Mexico’s credit risk is at the highest level since the days after Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Five-year credit-default swaps that hedge against a drop in the value of Mexico’s sovereign debt have soared as the July 1 presidential election nears. Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador holds a commanding lead in the polls, and traders are concerned his victory could upend the economy just as the country is roiled by increasing trade tensions with the U.S.

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Other Mexican assets are also showing signs of stress as the election approaches. The peso’s 2.9 percent drop this month is the second-worst performance among major currencies. Dollar-denominated sovereign bonds, meanwhile, have lost 1.3 percent in June.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Whiting Petroleum Corporation(WLL)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Whiting Petroleum Corp (NYSE:WLL) – Analysts at Jefferies Financial Group increased their Q2 2018 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Whiting Petroleum in a research note issued on Monday, July 9th. Jefferies Financial Group analyst M. Lear now forecasts that the oil and gas exploration company will earn $0.64 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.63. Jefferies Financial Group also issued estimates for Whiting Petroleum’s Q3 2018 earnings at $0.61 EPS, Q4 2018 earnings at $0.86 EPS, FY2018 earnings at $3.02 EPS, Q1 2019 earnings at $1.24 EPS, Q2 2019 earnings at $0.97 EPS, Q3 2019 earnings at $0.64 EPS, Q4 2019 earnings at $0.72 EPS, FY2019 earnings at $3.57 EPS, Q1 2020 earnings at $0.78 EPS, Q2 2020 earnings at $0.77 EPS and FY2020 earnings at $3.15 EPS.

• [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 Ethan Ryder]

  Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Whiting Petroleum (NYSE: WLL):

  2/15/2019 – Whiting Petroleum was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating. According to Zacks, “Whiting Petroleum's core operations are focused in North Dakota's Williston Basin, providing this E&P with an enviable acreage of top-tier assets and a multi-year drilling inventory. The company’s continually improving drilling efficiency has driven down cash costs while leading to attractive cash flow generation. However, as a counter to these strengths, Whiting Petroleum still carries considerable debt load, which may spell trouble. Moreover, the company’s price hedges have exposed it to significant risks amid the high volatility in crude prices. As such, the stock is expected to perform in line with the broader market.” 2/12/2019 – Whiting Petroleum is now covered by analysts at KeyCorp. They set an “overweight” rating and a $33.00 price target on the stock. 2/9/2019 – Whiting Petroleum was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating. According to Zacks, “Whiting Petroleum's core operations are focused in North Dakota's Williston Basin, providing this E&P with an enviable acreage of top-tier assets and a multi-year drilling inventory. The company’s continually improving drilling efficiency has driven down cash costs while leading to attractive cash flow generation. However, as a counter to these strengths, Whiting Petroleum still carries considerable debt load, which may spell trouble. Moreover, the company’s price hedges have exposed it to significant risks amid the high volatility in crude prices. As such, the stock is expected to perform in line with the broader market.” 2/8/2019 – Whiting Petroleum

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Shares of Whiting Petroleum (NYSE:WLL) sold off on Wednesday, falling more than 10% by 10:15 a.m. EST. Driving the decline was the oil company’s fourth-quarter report and its outlook for 2019.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Williams Partners L.P.(WPZ)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [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 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]

  Analysts at Stifel Nicolaus downgraded Williams Partners L.P. (NYSE: WPZ) from Buy to Hold..

  Williams Partners shares fell 0.63 percent to close at $41.23 on Friday.

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Williams Partners (NYSE: WPZ) and Targa Resources (NYSE:TRGP) are both large-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability and valuation.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Marathon Oil Corporation(MRO)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  Back in 2011, Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) elected to spin off Marathon Petroleum. At the time, much of the reasoning for the split was that both entities would garner higher valuations than as an integrated company. Also, by separating them, both could best allocate capital to grow shareholder value. 

• [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 ]

  Presto, West Texas Intermediate crude rose 3% to $71.18, the highest since December 2014, boosting shares of oil companies including Occidental (OXY) , which gained 4.8%, Marathon (MRO) , up 3.8%, and Apache (APA) , which gained 2.5%. Spot gasoline also rose 2.7% to $2.17 a gallon, boding ill for the summer driving season in the U.S. and potentially eroding any gains middle-class Americans received from the Trump tax cuts.

