Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019

tags:MMP,WLL,RRC,HAL,APA,MRO,WPZ,ECA,RIG,COP,

Several well-respected oil CEOs have made it clear that they have no appetite for making a big acquisition, even though oil prices have improved dramatically. However, not all companies are against mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Concho Resources (NYSE:CXO) made waves earlier this year when it acquired RSP Permian (NYSE:RSPP) in a $9.5 billion deal. Concho CEO Tim Leach even saw his company's transaction as a "roadmap for in-basin consolidation" in the Permian. While it has yet to set off an M&A boom, that doesn't mean transaction activity won't heat up.

Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:FANG) is among the many Permian drillers that plan to remain active in the M&A market, which was clear from the comments of CEO Travis Stice on the company's first-quarter conference call. The Permian driller has a long history of making deals that have helped fuel its rapid rise over the past few years, as shares have rocketed nearly 600% since the company went public in late 2012 versus a 90% gain from the S&P 500 over that time frame. If Diamondback Energy can secure the right acquisition, its shares could continue their torrid pace.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Magellan Midstream Partners L.P.(MMP)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Max Byerly]

  Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE: MMP) and Noble Midstream Partners (NYSE:NBLX) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations and earnings.

• [By Tyler Crowe, Reuben Gregg Brewer, and Travis Hoium]

  With these interesting trends emerging, there's no doubt that investors are looking at this industry. To help investors start their search for great energy investments, we asked three of our investing contributors to each highlight a stock they see as a great buy now. Here's why they picked Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP), Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP), and SunPower (NASDAQ:SPWR).

• [By John Bromels]

  While 6,000 miles sounds like alot, it's not that much in the grand scheme of things. Fellow MLP Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP), for example, operates 10,800 miles of pipelines and 80 terminals. Buckeye's pipelines are exclusively located in the Northeast and upper Midwest, primarily between St. Louis and New York City, with a large footprint around Chicago. Its terminals and storage facilities, though, sprawl across the country and the globe, with marine terminals on the Gulf Coast and in Western Europe, the Caribbean, and even Singapore.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Whiting Petroleum Corporation(WLL)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Friday was a down day on Wall Street, but losses were generally small, and the market closed well above its lowest levels of the session. Initially, investors seemed concerned about further trade tensions between the U.S. and China, but upon further reflection, they appeared to draw comfort from considerable fundamental strength from key sectors of the industrial economy. Even with the overall market recovering from earlier weakness, some stocks still posted substantial declines. Whiting Petroleum (NYSE:WLL), Global Blood Therapeutics (NASDAQ:GBT), and First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) were among the worst performers on the day. Here's why they did so poorly.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Whiting Petroleum (NYSE:WLL) bounded upward more than 55% for the quarter, fueled by rising crude prices and its strong first-quarter results. After struggling to scrape by on lower oil prices, Whiting's cash flow has surged this year, providing it enough money to fund its drilling program with more than $100 million to spare during the first quarter.

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Whiting Petroleum Corp (NYSE:WLL) – Stock analysts at Jefferies Financial Group increased their Q2 2019 earnings estimates for Whiting Petroleum in a research note issued on Wednesday, February 13th. Jefferies Financial Group analyst M. Lear now forecasts that the oil and gas exploration company will earn $0.30 per share for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $0.28. Jefferies Financial Group also issued estimates for Whiting Petroleum’s Q3 2019 earnings at $0.22 EPS.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Range Resources Corporation(RRC)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on Range Resources (RRC)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

• [By Tyler Crowe, Jason Hall, and Matthew DiLallo]

  So we asked three of our energy contributors to each highlight a stock they see in the oil and gas industry that would make a great buy today. Here's why they picked Diamond Offshore Drilling (NYSE:DO), Range Resources (NYSE:RRC), and Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN). 

