BP p.l.c. provides carbon products and services. The company operates through Gas & Low Carbon Energy, Oil Production & Operations, and Customers & Products segments. It engages in the production of natural gas, and integrated gas and power; trading of gas; operation of onshore and offshore wind power, as well as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage facilities; trading and marketing of renewable and non-renewable power; and production of crude oil. In addition, the company involved in convenience and retail fuel, EV charging, Castrol lubricant, aviation, B2B, and midstream businesses; refining and oil trading; and bioenergy business. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

BP looks like a large and profitable energy business, but the quality of earnings does not yet support a high valuation without a discount. On valuation multiples, the picture is mixed: P/S of 0.51 and P/FCF of 6.54 look attractive and below industry benchmarks, and P/B of 1.45 also does not look expensive; however, P/E of 20.61 is above the industry median, which limits the upside from re-rating. Profitability remains a weak point: ROE of 4.16%, ROA of 1.12%, ROI of 4.19%, and return on tangible capital of 5.76% are noticeably below industry levels, while net margin of 2.46% and operating margin of 8.45% do not suggest sustainably high earnings quality. At the same time, the trend in margins and earnings over recent periods is improving: gross margin, operating margin, and net profit margin have increased compared with weaker levels from last year, and net income and operating income remain positive and significant in scale. Revenue of $70.1 billion and EBITDA of $12.9 billion confirm a strong operating base, but they do not by themselves offset low capital efficiency. The balance sheet looks acceptable, but not without risk: debt/equity of 0.68 is above the industry median, long-term debt of about $52.4 billion remains substantial, although short-term liquidity is normal — current ratio of 1.27 and cash on hand of $46.1 billion. Equity of $76.4 billion supports stability, but the high debt burden and weak return on capital constrain fair value. Dividend yield of 1.22% has declined compared with previous periods, so the dividend case is not currently a strong driver. Overall, the company has scale, cash flow, and signs of improving operating momentum, but compared with the industry it still lags in efficiency and earnings quality. For an investor, this implies a moderately cautious view: the business is fundamentally sound, but it is still difficult to justify a premium valuation, and the current outlook appears somewhat stretched relative to profitability quality and leverage.

BP p.l.c.

Сильный индекс, значительно вырос. Быки резко укрепили уверенность в своих позициях.

Strong index, significantly up. Bulls sharply strengthened confidence in their positions.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Рынок на стороне быков.

Strong index, flat. The market is on the bulls' side.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Отток средств из лонгов резко увеличился и находится на высоком уровне.

Strong index, significantly down. The outflow of funds from longs has increased sharply and is at a high level.

BP has strong scale, revenue, and cash flow, but weak profitability, a high P/E, and significant debt limit the potential for revaluation.

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – September 11, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation XOM, BP plc BP and Chevron CVX.
Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:
ExxonMobil Stocks at Premium: Opportunity or Reason to Stay Focused?
ExxonMobil Holdings Corporation is trading at a premium, meaning investors are willing to pay more for the stock. On a relative basis, the stock is trading at a 9.16x trailing 12-month Enterprise Value to Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EV/EBITDA), which is a premium compared with the broader industry average of 5.89x. BP plc and Chevron are trading at 2.93x and 8.04x, respectively.
Given that the integrated energy giant is trading at a premium, what should investors do now? Before getting into it, let’s delve into the company’s fundamentals and overall business environment.
High Oil Price a Boon to XOM’s Operations?
West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) crude is trading at more than the $95-per-barrel mark. The high prices are being driven by intensifying conflicts in the Middle East. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (“EIA”) in its latest short-term energy outlook projected WTI at $84.65 per barrel this year, higher than $65.40 last year. A highly favorable oil pricing environment is likely to continue supporting ExxonMobil’s exploration and production activities, similar to BP and Chevron.
Importantly, upstream operations generate the majority of earnings for XOM. The company has a massive footprint in the Permian, the most prolific oil and gas play in the United States, and offshore Guyana. In the Permian, the integrated giant has been employing new drilling techniques and artificial intelligence to boost and optimize production volumes at lower cost structures.
In Guyana, XOM has made several oil and gas discoveries, further highlighting its solid production outlook. Robust production from both assets has been aiding its top and bottom lines. In both resources, the breakeven costs are low.
XOM’s Solid Balance & Dividend Commitment
Investors should also keep in mind that XOM has a strong balance sheet that can support it during an unfavorable business environment. The debt-to-capitalization of ExxonMobil is 13.73%, significantly lower than 28.51% of the industry’s composite stocks.
Coming to the integrated energy giant’s dividend commitment story, over the past 43 years, ExxonMobil has been rewarding shareholders with annual dividend hikes at an average rate of 5.8%.
What Should Investors Do Now?
The positive developments are reflected in the price chart. In the past year, XOM has jumped 46%, outpacing the industry’s 45.1% growth. BP and CVX, two other integrated players in the same space, have gained 31.4% and 35.5%, respectively.
Despite all the positive developments and elevated crude prices, it might not be the ideal time for investors to bet on ExxonMobil, as its valuation appears pricey. However, those who have already invested may hold the stock, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights ExxonMobil, BP and Chevron