• [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.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Encana Corporation(ECA)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By ]

  Already, shale companies such as Encana (ECA) , Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) , among others, are reporting higher cash flows and earnings on higher oil prices. As a result, they are paying down debt, increasing dividends and engaging in buybacks. This is a dramatic improvement in shareholder yield for the group.

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Cenovus Energy (NYSE:CVE) and Encana (NYSE:ECA) are both large-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability, dividends, earnings and analyst recommendations.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Encana Corp (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) – National Bank Financial issued their FY2019 EPS estimates for shares of Encana in a report released on Tuesday, February 12th. National Bank Financial analyst T. Wood expects that the oil and gas company will post earnings of $0.61 per share for the year. National Bank Financial has a “Outperform” rating and a $18.50 price objective on the stock.

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Morgan Stanley set a $19.00 price objective on Encana (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) in a report published on Friday morning. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the oil and gas company’s stock.

• [By Max Byerly]

  Shares of Encana Corp (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $5.95, but opened at $6.10. Encana shares last traded at $6.11, with a volume of 65113676 shares changing hands.

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  COPYRIGHT VIOLATION NOTICE: “FDx Advisors Inc. Takes Position in Encana Corp (ECA)” was first posted by Ticker Report and is owned by of Ticker Report. If you are viewing this article on another website, it was copied illegally and reposted in violation of United States and international copyright laws. The correct version of this article can be accessed at www.tickerreport.com/banking-finance/4202858/fdx-advisors-inc-takes-position-in-encana-corp-eca.html.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Halliburton Company(HAL)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Halcyon (HAL) is a PoW/PoS coin that uses the
  X15 hashing algorithm. Its genesis date was July 16th, 2014. Halcyon’s total supply is 6,668,787 coins. Halcyon’s official website is halcyon.top. Halcyon’s official Twitter account is @halcyondev.

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Smith Shellnut Wilson LLC ADV purchased a new position in shares of Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 12,059 shares of the oilfield services company’s stock, valued at approximately $489,000.

• [By Max Byerly]

  Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) by 7.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,922,654 shares of the oilfield services company’s stock after acquiring an additional 212,459 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd.’s holdings in Halliburton were worth $132,397,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

• [By Taylor Muckerman]

  In this week’s episode of Industry Focus: Energy, host Sarah Priestley and analyst Taylor Muckerman go through a grab bag of questions from listeners. They explain the issues surrounding Permian Basin production, why investors might want to check out midstream company Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD), a few important things to know about oil services companies Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) and Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB), and what might become of the beleaguered offshore industry.

• [By ]

  KBR (NYSE: KBR)
  Though an under-the-radar name, KBR was the construction arm of oilfield services giant Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) before being spun off. With a consolidated market cap of $2.6 billion, KBR describes itself, per its website, as a “global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies… within the Government Services and Hydrocarbon sectors.”

• [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. 

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: ConocoPhillips(COP)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Chris Lange]

  The number of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) shares short rose to 24.44 million from the previous level of 23.91 million. Shares were trading at $64.80, within a 52-week range of $42.27 to $67.30.

• [By Chris Lange]

  The number of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) shares short fell to 11.23 million from the previous 11.83 million. Shares were trading at $78.28, within a 52-week range of $48.70 to $78.61.

• [By Reuben Gregg Brewer]

  ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and ExxonMobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) are both large, international oil and natural gas producers. While they share many attributes, there are a couple of key differences. And those differences are what makes one appropriate for conservative investors and the other for more aggressive investors. Here’s what you need to know about these two energy stocks to decide which one is right for you.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Investors purchased shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) on weakness during trading hours on Friday. $107.97 million flowed into the stock on the tick-up and $35.36 million flowed out of the stock on the tick-down, for a money net flow of $72.61 million into the stock. Of all stocks tracked, ConocoPhillips had the 26th highest net in-flow for the day. ConocoPhillips traded down ($0.13) for the day and closed at $73.43

• [By Reuben Gregg Brewer]

  Investors in search of dividend income will quickly notice that ExxonMobil Corporation’s (NYSE:XOM) 3.9% yield dwarfs the 1.8% dividend yield offered by ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP). That, however, isn’t the biggest reason dividend investors should prefer Exxon stock. Here’s what you need to know to understand why Exxon is a better dividend stock than ConocoPhillips. 

