Oil prices bounced around quite a bit in 2024. They rallied more than 20% at one point -- topping $85 per barrel -- before cooling off toward the end of the year.
While shale oil producers have enjoyed an advantage over gas producers over the past 15 years, the situation is likely to reverse in 2025, according to JPMorgan.
A consolidation wave has washed over the oil patch this year. Several oil companies secured needle-moving acquisitions, including ConocoPhillips (COP -2.03%) and Devon Energy (DVN -0.90%).
COP's acquisition of Marathon Oil will transform the framework of the oil and energy sector with a $1 billion synergy target.
A lot of good things have happened at ConocoPhillips (COP -5.06%), but none of them matter much because of one overriding issue. If you are trying to build a million-dollar portfolio, this energy giant could help you get there.
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Favorable oil prices are aiding COP's bottom line. However, the stock is exposed to commodity price volatility.
U.S. shale oil producer ConocoPhillips said on Friday it has completed the $22.5 billion deal to acquire smaller peer Marathon Oil.
ConocoPhillips reported better-than-expected Q3 earnings, despite a 20% decline in adjusted earnings. The acquisition of Marathon Oil is boosting COP's production, adding 2B barrels of resources, and is expected to result in a significant ramp in stock buybacks going forward. ConocoPhillips generated $1.8B in free cash flow in Q3, returning $2.1B to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.
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Special dividends are an added potential benefit for shareholders in certain companies. These payments are separate from a stock's regular dividend, which is usually paid on a quarterly basis.
U.S. oil company stocks rose Wednesday, with former President Donald Trump, viewed as a big backer of increased oil supply, set to return to the White House.