, Shenandoah and Salamanca, which could add up to $150 million annually in operating profit once fully operational [8] - Shenandoah Phase One is expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day by the end of September, with plans to expand capacity to 140,000 barrels per day by 2026 [9] - Despite a challenging quarter for its marine transportation segment, Genesis anticipates generating free cash flow soon and aims to reduce its revolver balance by the end of 2025, potentially allowing for distribution increases [10] - While Genesis Energy carries more risk compared to Energy Transfer, it presents greater upside potential if its projects succeed [11]

Core Insights - Chord Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:CHRD) is recognized as one of the best retirement stocks to buy according to analysts [1] - RBC Capital has reiterated its 'Outperform' rating on Chord Energy with a price target of $130.00 [2] - The bullish outlook is driven by a recent acquisition, which is expected to enhance share price through improved drilling inventory [3] Acquisition and Growth Potential - The recent acquisition unlocks new development opportunities in a core area with limited prior drilling activity [4] - RBC Capital anticipates that Chord Energy will utilize longer lateral drilling techniques on the new acreage to enhance economic returns [4] - The company plans to allocate over 50% of its free cash flow to shareholder returns until its leverage ratio falls below 0.5x [4] Company Overview - Chord Energy is an independent exploration and production company focused on crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the Williston Basin [5]

Group 1 - Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ) is rated as a "Moderate Buy" by twelve firms, with three hold ratings, eight buy recommendations, and one "Strong Buy" advice [1] - The company is focusing on investments in new production and exploration capacity in North America, following a key acquisition last year, which has contributed to its production volume expansion [2] - Canadian Natural Resources Limited is recognized for its dividend payments, boasting a 5.40% forward dividend yield and a 20-year history of steady dividend growth [3] Group 2 - Incorporated in 1973, Canadian Natural Resources Limited specializes in crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs), emphasizing shareholder value through responsible resource provision [4]

ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is among the best safe stocks to buy now. In the second quarter, Polianta Ltd acquired a new position in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) through the purchase of 14,500 shares of the company’s stock. According to the latest disclosure with the SEC, the investment of the firm in the company is around $1,301,000. What’s truly impressive is that ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) is investing heavily in high-potential regions, with billions in expected synergies and $5.0B in targeted asset disposit ...

Core Insights - ONEOK, Inc. is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks in the oil and gas sector, known for its stable cash flows supported by government-regulated rate structures and long-term contracts [2][3] - The company has nearly doubled its dividend payouts over the last decade, with a recent quarterly dividend declaration of $1.03 per share and $1.3 billion paid in the first half of the year [2][3] Company Overview - ONEOK, Inc. is one of the largest diversified energy infrastructure companies in the United States, operating an extensive network of natural gas liquids (NGLs), natural gas, refined products, and crude oil assets [4] Growth Strategy - The company is focused on increasing cash flows and dividends through several expansion projects, including relocating a gas processing plant to the Permian Basin, expanding its refined products pipeline system to Denver, constructing two new natural gas liquids fractionators, and building an LPG export terminal [3] - ONEOK expects these initiatives to drive an annual dividend growth rate of 3% to 4% in the coming years [3]

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil Corporation is enhancing its market position through strong Q2 performance and strategic acquisition of Superior Graphite, which will allow entry into the synthetic graphite market essential for EV battery production [2][3]. Group 1: Q2 Performance - Exxon Mobil reported Q2 2025 earnings of $7.1 billion, marking a significant financial performance [2]. - The company achieved a production volume of 4.6 million barrels per day, the highest for Q2 in 25 years, largely due to the integration of Pioneer Natural Resources [2]. - Exxon Mobil distributed $9.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, demonstrating a strong commitment to shareholder returns [2]. Group 2: Acquisition of Superior Graphite - On September 9, 2025, Exxon Mobil announced the acquisition of Superior Graphite's technology and U.S.-based assets [3]. - This acquisition allows Exxon Mobil to enter the synthetic graphite production market, which is crucial for manufacturing EV battery anodes [3]. Group 3: Dividend and Market Position - Exxon Mobil has a dividend yield of 3.45%, enhancing its attractiveness to investors seeking stable income [4]. - The company is one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical firms, focusing on exploration, production, and sale of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products [4].

Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips is undergoing a significant restructuring plan that includes a workforce reduction of 20% to 25% to enhance margins and cut costs, following a major acquisition and rising production costs [2][3]. Group 1: Workforce Reduction - ConocoPhillips plans to reduce its global workforce by 20% to 25%, potentially impacting up to 3,250 employees and contractors [2]. - This workforce reduction is part of a broader restructuring initiative aimed at improving operational efficiency and cost management [2]. Group 2: Financial Context - The restructuring follows ConocoPhillips' $17 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil in 2024, which has contributed to rising controllable production costs [3]. - Controllable production costs reached $13 per barrel in 2024, which is $2 higher than industry peers, prompting the need for cost-saving measures [3]. - The restructuring is expected to yield an additional $1 billion in cost savings [3]. Group 3: Organizational Changes - A new organizational structure and management team will be introduced as part of the restructuring, with details to be revealed in mid-September [3].

Group 1 - Cenovus Energy Inc. has been identified as one of the best Canadian stocks to buy, with National Bank raising its price target to C$29 from C$28 while maintaining an Outperform rating [1][3] - The company's upstream production in Q2 2025 was 765,900 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d), a decrease from 818,900 BOE/d year-over-year due to maintenance and wildfire impacts [2][3] - Cenovus generated approximately $2.4 billion in cash from operating activities in Q2, with adjusted funds flow of $1.5 billion and free funds flow of $355 million, while net earnings were $851 million, down from $859 million in Q1 2025 [3] Group 2 - Cenovus Energy is involved in the development, production, refining, transportation, and marketing of crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products across Canada, the US, and China [4]