• [By Chris Lange]

  The number of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) shares short decreased to 10.58 million from the previous 10.90 million. Shares were trading at $68.09, within a 52-week range of $52.54 to $80.24.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Transocean Inc.(RIG)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Offshore drilling services company Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced Tuesday that it has agreed to acquire competitor Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (NASDAQ: ORIG) in a deal valued at $2.7 billion. Transocean will pay approximately $2.7 billion for Ocean Rig, including $12.75 and 1.6128 shares of newly issued Transocean stock for each share of Ocean Rig.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  An issue of Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) debt fell 2.8% as a percentage of its face value during trading on Thursday. 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 $82.13 and were trading at $84.00 one week ago. Price changes in a company’s debt in credit markets often predict parallel changes in its stock price.

• [By Neha Chamaria, Jason Hall, and Ashraf Eassa]

  When we asked three Motley Fool contributors to identify a stock they believe is absurdly cheap right now given its prospects, they picked Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE:BIP), Transocean (NYSE:RIG), and Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC). Here’s why.

• [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.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Apache Corporation(APA)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Diamondback Energy’s investment in the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline is worth noting because it follows a blueprint laid out by Apache (NYSE:APA) for creating midstream value. Apache spent the last couple of years investing in the build-out of midstream infrastructure to support the growth of its Alpine High discovery in the Permian. Initially, the company invested capital in constructing natural gas-gathering pipelines and other related infrastructure to move its production to regional hubs. However, as Apache signed up to be a major shipper on longer-haul pipeline developments, it also secured options to participate in these projects, making five such agreements.

• [By Jason Hall, Tyler Crowe, and John Bromels]

  If you’re shopping for great buys in the oil patch right now, three Motley Fool contributors think you should take a close look at tech-heavy but asset-light oilfield services provider Core Laboratories N.V. (NYSE:CLB), value-priced independent oil producer Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA), and refining giant Marathon Petroleum Corp (NYSE:MPC). 

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA) stunned the oil and gas world in late 2016 by announcing the discovery of the Alpine High play in a long-overlooked spot of the Permian Basin. The company believed that it had uncovered more than 3 billion barrels of oil and even more natural gas, which would drive growth for years to come. However, that growth wouldn’t materialize overnight because Apache first had to build out the infrastructure needed to develop the field from scratch. 

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Kinder Morgan is already building a multibillion-dollar gas pipeline out of the Permian Basin after starting work on the Gulf Coast Express (GCX) in the first quarter. The company is developing that $1.75 billion pipeline in a partnership with Targa Resources and DCP Midstream. GCX will transport up to 1.98 Bcf/d of natural gas from shippers such as Apache (NYSE:APA), which not only signed a transportation agreement, but holds an option to buy a 15% stake in the pipeline from Kinder Morgan.

• [By John Bromels]

  Three stocks with outsized prospects for doing just that are uniform renter Cintas (NASDAQ:CTAS), oil and gas driller Apache Corp. (NYSE:APA), and natural gas pipeline operator Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI). Here’s why I recommend them.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Reuben Gregg Brewer]

  There are always clear signs of excess at market tops — which everyone typically sees in hindsight. With stock market averages trading near all-time highs and now two companies’ market caps topping $1 trillion, it’s time to considering some boring, financially strong dividend payers. Here are three stocks to get you going: NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE), The Hormel Foods Company (NYSE:HRL), and Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP).

• [By ]

  Hetty Green Would Love This Trade
  It’s in Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE: MMP).

  Magellan Midstream Partners owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with access to nearly 50% of the nation’s refining capacity and the ability to store more than 100 million barrels of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil.

• [By Shane Hupp]

  Fayez Sarofim & Co boosted its stake in Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP) by 14.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 13,372 shares of the pipeline company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,644 shares during the period. Fayez Sarofim & Co’s holdings in Magellan Midstream Partners were worth $780,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Top 10 Oil Stocks To Invest In 2019: Range Resources Corporation(RRC)

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [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.

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  Companies in this region have had more measured growth plans because of the lack of pipelines. As Miller mentioned, though, improved efficiency has resulted in most companies outpacing their production growth plans. The lack of takeaway capacity has led to much lower prices for in-basin production. Range Resources (NYSE:RRC), one of the larger producers in the region, has noted that its price realizations were 10% below benchmark prices because of a lack of takeaway capacity. 

