⚡️Geopolitical Tensions Boost USO, BOIL Dips, Northern Oil and Gas Drops, Matador Resources Climbs on Positive Analyst Ratings | Energy Sector Insights

Baker Hughes Co's stock rose following announcements of gas tech equipment orders exceeding $3 billion, while CF Industries revealed an emissions reduction project with ExxonMobil. Energy stocks like MC and MPC dropped, and the energy sector represented by XLE was the only S&P sector in decline.

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Below are AI-generated insights on moves in the energy sector, powered by MarketReader technology.

Monday, July 29

XLE [+0.1%]
The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) remains unchanged in pre-market trading, reflecting broader market dynamics. Oil prices (WTI) have increased, which typically correlates with movements in the XLE. Significant contributors to the ETF's performance include COP, CVX, FANG, XOM, and SLB, all showing positive returns. Recent geopolitical tensions, particularly a rocket attack in the Golan Heights attributed to Hezbollah, have raised concerns about potential disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supply, contributing to rising crude oil prices. Additionally, expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts due to cooling inflation and favorable economic data are positively influencing sentiment towards energy equities like XLE amidst these developments.

USO [+0.8%]
United States Oil Fund LP is experiencing an upward price movement, aligning with a broader market trend. This increase is influenced by recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly following a rocket attack attributed to Hezbollah, which has raised concerns about potential disruptions to oil supply routes. As a result, traders have reacted by pushing up crude oil prices amid fears of further conflict impacting global markets. Additionally, expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, stemming from easing inflation data, are shaping market sentiment and could influence demand dynamics for Brent crude as investors prepare for upcoming central bank meetings this week.

BOIL [-0.2%]
ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas is experiencing a price increase, aligning with the broader market's upward movement. Natural gas prices are benefiting from heightened demand for natural gas-fired power generation, driven by high electricity needs amid exceptionally hot temperatures and diminished wind generation. This trend underscores natural gas's significant role in the energy mix, projected to supply approximately 42% of America's electricity this year, consistent with last year's levels. Additionally, geopolitical tensions stemming from recent events in the Middle East may further affect energy markets and pricing dynamics for natural gas.

SLB | $48.20 | -1.4% | -930.6M

CNQ | $34.64 | +0.6% | +472.6M

COP | $110.33 | -0.5% | -614.1M

NOG | -5.3% | -202.8M
Northern Oil and Gas Inc is set to announce its Q2 FY2024 earnings on July 30, 2024, following market close. The earnings per share (EPS) estimate has been revised to 1.25, down from the previous estimate of 1.49. In contrast, the revenue estimate has increased significantly to 547.6 million, up from 416.5 million. A conference call will be held at 9:00 AM on the same day to discuss the results. Following this announcement, the company's stock price dropped by 3.5% in the post-market session.

STNG | +2.6% | +104.1M
Scorpio Tankers Inc is experiencing a notable price increase, aligning with a broader market rally and outperforming its sector peers. The company is set to announce its Q2 FY2024 earnings on July 30, 2024, with an EPS estimate of 3.59, up from a previous estimate of 2.41. Revenue expectations have also risen, projected at 367.9 million, compared to the prior estimate of 329.3 million. The earnings conference call will occur at 9:00 AM on the same day.

TRP | -0.8% | -339.7M
TC Energy Corp is set to announce its Q2 FY2024 earnings on August 1, 2024, with an expected EPS of 0.66, down from the previous estimate of 0.71, and a revenue estimate of 2.8 billion, reduced from 2.9 billion. The accompanying conference call will occur at 8:30 AM. Analysts have recently adjusted their earnings estimates for TC Energy, projecting Q2 2024 EPS at 0.61, an increase from 0.59, while the full-year consensus stands at 3.03. Barclays has upgraded the company from "equal weight" to "overweight." Despite this, the overall analyst sentiment remains mixed, featuring one sell rating, five holds, and six buys. TC Energy's diversified operations include extensive natural gas pipeline networks across North America, positioning it strategically within the energy infrastructure sector. The stock has seen a slight decline of 0.3% since Friday's close.

MTDR | +1.4% | +112.7M
Matador Resources Co (MTDR) has experienced a price increase of 1.0% since Friday's market close. Analysts have expressed positive sentiment towards the company, with Royal Bank of Canada reaffirming an outperform rating and setting a price target of 75. TD Cowen and Mizuho have raised their targets to 87 and 85, respectively, while maintaining buy ratings. Although Truist Financial and Stephens have slightly lowered their targets, they continue to hold buy and overweight ratings. Overall, the consensus among analysts is a Moderate Buy, reflecting optimism about Matador's future performance in the energy sector, with twelve buy ratings against two holds.

DVN | +0.7% | +203.6M
Devon Energy Corp's stock price has increased slightly since Friday's market close. Recently, analysts have exhibited mixed sentiments regarding the company. StockNews.com downgraded its rating from buy to hold, while BMO Capital Markets upgraded it to strong-buy. Price targets have been adjusted by several firms, with Susquehanna setting it at 65.00 and Morgan Stanley increasing theirs to 54.00. The consensus among analysts reflects a moderate buy rating, with an average target price around 59.13. Devon's operational metrics continue to show resilience amidst fluctuating revenue and earnings trends.

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