Key Points
Chevron’s scale and diversification make it a reliable long-term investment.
It has plenty of room to raise its dividend, and it will eventually become a Dividend King.
Income-oriented investors often buy oil stocks to earn steady dividends. However, many of those stocks are also tightly tethered to volatile oil prices. When oil prices surge, these companies generate plenty of cash to cover their dividends. But when oil prices pull back, the less diversified companies with weaker balance sheets will likely reduce those payments.
That said, there's still one resilient oil stock I'd be comfortable buying in September, even though it's historically the weakest month for the stock market. That stock is Chevron (NYSE: CVX), one of the world's largest integrated energy companies.
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Why is Chevron more resilient than other oil companies?
Chevron owns upstream, midstream, and downstream businesses. Upstream companies, which extract oil, typically benefit most from rising oil prices because their revenues increase faster than their expenses. Midstream companies, which build the infrastructure to transport those resources, can grow as long as gas and oil keep flowing through their pipelines.
Downstream companies that operate refineries and chemical production plants generally fare better when crude oil prices are lower, since their input costs are pegged to the spread between crude oil costs and retail fuel prices. Chevron's diversification across all three industries helps it better withstand market downturns than smaller companies that focus on a single market.
Chevron still generates most of its profits from its upstream business, so it's benefited from the conflict-driven spike in oil prices over the past six months. However, it only needs the price of Brent crude oil -- which recently rose above $100 per barrel -- to remain above its breakeven price of about $50 per barrel to comfortably cover its capex and dividends.
Chevron has a presence in 180 countries, but it gets most of its oil and natural gas from the U.S., Kazakhstan, and Australia. It's also less dependent on the Middle East than most of its industry peers, including ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and BP (NYSE: BP).
At the end of the second quarter, Chevron had $8.53 billion in cash and equivalents with a low net debt ratio of 13.1%. That fortress balance sheet should shield it from the next market crash.
Chevron expects to increase its oil and gas production by 2%-3% annually through 2030. That growth should be supported by its Tengiz Field in Kazakhstan, its main Permian Basin field in the U.S., its deepwater projects across the Gulf of Mexico, new natural gas projects in Australia, and its growth in Guyana -- one of the fastest-growing oil regions in the world.
It also aims to reduce its structural costs by up to $4 billion by the end of 2026, increase its synergies from Hess (which it acquired last July) to $1.5 billion, and buy back up to $20 billion in shares every year -- as long as the price of Brent crude oil stays at about $60-$80 per barrel.
Why is Chevron a rock-solid dividend investment?
Chevron currently pays a forward yield of 3.4%. It's raised its dividend annually for 39 consecutive years, even as the U.S. endured four recessions. If it maintains that streak for 50 years in a row, it will become a Dividend King. Over the past 12 months, Chevron spent just 51% of its free cash flow (FCF) on its dividends, leaving it plenty of room for future hikes.
Over the past 20 years, Chevron delivered a total return of 618% with reinvested dividends. It didn't outperform the S&P 500's (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) total return of 755%, but it easily beat ExxonMobil and BP's total returns of 391% and 100%, respectively.
From 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Chevron's revenue and EPS to grow at CAGRs of 4% and 24%, respectively. Those are robust growth rates for a stock that trades at 16 times next year's earnings. By comparison, the S&P 500 is trading at 20 times forward earnings. So if you're looking for a cheap oil dividend stock to buy this month, Chevron checks all the right boxes.
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This Is the First Oil Dividend Stock I'd Buy in September