• [By Chris Lange]

  The stock posting the largest daily percentage gain in the S&P 500 ahead of the close Monday was Range Resources Corp. (NYSE: RRC) which rose about 6% to $16.05. The stock’s 52-week range is $11.93 to $25.96. Volume was 8.6 million compared to the daily average volume of 7.4 million.

The Federal Reserve’s James Bullard said Monday that changes in the bond market are now the main focus for investors.

In particular, Bullard mentioned that investors are carefully tracking the yield curve to check whether a potential recession is getting closer. The yield curve — a line that plots the difference between short and long-term interest rates in the U.S. — has been flattening, but many analysts are worried that it will invert as soon as next year. An inversion of the curve often signals an economic recession and is thus interpreted as a sign that economic turmoil is around the corner.

“I think the state of affairs is good for today. The question is how to play things going forward over the next two years. If the Fed raises rates 50 basis points and the 10-year (Treasury bond) does not cooperate, you could see an inverted yield curve in the U.S.,” Bullard told CBNC’s “Squawk Box Europe.”

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Encana Corp. (NYSE: ECA) may be one of the most undervalued companies in the energy patch. The Canadian energy player was given upside of almost 60% in a call from Merrill Lynch that noted the innovative shale leader has an infrastructure advantage and rising free cash flow.

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Sentinel Trust Co. LBA lessened its stake in shares of Encana Corp (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) by 37.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 328,255 shares of the oil and gas company’s stock after selling 195,760 shares during the quarter. Encana accounts for about 1.0% of Sentinel Trust Co. LBA’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. Sentinel Trust Co. LBA’s holdings in Encana were worth $4,283,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

• [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 Max Byerly]

  Shares of Encana Corp (NYSE:ECA) (TSE:ECA) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $5.95, but opened at $6.10. Encana shares last traded at $6.11, with a volume of 65113676 shares changing hands.

• [By Keith Noonan, Travis Hoium, and Matthew DiLallo]

  We asked three Motley Fool investors to profile some of the best under-the-radar growth stocks on the market today. Read on to see why they selected Encana (NYSE:ECA), Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI), and Baozun (NASDAQ:BZUN) as top growth stocks for in-the-know investors.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Range Resources Corp. (NYSE:RRC) – Equities research analysts at Seaport Global Securities raised their Q4 2018 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Range Resources in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, May 23rd. Seaport Global Securities analyst M. Kelly now anticipates that the oil and gas exploration company will post earnings per share of $0.12 for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $0.11. Seaport Global Securities has a “Neutral” rating on the stock. Seaport Global Securities also issued estimates for Range Resources’ Q1 2019 earnings at $0.36 EPS, Q3 2019 earnings at $0.18 EPS, Q4 2019 earnings at $0.26 EPS and FY2019 earnings at $0.98 EPS.

• [By Chris Lange]

  The stock posting the largest daily percentage gain in the S&P 500 ahead of the close Monday was Range Resources Corp. (NYSE: RRC) which rose about 6% to $16.05. The stock’s 52-week range is $11.93 to $25.96. Volume was 8.6 million compared to the daily average volume of 7.4 million.

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

  So we asked three of our investing contributors to each highlight a company they think has a compelling investment case right now in the oil and gas industry. Here’s why they selected Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN), Range Resources (NYSE:RRC), and ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM).

• [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.

• [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.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Whiting Petroleum (NYSE: WLL):

  2/15/2019 – Whiting Petroleum was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating. According to Zacks, “Whiting Petroleum's core operations are focused in North Dakota's Williston Basin, providing this E&P with an enviable acreage of top-tier assets and a multi-year drilling inventory. The company’s continually improving drilling efficiency has driven down cash costs while leading to attractive cash flow generation. However, as a counter to these strengths, Whiting Petroleum still carries considerable debt load, which may spell trouble. Moreover, the company’s price hedges have exposed it to significant risks amid the high volatility in crude prices. As such, the stock is expected to perform in line with the broader market.” 2/12/2019 – Whiting Petroleum is now covered by analysts at KeyCorp. They set an “overweight” rating and a $33.00 price target on the stock. 2/9/2019 – Whiting Petroleum was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Investment Research from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating. According to Zacks, “Whiting Petroleum's core operations are focused in North Dakota's Williston Basin, providing this E&P with an enviable acreage of top-tier assets and a multi-year drilling inventory. The company’s continually improving drilling efficiency has driven down cash costs while leading to attractive cash flow generation. However, as a counter to these strengths, Whiting Petroleum still carries considerable debt load, which may spell trouble. Moreover, the company’s price hedges have exposed it to significant risks amid the high volatility in crude prices. As such, the stock is expected to perform in line with the broader market.” 2/8/2019 – Whiting Petroleum