• [By Shane Hupp]

  Toronto Dominion Bank increased its holdings in Range Resources Corp. (NYSE:RRC) by 25.2% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 123,421 shares of the oil and gas exploration company’s stock after purchasing an additional 24,839 shares during the period. Toronto Dominion Bank’s holdings in Range Resources were worth $1,794,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Range Resources Corp. (NYSE:RRC) – Research analysts at Piper Jaffray Companies upped their Q1 2019 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Range Resources in a report issued on Monday, August 27th. Piper Jaffray Companies analyst D. Kistler now anticipates that the oil and gas exploration company will post earnings of $0.43 per share for the quarter, up from their prior forecast of $0.42. Piper Jaffray Companies has a “Buy” rating and a $27.00 price objective on the stock. Piper Jaffray Companies also issued estimates for Range Resources’ Q2 2019 earnings at $0.35 EPS, Q4 2019 earnings at $0.44 EPS, FY2019 earnings at $1.61 EPS, Q2 2020 earnings at $0.39 EPS and FY2020 earnings at $1.93 EPS.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Halliburton Company(HAL)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Todd Shriber, ETF Professor]

  IEZ is also a top-heavy fund. Just two stocks — Schlumberger NV (NYSE: SLB) and Halliburton Inc. (NYSE: HAL) — combine for almost 26 percent of the fund's weight. Underscoring the correlation to oil prices, IEZ has a three-year standard deviation of 30 percent, indicating this ETF is far more volatile than standard diversified energy funds.

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. decreased its position in shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) by 2.9% during the first quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 43,482 shares of the oilfield services company’s stock after selling 1,312 shares during the period. Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc.’s holdings in Halliburton were worth $2,035,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By ]

  Markets have been mixed on Monday as the 10-year Treasury yield closes in on 3%. Earnings reports today included from Halliburton (HAL) , Hasbro (HAS) and Kimberly-Clark (KMB) . Action Alerts PLUS holding Alphabet (GOOGL)  is among the companies reporting after the close. 

• [By Chris Lange]

  Haliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) is expected to reveal its fourth-quarter results on Monday. The consensus forecast calls for $0.46 in EPS, as well as $5.63 billion in revenue. Shares were trading at $53.01 on Friday's close. The consensus price target is $55.09. The stock has a 52-week range of $38.18 to $58.78.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Halliburton Co. (NYSE: HAL) was started with an Overweight rating and assigned a $50 price target. This call represented right at 30% in implied total return (including the dividend), and it is still not even an above-consensus target. The stock closed up 1.2% at $39.16 the prior day, and its shares were up 1.8% at $39.88 in Wednesday’s session. The 52-week range is $35.75 to $57.86, and the consensus target price is $51.97.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on Halliburton (HAL)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Apache Corporation(APA)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  The IEA's forecast bodes well for oil stocks, especially those that have underperformed during the rally over the past year. Two that stand out are Newfield Exploration (NYSE:NFX) and Apache (NYSE:APA), since both have lost value even though oil has been red-hot. Because of that, they trade at dirt cheap valuations versus their peers. That underperformance doesn't make sense given the growth these companies can deliver at much lower oil prices.

• [By Jason Hall]

  Since oil prices peaked in 2014, both Total and Shell have managed to generate positive total returns for investors who held through the downturn, in large part because of their diverse operations. Neither has come close to outperforming the S&P 500, but it could have been far worse; one only has to look at some of the biggest independent oil producers, including Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) (down 53%), Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) (down 33%), and Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CLR) (down 12.3%) to appreciate the benefit of Total's and Shell's more diversified operations. 

• [By Max Byerly]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on Apache (APA)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

• [By Chris Lange]

  Apache Corp. (NYSE: APA) fourth-quarter results are scheduled for Thursday. The consensus forecast is for $0.22 in EPS on $1.55 billion in revenue. Shares were trading at $38.11. The consensus price target is $50.43. The 52-week range is $35.70 to $56.51.