With oil prices surging again, BP BP) is emerging as one of the more compelling large-cap energy stocks to consider.
Brent crude climbed back above $100 per barrel on Wednesday, creating another powerful cash-flow tailwind for integrated oil producers.
That is particularly attractive for BP, considering the company was already generating immense amounts of cash before crude's latest move higher.
Along with strengthening fundamentals and an improving earnings outlook, investors are getting a dividend yield of more than 4.5% and a stock that still trades at a very reasonable valuation.
BP's Immense Cash Flow
Last month, BP's second-quarter results showcased just how much cash the company can generate in a favorable energy environment.
Operating cash flow surged 73% year over year to $10.86 billion in Q2, compared with $6.27 billion in the prior-year period. Underlying replacement cost profit more than doubled to $5.73 billion, aided by higher energy prices, stronger refining margins, and trading results.
Importantly, this cash generation is strengthening BP's balance sheet as well. Net debt fell to $22.25 billion, compared with $26.04 billion a year earlier. At the end of Q2, BP had over $45 billion in cash and equivalents and more than $294 billion in total assets, which is nicely above its total liabilities of $218.2 billion.
Investors are also being rewarded directly, with BP raising its quarterly dividend by more than 4% to $0.52 per share. With Brent now above $100, BP's already impressive cash-flow profile could receive another boost if elevated oil prices persist.
BP's Growth Outlook & Soaring EPS Revisions
BP still has several avenues to expand earnings and cash flow beyond simply relying on higher commodity prices.
The company has been ramping up a wave of major upstream developments, with eight of 10 major projects scheduled between 2025 and 2027 already online as of July.
BP has also targeted adjusted free-cash-flow growth of more than 20% annually from 2024 through 2027, along with return on average capital employed (ROACE) above 16% in 2027.
Near-term earnings expectations are particularly strong. The Zacks Consensus currently calls for 2026 EPS of $6.45, representing growth of more than 123%, while revenue is projected to rise roughly 21% to $232.88 billion.
Although FY27 EPS is projected to normalize to $4.95 following an exceptional FY26, earnings estimates have climbed sharply over the last 60 days, with the FY27 EPS consensus rising nearly 25% (F2 below) and FY26 EPS estimates jumping almost 30% (F1).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
BP's Attractive Valuation
Despite its rising earnings outlook and robust cash generation, BP stock remains relatively inexpensive even after a 30% year-to-date surge toward 52-week highs.
Trading at around $45 a share, BP stock is at a 7X forward earnings multiple. This is still a notable discount to oil giants Chevron CVX) and Exxon Mobil XOM), which trade at roughly 12X forward earnings, respectively.
BP's price-to-cash-flow ratio of 4X also sits well below many of its large-cap oil peers, with Chevron and Exxon both trading at around 12X cash flow.
That combination of a low earnings multiple, massive cash flows, and a dividend yield above 4.5% makes BP particularly appealing for investors looking for both value and income exposure to elevated oil prices.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Of course, a sharp reversal in crude prices would temper BP's earnings and cash-flow outlook. Still, the current setup is difficult to overlook, with Brent above $100, BP producing billions of dollars in quarterly cash flow, reducing debt, growing its dividend, and advancing several major upstream projects.
At the moment, BP stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has an overall "A" VGM Zacks Style Scores grade for the combination of Value, Growth, and Momentum.
For investors seeking exposure to high oil prices without paying a premium valuation, BP looks like one of the best stocks to consider right now.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Why BP Is One of the Best Oil Stocks to Buy Right Now

