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Globe and Mail
21 hours ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
OXY's International Operations Are Powering Multi-Dimensional Growth
Occidental Petroleum 's OXY global upstream footprint plays a pivotal role in driving its growth and resilience. International assets, such as Qatar's Dolphin gas project, Oman's Mukhaizna oilfields and the UAE's Al Hosn Gas, contribute significantly to production and cash flow. These diversified operations help cushion the company from volatility in U.S. shale markets and reduce exposure to domestic regulatory and market fluctuations, providing a more stable foundation for consistent shareholder returns. Occidental continues to deepen its presence in the Middle East and North Africa, with strategic stakes in high-potential regions. The company is the largest independent oil producer in Oman. OXY derives nearly one-fifth of the total production and over a quarter of its proved reserves from the broader Middle East. Occidental is also integrating decarbonization into its global operations through the 1PointFive platform, which is pioneering direct air capture technology. The company's recent memoranda of understanding with Algeria's Sonatrach signal ongoing efforts to explore new hydrocarbon zones, unlocking further production upside and strengthening long-term international partnerships. Occidental expects its international operation to contribute in the range of 226-236 thousand barrels of oil equivalents per day in 2025 to total production. The international initiatives enhance Occidental's free cash flow profile and provide a cushion against domestic concentration risk. With robust operations in resilient global basins and a growing portfolio of low-carbon technologies, Occidental trades at an attractive valuation and offers compelling upside potential as its international strategy continues to evolve. How International Operations Aid U.S. Oil & Gas Companies International operations support U.S.-based oil and gas companies by diversifying revenue streams, stabilizing cash flows and reducing reliance on domestic markets. It supports companies like ExxonMobil XOM and Chevron CVX by providing diversified production sources and reducing exposure to domestic market fluctuations. ExonMobil's offshore assets in Guyana and LNG projects in Papua New Guinea drive high-margin growth, while Chevron's stakes in Kazakhstan's Tengiz field and Australia's LNG operations contribute significantly to earnings and cash flow. International exposure positions both companies to capitalize on emerging market demand and global energy transition opportunities. OXY's Earnings Estimate is Going Down The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Occidental's earnings per share in 2025 and 2026 has decreased 10.16% and 17.38%, respectively, in the past 60 days. Occidental's ROE Lower Than the Industry Return on equity ('ROE'), a profitability measure, reflects how effectively a company utilizes its shareholders' funds to generate income. The trailing 12-month ROE of OXY is 16.6%, a tad lower than its industry's 16.89%. OXY Stock's Price Performance Occidental's shares have gained 3.2% in the past month compared with the industry 's growth of 5.4%. OXY's Zacks Rank Occidental currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Zacks' Research Chief Picks Stock Most Likely to "At Least Double" Our experts have revealed their Top 5 recommendations with money-doubling potential – and Director of Research Sheraz Mian believes one is superior to the others. Of course, all our picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier recommendations like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%. See Our Top Stock to Double (Plus 4 Runners Up) >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (


Globe and Mail
20-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Iran-Israel Conflict Escalates: Boon for ExxonMobil's E&P Business?
The West Texas Intermediate crude price is currently nearing the $75-per-barrel benchmark, representing a significant improvement from $60.79 on May 30, thanks to the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. This is a boon for Exxon Mobil Corporation 's XOM exploration and production (E&P) activities, as upstream operations are positively correlated with oil prices. Crude price data are as per In other words, with ExxonMobil generating the majority of its earnings from upstream operations, almost 88% in the first quarter of 2025, the rise in oil price is a positive development for its E&P business, aiding its bottom line. Delving into the large integrated energy player's upstream business, XOM has a strong footprint in the oil-rich Permian, the most prolific basin in the United States. With operations spread across the low-cost basin, the high oil price will likely generate significant cash flows for XOM. To describe XOM's strong focus on the Permian, the energy giant acquired Pioneer Natural Resources, with integration progressing well, and the company has revised its annual synergy estimates upward from $2 billion to $3 billion for the first decade. Thus, strong Permian operations amid the favorable crude pricing environment are aiding ExxonMobil. Are CVX & BP Also Gaining From High Oil Prices? Both Chevron Corporation CVX and BP plc BP generate significant earnings from their upstream operations, and hence, they benefit from higher oil prices. In the Permian, Chevron's operations cover approximately 1.8 million net acres within the sub-basins of Delaware and Midland. Being a major player in the region, CVX's breakeven costs are also low. Hence, it can generate handsome cashflow from a high crude pricing environment. In the first quarter of this year, CVX mentioned that Permian primarily aided its production volumes. BP also has a solid upstream operation, comprising a top-tier oil and gas business in attractive basins. BP is also a low-cost producer. The British energy giant claimed that it has been able to keep the cost of producing oil very low. Thus, BP is among the lowest-cost producers in the industry to capitalize on increasing oil prices. XOM's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates Shares of XOM have gained 7.9% over the past year, outpacing the 3.7% improvement of the composite stocks belonging to the industry. From a valuation standpoint, XOM trades at a trailing 12-month enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) of 7.06X. This is above the broader industry average of 4.26X. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XOM's 2025 earnings hasn't been revised over the past seven days. XOM stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the coming year. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +112%, +171%, +209% and +232%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report BP p.l.c. (BP): Free Stock Analysis Report Chevron Corporation (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM): Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (

Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Upstream E&P Track to Foster Dialogue and Deals Amid African Exploration Surge
Amid Africa's ongoing exploration and production surge, this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference will host a dedicated Upstream E&P Track. The track - taking place as part of the main conference agenda from September 29 to October 3 – will tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities across the upstream oil and gas sector, delving into topics such as deepwater development, onshore prospects, the role of independent firms and balancing African priorities with global supply dynamics. As the largest event of its kind on the continent, AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 represents the platform of choice for Africa's upstream sector. Africa's upstream oil and gas sector is on the precipice of significant growth, boosted by a $54 billion capital expenditure drive expected by 2030. Across the continent, both established oil and gas markets and frontier players are seeking capital to bolster production while unlocking new basins in deepwater and onshore basins. The continent's exploration surge is further supported by growing demand in African markets as well as a rise in global gas imports. The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Upstream E&P Track will explore these shifting dynamics, offering a platform for new exploration and production deals to be signed. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. To entice greater spending across the upstream sector, many African countries are laying the foundation for new investments by both majors and independent energy companies. A string of licensing rounds is being launched in 2025, offering exploration opportunities across a variety of acreage. Licensing rounds are planned in Angola, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Mauritania and South Africa, while Libya, Nigeria, Algeria and Liberia have already launched their respective bid rounds. The Upstream E&P Track will explore the impact of these rounds. Sessions include What's Next for African Upstream in 2026; Exploration Hotspots; and Basins Without Borders: Unlocking the Full Potential of Cross-Border Basins in the Transform Margin. Additionally, panel discussions will examine emerging prospects in frontier basins, with sessions taking place on Frontier Plays Within Africa's Mature Basins; Offshore and Deepwater Plays; and Unlocking Africa's Onshore and Shallow-Water Potential. While global energy majors expand their portfolios in Africa, independent oil and gas firms are taking on a more prominent role in exploration and production. International oil company divestment has opened-up new pathways for African independents, and as such, more companies are taking the lead on asset development. AEW: Invest in African Energies will host panel discussions on The Making of an African Independent; Technology and Innovation: Rethinking Asset Development to Accelerate Upstream Success; as well as Crude Value Benchmarking with Ever-Changing Light, Heavy Balance, exploring opportunities for independents in Africa. Meanwhile, with global gas demand projected to increase 10% between 2021 and 2030, African countries are strategically positioned to accelerate exploration and play a more central role in global supply chains. With over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves on the continent – most of which remains under-developed – Africa has a unique opportunity to leverage its resources to produce low-carbon, cost-effective fuel. Panel discussions on Decarbonizing Pathways for African Oil and Gas; The Outlook for Global LNG; and The Role of African LNG in a Dynamic Export Market will address these opportunities, while a session on Beyond Exports: Developing Commercially Viable Domestic Gas Markets, will examine how the continent can leverage its resources for domestic growth. The track will also feature panel discussions on strategic oil and gas markets in Africa, including Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and more. These sessions are geared towards companies seeking growth opportunities in proven markets and are expected to unlock new deal-signing and partnerships prospects. Beyond panel discussions, the Upstream E&P Track will feature a series of fireside chats, with participating companies including Renaissance Africa Energy, Northern Ocean, Seplat Energy and more. 'Africa's upstream oil and gas market is witnessing a surge of investment, as operators seek to expand their portfolios and governments target near-term production. Amid this growth, strategic financing gaps have emerged. The AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 Upstream E&P Track seeks to address these challenges by bringing together major players from the market to engage and sign deals,' says Oré Onagbesan, AEW: Invest in African Energies Program Director. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.


CNA
17-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Malaysia's Petronas expects ENI upstream joint venture to be set up in 1-2 years
KUALA LUMPUR :Malaysian state energy company Petronas said on Tuesday it expects to take one to two years to set up a planned joint venture with Italian energy group Eni on upstream assets in Indonesia and Malaysia. The companies announced a joint venture framework, moving forward with a pact signed in February that they said can deliver up to 500,000 barrels per day of oil equivalent (boe), combining about 3 billion boe of reserves with an additional 10 billion boe of potential exploration upside. "Asia has huge, huge potential," Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi told Reuters on the sidelines of the Energy Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur. "The cooperation between countries, to find synergies and exchange energies and put together resources and competencies, is essential. And that is a very strong example, Indonesia and Malaysia together," Descalzi said. The asset combination focuses on Indonesia's Kutai Basin, where Eni's portfolio includes developments in the Northern and Gendalo-Gandang hubs, which hold substantial gas reserves. "The whole idea of having this as a combination is to have an independent entity created in order to be self-financed," Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab, executive vice-president and CEO - upstream at Petronas, said at the conference. Petronas has said it was looking to include oil and gas projects in Indonesia's Kutai Basin in the planned joint venture, proposing to swap interests for its assets in Malaysia and Indonesia with Eni's blocks there. However, Petronas said it would exclude Indonesian assets recently awarded to the company, such as the Binaiya and Serpang blocks.


CNA
17-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Petronas expects set-up of proposed ENI JV will take one to two years
KUALA LUMPUR :Petronas expects to take one to two years to set up a proposed joint venture with Italian energy group Eni on some upstream assets in Indonesia and Malaysia, an executive of the state-run energy company said on Tuesday. The companies signed a pact in February on the joint venture that aims to combine about 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) of reserves with an additional 10 billion boe of potential exploration upside. "The whole idea of having this as a combination is to have an independent entity created in order to be self-financed," Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab, executive vice president and chief executive of upstream for Petronas, said at the Energy Asia conference in the Malaysian capital. Guido Brusco, Eni's chief operating officer, said, "This is a game changer for us in the region. We are combining assets from Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in the Kutai Basin." Eni's Kutai Basin assets include developments in the Northern and Gendalo-Gandang hubs, which have massive gas reserves. Petronas has said it was looking to include oil and gas projects in Indonesia's Kutai Basin in the planned joint venture, proposing to swap interests for its assets in Malaysia and Indonesia with Eni's blocks there.