• [By Motley Fool Transcribing]

  Apache (NYSE:APA) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference CallFeb. 28, 2019 11:00 a.m. ET

  Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks:

  Operator 

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Marathon Oil Corporation(MRO)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil Corporation's (NYSE:MRO) transformation into a shale-focused oil growth company is starting to pay dividends. That was evident in the second quarter as the company reported strong production results across all four of its U.S. resource plays. Because of that, the oil producer was able to boost its full-year growth forecast for the second time this year without increasing its capital budget.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) delivered strong operational and financial results through the third quarter of last year, which had the company on track to end 2018 on a high note. Investors will find out whether that's the case when the company reports its fourth-quarter results. That's one of several things they should keep their eye on when reviewing that report.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) CEO Lee Tillman feels the same way. He stated on the company's first-quarter call that: "Our financial flexibility is at the top of our peer group and was further strengthened by receipt of proceeds from Libya and our final Canadian oil sands payment. This flexibility allows us to pursue multiple high-return uses of free cash, but we are taking a disciplined approach and we are not considering large-scale M&A."

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) put the wraps on a strong year by delivering solid fourth-quarter results, which came in slightly ahead of expectations. With that, the company exceeded its initial growth projection for the year while sticking to its budget, and was thus able to generate and return lots of cash to shareholders. The company expects more of the same in 2019 as its drilling machine aims to continue printing money.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  That's why several oil companies have authorized share buyback programs to take advantage of the disconnect. Three of the latest entrants are Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO), Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY), and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS-A)(NYSE:RDS-B). Here's why they think their stocks are great buys. 

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) is another oil producer built for $50 oil. At that level, Marathon can generate enough cash to grow its U.S. oil production 25% to 30% this year, while at $60 oil, the company can produce $500 million in free cash -- and even more at current prices. Marathon Oil has a range of options for that money, including buying back shares, boosting the dividend, paying off debt, or acquiring more drillable land.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Williams Partners L.P.(WPZ)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Natural gas pipeline giant Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) and its MLP Williams Partners (NYSE:WPZ) reported mixed second-quarter results after the close Wednesday. Earnings declined fractionally due to asset sales and some higher costs. Cash flow, on the other hand, moved slightly higher thanks in part to lower interest expenses as a result of  debt reduction. However, while both numbers underwhelmed in Q2, they should head much higher in the coming year because Williams has several expansion projects under way that should boost its bottom line.

• [By Max Byerly]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on Williams Pipeline Partners (WPZ)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

• [By Tyler Crowe, Jason Hall, and Matthew DiLallo]

  Matt DiLallo (Williams Companies): This natural gas pipeline giant has had a slow start in 2018. Through the first half of the year, cash flow at the company's MLP Williams Partners (NYSE:WPZ) has only increased by about 2%, due mainly to recent asset sales. However, with a major expansion project coming on line, cash flow growth should accelerate in the second half of the year. That project and others in the pipeline have the company on track to grow cash flow 9% in 2018 and another 13% next year.

• [By Lisa Levin] Gainers Loxo Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: LOXO) rose 17.1 percent to $163.30 in pre-market trading as the company disclosed that LOXO-292 Phase 1 trial abstract was selected for 'Best of ASCO'. CytomX Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTMX) rose 11.5 percent to $27.15 in pre-market trading after the company announced presentations at the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting. Check-Cap Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHEK) rose 12.3 percent to $5.47 in pre-market trading after reporting narrower-than-expected Q1 loss. Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FTK) shares rose 7.1 percent to $3.62 in the pre-market trading session. Baozun Inc. (NASDAQ: BZUN) shares rose 5.8 percent to $47.65 in pre-market trading after reporting Q1 results. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) rose 5.5 percent to $46.00 in pre-market trading. Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ) rose 5.3 percent to $40.50 in pre-market trading after The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) announced agreement to acquire all public equity of Williams Partners in a $10.5 billion deal. Koss Corporation (NASDAQ: KOSS) shares rose 4.6 percent to $2.72 in pre-market trading after surging 12.55 percent on Wednesday. Enphase Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH) rose 4.5 percent to $5.85 in pre-market trading after gaining 5.66 percent on Wednesday. Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) rose 4.1 percent to $27 in pre-market trading after climbing 7.90 percent on Wednesday. Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE: KOS) rose 4 percent to $7.70 in pre-market trading.