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY), Palo Alto Networks, Inc. (PANW) and Texas Instruments Inc. (TXN), as well as a micro-cap stock Stratus Properties Inc. (STRS). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-Markets Trade Lower Ahead of Inflation Data Thursday, Friday
Today's Featured Research Reports
Eli Lilly’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry over the past year (+49.9% vs. +34.7%). The company has seen extraordinary momentum in its cardiometabolic franchise. Demand for its popular GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, remains strong, making them the company’s key top-line drivers.
Lilly’s other new drugs like Kisunla, Omvoh and Jaypirca are also contributing to top-line growth. It is also making rapid pipeline progress in obesity and diabetes. Its new GLP-1 obesity pill, Foundayo, is expected to be a commercial game-changer. Its next-generation weight loss pill, retatrutide, if approved, could become another multibillion-dollar product.
Lilly has announced several M&A deals aimed at diversifying beyond GLP-1 drugs and expanding its presence in immunology, oncology and neuroscience. Rising pricing pressure on some drugs and potential competition in the GLP-1 market are some top-line headwinds.
(You can read the full research report on Eli Lilly here >>>)
Shares of Palo Alto Networks have outperformed the Zacks Security industry over the past year (+70.8% vs. +66.8%). The company continues to benefit as enterprises consolidate security tools and adapt defenses for AI-driven threats. Platformization is supporting larger customer commitments, while growth across SASE, software firewalls, Prisma AIRS, XSIAM, observability and identity broadens recurring revenues.
CyberArk and Chronosphere are extending the company into new security categories, with integration progress supporting cross-selling. Cash generation remains healthy, and fiscal 2027 guidance points to continued revenue growth and operating-margin expansion.
However, gross-margin compression from the cloud and SaaS mix, rising hosting and component costs, competition, a larger diluted share base and acquisition execution risks temper the outlook. The balance of durable demand drivers and execution risks supports a Neutral view.
(You can read the full research report on Palo Alto Networks here >>>)
Texas Instruments’ shares have outperformed the Zacks Semiconductor - General industry over the past year (+44.4% vs. +33.9%). The company is benefiting from broadening demand across industrial, data center and automotive markets, while its analog and embedded processing franchises support durable long-term growth. Internal manufacturing, expanding 300-millimeter capacity and CHIPS Act support strengthen supply control and cost efficiency.
The Silicon Labs acquisition should deepen wireless connectivity capabilities and broaden embedded opportunities. Cash generation is recovering as revenue and factory loadings rise, supporting dividends and buybacks. Management also sees demand broadening into the second half of 2026.
Risks remain from elevated debt, geopolitical and trade exposure, competition, seasonality and higher manufacturing costs. Still, broader end-market demand and rising free cash flow support an Outperform view for TXN shares.
(You can read the full research report on Texas Instruments here >>>)
Shares of Stratus have outperformed the Zacks Real Estate - Operations industry over the past year (+22.9% vs. -12.9%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $151.26 million is anchored by its board-approved liquidation plan, which provides a defined path to monetizing assets and returning capital to shareholders. Strong liquidity, including $73.5 million in cash and additional revolver capacity, supports execution while allowing the company to advance development assets to value-enhancing milestones before sale.
Near-term catalysts include pending asset dispositions at New Caney, Amarra Villas and Jones Crossing, which could generate additional cash. Holden Hills remains a key source of embedded value, supported by third-party validation through a joint venture transaction.
However, key risks include significant 2026 debt maturities requiring refinancing, regulatory uncertainty surrounding Holden Hills development rights, continued weakness in multifamily markets, and declining recurring leasing income. Shares trade below book value but at a premium EV/sales multiple.
(You can read the full research report on Stratus here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include BP p.l.c. (BP), PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) and Raymond James Financial, Inc. (RJF).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Palo Alto (PANW) Rides on Platform Consolidation
Featured Reports
Two-Sided Platform & Rich Partner Base Aids PayPal (PYPL)
Per the Zacks Analyst, PayPal gains from its two-sided platform, rich partner base and expanding efforts. However, a challenging macroeconomic and competitive environment remains a woe.
Acquisitions to Aid Raymond James' (RJF) Top Line Amid Cost Woes
Per the Zacks analyst, while Raymond James' efforts to expand through acquisitions and its global diversification efforts are expected to result in higher costs, these will likely drive the top line.
Symbotic Rides on Contracted Programs Amid High Customer Concentration
Per the Zacks Analyst, Symbotic benefits from a large contracted backlog, operational systems and a broader product roadmap. High customer concentration and project delays continues to bother.
Akamai (AKAM) Rides on Solid Demand for Cloud and Security Solutions
Per the Zacks analyst, strong demand for cloud infrastructure services to support AI workloads is expected to drive Akamai's top line. Continued growth in cybersecurity solutions is a positive.
Somnigroup (SGI) Benefits From Integration and Global Expansion
Per the Zacks analyst, Somnigroup is benefiting from Mattress Firm synergies, vertical integration and international growth, supporting earnings diversification as bedding demand recovers.
Microinverter, Energy Storage Expansion Drive Enphase Energy (ENPH)
Per the Zacks analyst, Enphase Energy's microinverter and energy storage expansion should support growth. New products and multiyear safe-harbor volumes will broaden its growth opportunities.
Innodata (INOD) Gains From Diversification, Timing Risks Linger
Per the Zacks analyst, broader Big Tech exposure and expanding AI capabilities support growth. However, project timing and concentrated revenues keep earnings visibility uneven.
New Upgrades
BP (BP) to Benefit From Key Upstream Project Pipeline
The Zacks analyst likes BP for its multi-year upstream project pipeline and structural cost actions, which should support stronger cash flow and returns.
Merit Medical (MMSI) Gains from Broad Product Portfolio, Global Growth
Per the Zacks analyst, Merit Medical's product launches, R&D investments and expanding global footprint are strengthening growth prospects, while WRAPSODY offers additional upside in renal therapies.
Creation of New Revenue Streams, Upbeat EBIT Outlook Aid Garrett (GTX)
Per the Zacks analyst, Garrett's efforts to extend its high-speed turbomachinery capabilities into power generation bode well for its top-line growth. An upbeat EBIT outlook also sparks optimism.
New Downgrades
UK Operations Weighs on Group 1 Automotive's (GPI) Profitability
Group 1's U.K. operations face EV mandates, inflation, forex volatility and intense competition, pressuring sales and margins and keeping the Zacks analyst bearish on GPI.
Weak Volumes and Core Brands Weigh on Boston Beer (SAM)
Per the Zacks analyst, Boston Beer faces weak depletion and shipment trends as Twisted Tea and Truly lose volume and share, keeping its 2026 outlook tilted toward the lower end of expectations.
Exposure to Stiff Competition, Strict Regulation Ail EverQuote (EVER)
Per the Zacks analyst, Stiff Competition for traffic and provider budgets keeps variable marketing margins volatile. Also, strict regulation raises compliance costs, which increase expenses.
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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Top Analyst Reports for Eli Lilly, Palo Alto Networks & Texas Instruments