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Penn Capital Management Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Whiting Petroleum Corp (NYSE:WLL) in the 1st quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 318,157 shares of the oil and gas exploration company’s stock, valued at approximately $10,783,000.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Shares of Whiting Petroleum (NYSE:WLL) sold off on Wednesday, falling more than 10% by 10:15 a.m. EST. Driving the decline was the oil company’s fourth-quarter report and its outlook for 2019.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  Back in 2011, Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) elected to spin off Marathon Petroleum. At the time, much of the reasoning for the split was that both entities would garner higher valuations than as an integrated company. Also, by separating them, both could best allocate capital to grow shareholder value. 

• [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 Dan Caplinger]

  Thursday was a volatile day on Wall Street, as major stock indexes lost a lot of ground early in the day but then rebounded to finished mixed. Gains for the Nasdaq Composite came even as Dow Jones Industrial Average fell modestly, and although investors spent much of the session trying to parse through the implications of the latest economic report on retail sales, earnings played a key role in moving many well-known stocks. Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO), AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN), and Bloomin’ Brands (NASDAQ:BLMN) were among the top performers. Here’s why they did so well.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  That ability to organically discover new shale plays has saved it a ton of money. The company was able to quietly gobble up 50,000 acres in Oklahoma over a four-year period for just $750 an acre. Contrast that with rivals Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN) and Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO). Devon spent $1.9 billion to buy Felix Energy in late 2015 for the company’s 80,000 acres in Oklahoma, paying a whopping $23,750 an acre. Meanwhile, Marathon paid $888 million for PayRock Energy and its 61,000 acres in the state, which amounted to roughly $14,500 an acre. EOG’s deep knowledge of shale helps it know where to look so it can lock up land for next to nothing before rivals even know what’s there.

• [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.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO), likewise, said it would stick with its $2.3 billion drilling budget, which is enough money to grow oil and gas production in the U.S. by 25% to 30% versus last year. Because of that capital discipline, Marathon is on pace to produce more than $500 million in excess cash this year, and that’s assuming crude averages $60 a barrel.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [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 Matthew DiLallo]

  Overall, earnings at both Williams and its MLP Williams Partners (NYSE:WPZ) were down slightly versus the year-ago period due to asset sales, while cash flow modestly increased thanks to lower interest expenses.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Natural gas pipeline giant Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB) announced today that it agreed to acquire the rest of its master limited partnership (MLP) Williams Partners (NYSE:WPZ) that it didn’t already own in a $10.5 billion deal. Not to be outdone, Canadian energy infrastructure giant Enbridge (NYSE:ENB) made an offer to acquire its namesake MLP Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE:EEP), along with the rest of its publicly traded entities, including Spectra Energy Partners (NYSE:SEP). These transactions have big implications not only for investors in these entities but for those who own other pipeline companies, too.

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Williams Partners (NYSE: WPZ) and Targa Resources (NYSE:TRGP) are both large-cap oils/energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, profitability and valuation.

• [By Shane Hupp]

  SG Americas Securities LLC lowered its holdings in Williams Pipeline Partners LP (NYSE:WPZ) by 27.7% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 37,682 shares of the pipeline company’s stock after selling 14,458 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC’s holdings in Williams Pipeline Partners were worth $1,297,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Williams Companies is in the midst of a major transition. It recently agreed to acquire the rest of its MLP, Williams Partners (NYSE:WPZ), in a $10.4 billion deal. The pipeline giant is making this acquisition so that it can more easily finance the expansion projects Williams Partners has under development. The transaction would allow it to free up some cash flow and improve its credit metrics, giving it more financial flexibility.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  And yet, a funny thing has been happening in the market for oil stocks over this past week. All of a sudden, Wall Street analysts are talking up free cash flow as a reason to buy oil stocks. In fact, they can’t seem to shut up about it. Over just the past few days, I’ve seen free cash flow mentioned prominently in the analyses of Wall Street bankers on no fewer than three separate oil stocks: ExxonMobil, Chevron (NYSE:CVX), and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP).

