Chevron
This energy giant is a solid play for investors who are more conservative and looking to be positioned in the sector. Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) is a U.S.-based integrated oil and gas company with worldwide operations in exploration and production, refining and marketing, transportation, and petrochemicals. The company sports a sizable dividend and has a solid place in natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
With the strongest financial base of the majors, coupled with an attractive relative asset base, many on Wall Street feel that Chevron offers the most straightforwardly positive risk/reward. Although current conditions do not warrant a large focus on production growth, Chevron possesses numerous medium-term drivers that should support production levels in the coming years.
Chevron reported full-year 2022 earnings of $35.5 billion, well above the $15.6 billion in 2021, and increased its dividend by 6%. This increase puts Chevron on track to make 2023 the 35th consecutive year with an increase in annual dividend payout per share.
Investors will receive a 3.75% dividend when the increase is factored in. The $212 Raymond James price target is a Wall Street high. The consensus target for Chevron stock is $194.04, and shares closed at $174.09 on Tuesday.
ConocoPhillips
This is another large-cap company that offers strong value for investors. ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and LNG worldwide.
The company portfolio includes resource-rich North American tight oil and oil sands assets; lower-risk legacy assets in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia; various international developments; and an inventory of conventional and unconventional exploration prospects.
Many Wall Street analysts feel Conoco can accelerate growth from a reloaded portfolio depth in the Bakken and Eagle Ford with visibility on future growth from a sizable position in the Permian Basin.
The company posted revenues that beat estimates, while earnings fell slightly behind the consensus forecast.
Shareholders receive a 2.16% dividend. BofA Securities has a $140 price target for ConocoPhillips stock. The consensus target is $138.12, and shares closed on Tuesday at $112.02.
Exxon Mobil
Despite the recent rally in oil stocks, this mega-cap energy leader trades at a reasonable valuation and still offers investors an excellent entry point. Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) is the world’s largest international integrated oil and gas company. It explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Africa and elsewhere.
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