Shell plc SHEL, the British oil and gas supergiant, stated that it plans to acquire a 30% interest in the Conifer exploration prospect through its subsidiary Shell Offshore. The Conifer prospect in the Gulf of America is operated by BP plc BP, which will retain the remaining 70% stake. In addition, BP has stated that Shell has agreed to purchase a 50% stake in the Tupinambá exploration block in Brazil’s Santos Basin. BP will retain the operatorship ofthe Tupinambá block.
BP Brings Shell on Board to Advance Key Exploration Prospects
BP highlighted that the Gulf of America and Brazil are both important regions for the company. The Santos Basin offshore Brazil is home to some of the largest pre-salt discoveries made by companies like Petrobras. Earlier this year, BP had also mentioned the Bumerangue discovery in Brazil, which could be its largest discoveryin 25 years. Under Brazil’s second Production Sharing Permanent Offer cycle in December 2023, the company secured the Tupinambá block. Drilling operations for the Tupinambá exploration well are anticipated to begin soon.
On the other hand, the Gulf of America has always been central to BP’s upstream portfolio. The company initially secured four offshore leases in the Conifer exploration prospect in August 2023 through Lease Sale 259. Later, BP secured a fifth lease in the deepwater exploration prospect after the BBG-1 Lease Sale. Per the agreement, Shell Offshore Inc. will enter all five leases as a 30% partner, while BP will retain its operatorship. The Conifer exploration well is scheduled to be drilled in 2027.
Partnerships Help Balance Exploration Upside and Capital Risks
The agreements allow BP to retain ownership in both prospects while bringing in an experienced operator to share the risks associated with their development. BP has stated that this arrangement also aligns with its disciplined capital allocation strategy. For Shell, the agreements are beneficial as it enables the company to gain exposure to potentially significant discoveries in two prolific oil-producing regions.
Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Both SHEL and BP currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks from the energy sector are Valero Energy VLO and Galp Energia SGPS SA GLPEY. While Valero sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Galp Energia carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks Rank #1 stocks here.
Valero Energy is a leading refining player with a robust network of 14 refineries and a combined high-complexity throughput capacity of 3 million barrels per day, which distinguishes it from other independent refiners. The company’s refineries have a combined Nelson Complexity Index of 11.5, which implies that they can process a wide variety of feedstocks, convert them into higher-value products and shift product yields according to market conditions.
Galp Energia is a Portuguese energy company engaged in exploration and production activities. The company’s oil exploration efforts have yielded positive results, particularly with the Mopane discovery in the Orange Basin, offshore Namibia. This discovery allows Galp to diversify its global presence, with the potential to become a significant oil producer in the region. It is also engaged in the refining and marketing of oil products and natural gas .
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 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
BP p.l.c. (BP) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Shell Partners With BP to Expand Deepwater Footprint in Brazil & GoA