• [By ]

  Lang looked at a daily chart of Anadarko (APC) and Conoco Phillips (COP) , noting that Anadarko has been making higher highs and lows on strong volume, with a bullish MACD momentum indicator. Conoco has made a “W” shaped bottom with a bullish Chaikin money flow, signaling institutional buying. Lang and Cramer were fans of both names.

• [By Chris Lange]

  The number of ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) shares short rose slightly to 21.33 million from the previous level of 21.01 million. Shares were trading at $64.79, within a 52-week range of $42.27 to $71.71.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  While higher oil prices would be bad for oil consumers, it would benefit oil producers, especially those that can capture Brent-based prices, which are currently $10 a barrel more than the U.S. oil benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI). Multinational oil companies like ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) would be among those that benefit the most. In ConocoPhillips’ case, every $1-per-barrel change in the price of Brent would boost its cash flow by $105 million to $125 million during the course of a year, whereas that same increase would only improve its WTI-based cash flows by $45 million to $55 million. Meanwhile, Chevron produces an average of 575,000 BPD of oil and other liquids in the U.S. that fetch WTI-based prices while getting nearly 1.2 million BPD from places that capture Brent pricing. Because of their higher weighting toward Brent, Chevron and ConocoPhillips would earn more money per barrel if global oil prices rise in the wake of supply problems in Venezuela and Iran.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) has been one of the best-performing oil stocks in the market recovery. One of the fuels driving its outperformance has been the company’s efforts to reshape its portfolio. Those actions not only brought in some cash to pay off debt and buy back stock but have sharpened its focus on its best assets.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By WWW.GURUFOCUS.COM]

  For the details of Packer & Co Ltd’s stock buys and sells, go to www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=Packer+%26+Co+Ltd

  These are the top 5 holdings of Packer & Co LtdBall Corp (BLL) – 625,005 shares, 7.52% of the total portfolio. Hess Corp (HES) – 2,039,400 shares, 6.78% of the total portfolio. Anadarko Petroleum Corp (APC) – 1,432,600 shares, 6.35% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 14.37%Citigroup Inc (C) – 604,500 shares, 6.34% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 11.04%General Electric Co (GE) – 1,118,800 shares, 5.98% o

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  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

• [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 Stephan Byrd]

  SemGroup (NYSE: SEMG) and Halliburton (NYSE:HAL) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability and risk.

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

  Not only are these pipeline issues impacting producers, but they’re also starting to pinch the profits of oil-field service companies. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL), for example, recently said that while “we thought there would be a downturn in activity [in the Permian] due to budget constraints and takeaway issues… it’s more than we expected.” Because of those issues and some others, Halliburton’s third-quarter results will come in $0.08 to $0.10 per share below expectations. Meanwhile, its outlook for 2019 is dimming due to the slowdown. 

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Shane Hupp]

  Fayez Sarofim & Co boosted its stake in Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (NYSE:MMP) by 14.0% in the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 13,372 shares of the pipeline company’s stock after purchasing an additional 1,644 shares during the period. Fayez Sarofim & Co’s holdings in Magellan Midstream Partners were worth $780,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Many energy stocks, meanwhile, have vastly outperformed the market thanks to a big bounce back in crude prices from the bottom at the end of last year. One notable laggard, however, has been Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP), which is only up about 6% this year after plunging roughly 20% in 2018. Because of that, this MLP looks like a compelling option for income investors to consider buying this month.

• [By John Bromels]

  Speaking of debt, energy infrastructure MLPs tend to take on high levels of it to fund their large infrastructure development projects. That means taking on additional debt to fund a distribution isn’t always feasible. Luckily, in the case of Magellan and Enterprise, their conservative management teams have kept them at comparatively good debt ratings and low levels of debt relative to their peers:

  Company Debt Rating Debt-to-EBITDA Ratio (TTM)  Debt-to-Adjusted-EBITDA Ratio (TTM)
  Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP) BBB+/Baa1 3.5 3.3
  Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD) BBB+/Baa1 4.3 3.7
  Buckeye Partners BBB-/Baa3 5.0 4.3
  Energy Transfer Partners BBB-/Baa3 5.2 N/A

  Data sources: Company presentations and YCharts. TTM = trailing 12 months.