   

• [By Lisa Levin] Gainers Carver Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: CARV) shares jumped 92.1 percent to $7.01. iPic Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ: IPIC) gained 21.6 percent to $9.73. Baozun Inc. (NASDAQ: BZUN) shares jumped 18.7 percent to $53.49 after reporting Q1 results. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: WWE) shares jumped 15.9 percent to $50.50. The company's "Smackdown Live" may not be renewed at NBCUniversal network and the company's "Monday Night Raw" program could be worth three times its current value elsewhere, according to a report for The Hollywood Reporter. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPPI) gained 14.7 percent to $ 20.46 after the company issued further details on Phase 3 ADVANCE study of ROLONTIS. Motus GI Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOTS) climbed 13.4 percent to $5.5009. Endocyte, Inc. (NASDAQ: ECYT) rose 13.3 percent to $ 14.23 after the company announced presentation of Phase 2 data from prostate cancer trial of 177Lu-PSMA-617 at the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting. Diana Containerships Inc. (NASDAQ: DCIX) gained 12.9 percent to $1.7499 after the company announced the sale of Post-Panamax Container Vessel for $21 million. Essendant Inc. (NASDAQ: ESND) gained 12.7 percent to $12.43. Essendant confirmed receipt of unsolicited proposal from Staples of $11.50 per share in cash. Blink Charging Co (NASDAQ: BLNK) rose 11.8 percent to $8.04 after surging 31.68 percent on Wednesday. OptimumBank Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: OPHC) gained 11.5 percent to $5.15. Flotek Industries, Inc. (NYSE: FTK) shares climbed 10.7 percent to $3.74. Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM) rose 7.9 percent to $25.95 after climbing 7.90 percent on Wednesday. Minerva Neurosciences Inc (NASDAQ: NERV) rose 6.5 percent to $6.93 after Journal of Clinical Psychiatry published positive results of cognitive performance from Phase 2B trial of roluperidone in schizophrenia patients. Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ) rose 5.6 percent to $40

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Encana Corporation(ECA)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Electra (CURRENCY:ECA) traded down 22.1% against the dollar during the 1 day period ending at 11:00 AM Eastern on August 14th. One Electra coin can currently be purchased for approximately $0.0004 or 0.00000007 BTC on cryptocurrency exchanges including Cryptohub, CryptoBridge, Cryptopia and Novaexchange. In the last seven days, Electra has traded 36.7% lower against the dollar. Electra has a total market capitalization of $11.78 million and approximately $119,848.00 worth of Electra was traded on exchanges in the last day.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Encana (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) had its target price raised by Morgan Stanley from $16.00 to $20.00 in a research report report published on Wednesday morning. Morgan Stanley currently has a buy rating on the oil and gas company’s stock.

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  These are some of the media stories that may have effected Accern’s scoring:

  Get Encana alerts: Should You Listen to This Stock? Encana Corporation (ECA) moves 51.44% away from One Year Low (nasdaqchronicle.com) Hot Mover of the Day – Encana Corporation (NYSE:ECA) (thestockgem.com) Enrapturing Stocks: Encana Corporation, (NYSE: ECA), AmTrust Financial Services, Inc., (NASDAQ: AFSI) (globalexportlines.com) Analysts, Options Traders Love This Lesser-Known Energy Stock (schaeffersresearch.com) Encana Corp (ECA) Expected to Announce Quarterly Sales of $1.12 Billion (americanbankingnews.com)

  ECA traded up $0.27 on Thursday, hitting $12.47. 9,071,326 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,380,907. Encana has a 12 month low of $8.01 and a 12 month high of $14.31. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 2.00.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: Transocean Inc.(RIG)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Shane Hupp]

  Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG)’s share price shot up 1.5% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $13.60 and last traded at $13.39. 771,349 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 94% from the average session volume of 13,165,396 shares. The stock had previously closed at $13.19.