(RTTNews) - Friday, Baker Hughes Company (BKR), an energy-based company, announced that it has been awarded an agreement from BP p.l.c. (BP) to provide offshore stimulation services across UK North Sea Operations held by the company, which would support new well development and improved recovery from mature fields.
As per the agreement, the company will deploy a vessel-based stimulation with its StimFORCE modular stimulation package to support well completions and improve production.
With a UK base and local supply network, the solution aims to improve reliability, reduce downtime, and increase recovery. The vessel also offers flexibility, allowing stimulation work to be carried out efficiently.
In pre-market activity on the NYSE, the shares were trading 0.67 percent higher at $43.88, after closing Thursday's trading 0.80 percent down.

Baker Hughes Secures Offshore Stimulation Services Agreement From Bp

Key Points
Over the weekend, the U.S. resumed military strikes on Iran, which hadn't taken place in nearly a month.
The price of oil jumped 2% in response.
Oil price increases have caused the stock prices of Shell and other oil majors to rise.
Shell has natural gas assets in Qatar that have been affected by the war.
The war in Iran, now more than six months old, had seen a lull in fighting since late July. But that all changed over the weekend as the U.S. launched its first known military strikes on the country in a month.
Over the weekend, the U.S. struck two rocket launchers on Iran's Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. claimed that Iran was planning to use the launchers to launch sea mines into the Strait.
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In response, Iran fired missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan. Jordanian officials said that their air defense systems successfully intercepted and destroyed all eight of the missiles.
Image source: Getty Images.
The rekindling of hostilities caused oil prices to rise by 2%, sending benchmark Brent Crude above $90/barrel again. The war has caused maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to drop to nearly non-existent levels. Only an average of 5 ships a day have been traversing the Strait in August, down from more than 130 per day before the war.
As the war has pushed global oil prices higher, it has also affected the stock prices of the world's largest integrated oil and gas companies, including Shell (NYSE:SHEL), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM). Here's how this latest reescalation is likely to affect Shell's stock compared to its peers.
What will be the impact on Shell's stock?
Over the course of the conflict, global oil prices have fluctuated wildly, rising from about $70/barrel at the beginning of the war to $114/barrel in early May.
When the two sides seem to be on the verge of a breakthrough, as when the U.S. and Iran signed a ceasefire in mid-June, the price has sharply declined. When hostilities flare up again, the price rises.
The stock prices of all five global oil majors, including Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil, British BP PLC (NYSE:BP), and French TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:TTE), have largely moved in tandem with crude oil prices, surging when oil prices rise and dropping when they fall.
Earlier in the year, that meant all of the oil majors were outperforming the S&P 500, but even at the current high prices, the S&P 500 is outperforming all of them since the war began:
Shell has been one of the worst-performing oil majors during the conflict, if only by a fraction of a percentage point. Unlike some of the other oil majors, it has Middle East assets affected by the war, specifically a co-ownership stake in the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) plant in Ras Laffan.
On March 18, the plant was struck by an Iranian attack, with one of the two production trains damaged. Shell expects repairs to the damaged train to take about another six months.
Image source: Getty Images.
Shell's natural gas production fell in the second quarter, but was more than offset by higher realized natural gas prices. Further strikes in the region would likely contribute to even higher natural gas prices. Along with higher oil prices, this would likely temporarily boost Shell's bottom line and its share price.
As we saw in June, any oil stock price boost caused by higher oil prices has so far been temporary as well. This latest surge in oil prices, if it continues, could push Shell's stock higher and allow it to outperform the S&P 500. But whether such outperformance would last is a much less certain proposition.
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John Bromels has positions in BP. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron. The Motley Fool recommends BP. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

The Strait of Hormuz Conflict Just Escalated Again. Here's What It Means for Shell.

