Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA) is one of the best buy-the-dip stocks to buy, according to analysts. On September 22, the company confirmed the appointment of Gregory F. Conaway as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Coterra Energy Inc. (CTRA) Bolsters Accounting Team with Gregory F. Conaway He takes over with in-depth accounting experience and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Angelo State University. Conaway takes over as Chi ...

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]

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]

Core Insights - Crescent Energy Company (CRGY) shares have increased by 9.9% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Alternative-Energy industry's return of 9.3% and the broader Zacks Oils-Energy sector's rise of 5.6%, but lagging behind the S&P 500's growth of 10.7% [1][9] - The company has shown strong operational performance, with a 59.4% year-over-year increase in average daily net sales volume for oil, natural gas, and NGLs, leading to a revenue growth of 37.5% to $898 million and a net income surge of 131.5% [6][9] - Crescent Energy's acquisition of complementary minerals assets for approximately $72 million in July has contributed to its growth momentum [7][9] Industry Trends - Rising demand for natural gas and NGLs in the U.S. is driven by increased use in power generation and industrial processes, as well as growing demand from the petrochemical industry [4][5] - Global population growth is boosting demand for transportation, cooking, and heating fuels, while technological advancements in oil extraction are enhancing supply [5] - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that natural gas has been the leading source of U.S. power generation since 2016, with expectations of rising natural gas spot prices in late 2025 and 2026 [11][12] Financial Performance - Crescent Energy's operating cash flow improved by 77.6% to $836.1 million as of June 30, 2025, reflecting long-term liquidity strength [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 sales indicates a year-over-year improvement of 24.6%, while a decline of 2.3% is expected for 2026 [16] - CRGY shares are trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings (P/E F12M) ratio of 6.49X, significantly lower than the industry average of 20.48X, suggesting a relative undervaluation [18] Risks and Challenges - A decline in U.S. oil prices is projected due to OPEC members increasing production, which may affect Crescent Energy's revenue growth from oil [13] - The company faces headwinds from the cyclical nature of the energy sector, influenced by macroeconomic factors such as geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainties [14][15] - CRGY's short-term liquidity ratio is 0.89, indicating potential concerns regarding its ability to meet short-term debt obligations, alongside a significant long-term debt of $3.38 billion [20]

Core Viewpoint - APA Corporation reported a decline in adjusted earnings for Q4 2024, primarily due to lower commodity prices and increased costs, despite a significant rise in revenues driven by acquisitions and production increases [1][2]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q4 2024 were 79 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 97 cents and down from $1.15 in the previous year [1]. - Revenues reached $2.5 billion, a 32% increase from the same quarter last year, and exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10% [2]. - The company generated $1 billion in cash from operating activities and reported a free cash flow of $420 million, up from $292 million a year ago [7]. Production & Selling Prices - Average production of oil and natural gas was 488,308 BOE/d, a 17.8% increase year-over-year, surpassing expectations [3]. - U.S. output increased by 37% year-over-year to 313,227 BOE/d, while international production decreased by 5.7% to 175,081 BOE/d [4]. - The average realized crude oil price was $72.42 per barrel, down 11% from $81.36 a year ago, but above the projected $68 [5]. Costs & Financial Position - Lease operating expenses totaled $474 million, a 31.7% increase from $360 million in the previous year [6]. - Total operating expenses surged 48.1% year-over-year to $2 billion, significantly higher than the model estimate of $2.9 billion [6]. - As of December 31, APA had approximately $625 million in cash and cash equivalents and $6 billion in long-term debt, resulting in a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 53.2% [8]. Guidance - APA expects adjusted production to average 399,000 BOE/d in Q1 2025 and 396,000 BOE/d for the full year, representing a 3% year-over-year increase [9]. - The company has set its upstream capital expenditure for the year at $2.5-$2.6 billion [9].