• [By Tyler Crowe, Matthew DiLallo, and Reuben Gregg Brewer]

  While we aren't prognosticators on crude oil prices, there does appear to be a lot of value in the energy sector at this price level. So we asked three Motley Fool investors to highlight a stock in the sector they like this month. Here's why they picked Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD), Enbridge (NYSE:ENB), and Transocean (NYSE:RIG). 

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  An issue of Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) debt rose 2.5% against its face value during trading on Wednesday. The high-yield debt issue has a 6.8% coupon and will mature on March 15, 2038. The bonds in the issue are now trading at $85.45. Price moves in a company’s debt in credit markets sometimes anticipate parallel moves in its share price.

• [By Matthew DiLallo, Jason Hall, and Tyler Crowe]

  The good news is spending is starting to bounce back in some segments, including offshore. Transocean (NYSE:RIG) recently pointed out that offshore investments in the first half of 2018 actually exceeded total 2016 offshore spending, and full-year 2018 spending is expected to be about 50% higher than last year. But unlike shale development, which can lead to new production in weeks, it's going to take years for new offshore spending to bear results. 

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Shares of Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of “Hold” from the twenty-four brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, twelve have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $12.52.

• [By John Bromels]

  Unless it's not. Which it may not be. There's a big cloud of uncertainty hanging over the company, in part thanks to its status as a very small fish in a very big deepwater ocean that's full of huge, hungry competitors like Transocean (NYSE:RIG) and Ensco (NYSE:ESV). Questions also abound about its parent company, Seadrill (NYSE:SDRL).

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2019: ConocoPhillips(COP)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Bromels]

  Three years ago, if you asked me to compare the prospects of an integrated oil major like BP (NYSE:BP) to an independent oil and gas exploration and production company (E&P) like ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), I'd have told you the oil major would win hands down. The price of oil had collapsed, and independent drillers were stuck up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

• [By Garrett Baldwin]

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  Three Stocks to Watch Today: COP, HD, HSBC ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) has seized assets from the Venezuelan-owned firm PDVSA in the Caribbean. The company won a court case that will allow it to take over assets owned by the Venezuelan government. The court enabled the seizures as part of a broader plan to allow the firm to recoup roughly $2 billion following the 2007 nationalization of its assets in Venezuela by the huge Castro-led government. Monday will be a quiet day on the earnings front. Investors are looking to Tuesday's calendar, when The Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD) reports earnings. Tomorrow, Wall Street analysts expect that Home Depot will report earnings per share of $2.07 on top of $25.2 billion in revenue. Investors will be hoping that the company reports strong profits thanks to an improving U.S. economy and the recent tax reform law. Expect a lot of chatter today about blockchain technology. That's because ING Bank and HSBC Holdings Plc. (NYSE: HSBC) announced over the weekend that they engaged in their first trade ever using blockchain technology. The two engaged in a trade on behalf of Cargill to finance a shipment of soybeans from Argentina to Malaysia. Today, look for earnings reports from Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A), Itron Inc. (Nasdaq: ITRI), Vipshop Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: VIPS), Amyris Biotechnologies Inc. (Nasdaq: AMRS), Sky Solar Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: SKYS), Mazor Robotics Ltd. (Nasdaq: MZOR), China Lodging Group Ltd. (Nasdaq: HTHT), and Mimecast Ltd. (Nasdaq: MIME).

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• [By Chris Lange]

  The number of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) shares short dropped to 18.27 million from the previous level of 21.33 million. Shares were trading at $70.01 within a 52-week range of $42.27 to $71.71.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  While those issues led many oil companies to abandon Alaska over the years, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) was one of a handful that remained committed to the state's oil potential. That commitment is starting to pay off as changes in the state's tax code alongside some technological advancements have given the company the incentive and the tools to explore for new oil resources. Those exploration efforts are starting to get results, so much so that now ConocoPhillips is making plans to increase its wager on Alaska's oil future.

• [By John Bromels]

  If you're looking for a compelling oil and gas industry investment, why not start at the top? The biggest U.S. oil and gas company, ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), had been outperforming the biggest U.S. independent oil and gas exploration and production company, ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP), for years as the oil price downturn hurt profits.