Halliburton Company HAL has secured an integrated contract from BP p.l.c. BP to support the first appraisal campaign in the Bumerangue field, an offshore deepwater discovery in Brazil. The award strengthens Halliburton’s role in BP’s efforts to advance evaluation of the field while streamlining the execution of a complex deepwater program.
The contract covers a comprehensive suite of services designed to fast-track the appraisal campaign. Halliburton will combine multiple capabilities under an integrated execution model, helping BP optimize reservoir evaluation and improve operational efficiency during the drilling program.
Integrated Services Target Operational Efficiency
A key element of the contract is the consolidation of multiple drilling and evaluation services. By bringing these capabilities together, Halliburton aims to reduce operational complexity and create a more coordinated workflow for the appraisal campaign.
Halliburton will also deploy its LOGIX™ automation and remote operations technologies. These digital capabilities are expected to support greater execution efficiency and consistency as the company works on the deepwater appraisal program.
The approach highlights the growing importance of integrated service models in technically demanding offshore projects. Rather than relying on separate service components, the contract brings drilling, evaluation, automation and digital capabilities into a connected execution framework.
Digital Technology Takes Center Stage
The Bumerangue project also underscores Halliburton’s focus on using digital technologies to improve well construction and asset development. According to the company, the collaboration combines digital solutions with automated well construction to support oil and gas production.
Data, artificial intelligence and advanced drilling technologies will provide real-time insights across the workflow, from well planning through execution and evaluation. Such capabilities can help support faster and more informed decisions while promoting consistent performance during deepwater development.
Local Expertise Supports Deepwater Execution
Halliburton highlighted the combination of digital solutions, integrated service delivery and local expertise as a key strength behind the award. Francisco Tarazona, senior vice president of Latin America at Halliburton, said the contract demonstrates the company’s ability to execute complex deepwater projects using this combination of capabilities.
For Halliburton, the contract provides an opportunity to apply its integrated drilling and evaluation portfolio to a major offshore appraisal campaign. For BP, the consolidated service approach is intended to simplify operations while generating insights needed to evaluate the Bumerangue discovery.
What the Contract Means for Halliburton
The award reinforces Halliburton’s positioning in Brazil’s deepwater market and showcases its strategy of combining conventional oilfield services with automation, AI and digital technologies. The company’s integrated approach could help it capture additional opportunities as operators seek greater efficiency from technically complex offshore projects.
The Bumerangue campaign also demonstrates how digitalization is becoming increasingly embedded in deepwater well planning, drilling and evaluation. Halliburton’s ability to connect these functions through an integrated workflow could remain an important differentiator as offshore developments become more technologically demanding.
HAL’s Zacks Rank & Key Picks
Houston, TX-based Halliburton is one of the largest oilfield service providers in the world, offering a variety of equipment, maintenance, and engineering and construction services to the energy, industrial and government sectors. Currently, HAL carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some top-ranked stocks like Drilling Tools International Corporation DTI and HF Sinclair Corporation DINO, each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Drilling Tools International is a global oilfield services provider focused on supplying downhole tools used in horizontal and directional drilling. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DTI’s current quarter earnings indicates 200% year-over-year growth.
HF Sinclair is an independent energy company producing and marketing gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, lubricants and specialty products. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DINO’s 2026 earnings indicates 134.2% year-over-year growth.
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Halliburton Wins BP Contract for Bumerangue Field Appraisal

(RTTNews) - Halliburton (HAL) announced it received an integrated contract by bp for the first appraisal campaign in the Bumerangue field, offshore deepwater Brazil. The award includes a suite of services to fast-track the appraisal campaign for bp's discovery. The contract includes an integrated package of drilling services to optimize reservoir evaluation and improve operational efficiency.
"This award reflects Halliburton's ability to execute complex deepwater projects through a combination of digital solutions, integrated service delivery, and local expertise," said Francisco Tarazona, senior vice president, Latin America, Halliburton.