• [By John Bromels]

  Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP), Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS-A)(NYSE:RDS-B), and Darling Ingredients (NYSE:DAR) are three energy industry companies that are safe bets to buy and then forget about all summer long. 

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Another wave of pipelines is already underway for 2020 and beyond. A joint venture between Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE:ETP), Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP), and two other companies recently approved the construction of the Permian Gulf Coast pipeline. The 600-mile line should be operational by the middle of 2020 and transport crude to Energy Transfer’s Nederland terminal as well as Magellan’s East Houston terminal. Meanwhile, Plains All American Pipeline and oil giant ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) are teaming up on a joint venture to build a new oil pipeline in the Permian. The partners are planning a more-than-1 million-BPD pipeline that would ship oil produced by Exxon and others to the coast. The project is part of Exxon’s long-range planning to ensure that nothing derails its ambitious strategy to grow its Permian output fivefold by 2025.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By John Bromels]

  Three such companies that look like good buys right now are Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE:RDS-A)(NYSE:RDS-B), Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE:EPD), and Apache Corporation (NYSE:APA). Here’s why they may be good picks for your portfolio:

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Commonwealth Bank of Australia boosted its holdings in Apache Co. (NYSE:APA) by 24.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 87,322 shares of the energy company’s stock after buying an additional 16,938 shares during the quarter. Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s holdings in Apache were worth $4,077,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Kinder Morgan is already building a multibillion-dollar gas pipeline out of the Permian Basin after starting work on the Gulf Coast Express (GCX) in the first quarter. The company is developing that $1.75 billion pipeline in a partnership with Targa Resources and DCP Midstream. GCX will transport up to 1.98 Bcf/d of natural gas from shippers such as Apache (NYSE:APA), which not only signed a transportation agreement, but holds an option to buy a 15% stake in the pipeline from Kinder Morgan.

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

Advisors’ Opinion:

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  An issue of Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) debt rose 1.3% as a percentage of its face value during trading on Wednesday. The debt issue has a 6.8% coupon and will mature on March 15, 2038. The debt is now trading at $84.56 and was trading at $83.13 one week ago. Price moves in a company’s debt in credit markets often predict parallel moves in its stock price.

• [By Matthew DiLallo]

  Shares of RigNet are up more than 18% since the announcement. However, the company’s stock price had been in rally mode well before that news, rocketing 75% since the end of July. While some notable improvements in its second-quarter results likely helped ignite this rally, the company is also benefiting from the belief that the long-awaited offshore drilling recovery is beginning to unfold. The most recent comments supporting that view came from Transocean’s (NYSE:RIG) CEO Jeremy Thigpen. He stated last week that he expects lease rates on rigs to improve, and that contracting activity should pick up in late 2019. Based on that outlook, he said that “we are far more bullish than we have been historically,” which is one reason Transocean recently made another major acquisition.

• [By Motley Fool Transcribers]

  Transocean Ltd  (NYSE:RIG)Q4 2018 Earnings Conference CallFeb. 19, 2019, 9:00 a.m. ET

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

  Operator

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  CenturyLink Investment Management Co trimmed its stake in Transocean LTD (NYSE:RIG) by 10.7% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 97,454 shares of the offshore drilling services provider’s stock after selling 11,676 shares during the period. CenturyLink Investment Management Co’s holdings in Transocean were worth $1,359,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Offshore drilling services company Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced Tuesday that it has agreed to acquire competitor Ocean Rig UDW Inc. (NASDAQ: ORIG) in a deal valued at $2.7 billion. Transocean will pay approximately $2.7 billion for Ocean Rig, including $12.75 and 1.6128 shares of newly issued Transocean stock for each share of Ocean Rig.

• [By Jim Crumly]

  As for individual stocks, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) briefly broke through $1 trillion in valuation, and Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) announced plans to acquire Ocean Rig UDW (NASDAQ:ORIG).