Halliburton Gets Integrated Contract For Bumerangue Field Appraisal In Brazil

Key Points
The brick-and-mortar retailing industry may be running into headwinds. Fortunately, Realty Income serves its strongest survivors.
Healthy or not, nothing’s going to convince U.S. consumers to give up their mobile phones now.
Not every company in the energy business is subject to crude oil’s price volatility. Pipeline operators like Enbridge repeatedly get paid the same regardless of crude’s price.
Got some cash you're looking to turn into a reliable stream of income? Dividend stocks are your best bet for a handful of reasons. One of them is the fact that they offer the highest immediate cash flow. Another is the possibility of also delivering capital gains. Perhaps more than anything, though, the right dividend stocks will regularly raise their per-share payments at a rate that at least keeps pace with inflation.
With that as the backdrop, here's a rundown of three great dividend stocks that can turn $15,000 -- allocating $5,000 to each -- into an initial annual income of $831.50 that grows reliably each and every year.
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Realty Income
You've probably stepped foot onto a Realty Income (NYSE: O) property without even realizing it. This real estate investment trust (or REIT) exclusively owns and rents out brick-and-mortar retail properties. Its top tenants include Dollar General, 7-Eleven, Walgreens, Home Depot, and Walmart, just to name a few. And it's good at finding and then keeping paying renters. Since 2013, its occupancy rate has consistently remained at or above 98%, even during the turbulent 2020, when COVID-19 was wreaking havoc on the retail industry.
That's not the chief reason Realty Income is such a compelling income holding, however. It's the REIT's dividend track record. Not only has it paid a monthly (yes, monthly) dividend like clockwork for decades now, but it has raised its dividend payment every year for the past 31 years.
That streak isn't apt to end anytime soon, if ever, particularly given that the company's now moving into the data center business. Cloud-based access to remote AI-capable platforms is rented rather than outright owned.
This REIT's forward-looking dividend yield right now stands at 5.2%. A $5,000 investment in it would generate on the order of $260.50 in yearly dividend income.
Verizon Communications
Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is, of course, one of the United States' biggest wireless telecom service providers, boasting 147 million paying customers as of the end of Q2. For the entirety of last year, the company turned $138.2 billion in revenue into net income of $17.6 billion.
There's not a great deal of growth potential here. That's because the U.S. wireless market is highly saturated, with Pew Research reporting that 98% of adults in the country already own a mobile phone. Population growth, churn from competing wireless service providers, and price increases are the only real sources of growth here, which isn't much.
What Verizon lacks in ultimate upside, however, it more than makes up for in reliability. For better or worse, Americans are effectively addicted to their cell phones. A recent study from Harmony Healthcare IT indicates that people living in the United States spend more than five hours looking at them every day. Healthy or not, most of us aren't going to give them up now. We'll continue paying our monthly phone bill to maintain that mobile connection to the rest of the world. This steady stream of revenue in turn supports Verizon's continued dividend payments.
To this end, Verizon's now raised its yearly payout for 19 consecutive years, with more of the same sure to be in the cards. Now yielding 5.9%, a $5,000 position in Verizon right now produces $294.50 in annual income.
Enbridge
Last but not least, add Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) to your list of dividend stocks that could be solid foundations for an income portfolio. With its forward-looking yield of 5.5%, putting $5,000 into this name would start you out with yearly dividend income of $276.50.
It's not a household name, but there's a very good chance you or someone in your household regularly depends on its service.
Enbridge is a crude oil and natural gas pipeline operator. Its nearly 19,000-mile network, spanning much of the U.S. and Canada, handles about 20% of the nation's total gas, while 30% of the country's crude oil is delivered through its 18,000 miles of oil pipelines.
It's an ideal business for generating reliable dividend income, too. Whereas explorers and drillers like Chevron and BP are highly sensitive to the ever-changing price of oil or gas, pipeline operators like Enbridge simply charge a flat fee for the volume of the oil and gas being pushed through their pipes, regardless of its market price. As long as consumption of both remains consistent -- and it does -- so do Enbridge's results. That's how it's been able to raise its per-share payout for 31 consecutive years now.
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James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Chevron, Enbridge, Home Depot, Realty Income, and Walmart. The Motley Fool recommends BP and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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