最新ニュース Chevron (NYSE:CVX) 株価情報

Chevron

Chevron is an integrated energy company with exploration, production, and refining operations worldwide. It is the second-largest oil company in the United States with production of 3.1 million of barrels of oil equivalent a day, including 7.7 million cubic feet a day of natural gas and 1.8 million of barrels of liquids a day. Production activities take place in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its refineries are in the US and Asia for total refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. Proven reserves at year-end 2023 stood at 11.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including 6.0 billion barrels of liquids and 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

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Movers

株主たちがチェブロン・コープ (NYSE:CVX) との530億ドルの合併を承認した後、 ヘス社 (NYSE:HES) の株価が動いている（火曜日）。

ヘスの株主は、シェブロンとの530億ドルの合併を承認した

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Equities

Pre-Market Outlook

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投資家の恐怖指数は改善｜ダウは350ポイント以上の下落を記録

GOOGL

MSFT

金曜日の朝、米国株式先物は高く推移し、本日投資家の関心を集める可能性がある銘柄は以下の通りです。

金曜日に注目すべきマイクロソフト、アルファベット、シェブロン3つの株式

Chevron Corp

Convex Finance - United States Dollar

Raymond James analyst Justin Jenkins maintains Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $175 to $180.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Raymond James Maintains Outperform on Chevron, Raises Price Target to $180

Editor&#8217;s note: This story has been updated to correct language around a report on U.S. sanctions on Russia to state that President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s economic team is considering either easing or increasing sanctions. 
The U.S. energy sector kicked off 2025 with a strong rally, outperforming all other sectors as crude prices soared and investors bet on a deregulatory shift under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42383725/trump-administrations-deregulation-efforts-to-lift-energy-oil-and-gas-sectors-ai-frenzy-to-aid-faang-stocks-and-nvidia-says-fintech-insider">incoming Donald Trump administration</a>.
What Happened: The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) has surged more than 8% in the first half of January. That&#8217;s well ahead of any other sector. Industrials, the next-best performer, are up just 3.7% over the same period.
Rising oil prices fuel the rally; crude topped $80 per barrel this week. Meanwhile, fresh U.S. sanctions on Russia and a larger-than-expected draw in domestic stockpiles stoke supply concerns.
The Biden administration's latest sanctions, imposed on Jan. 10, target Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, as well as more than 160 tankers, tightening restrictions on Moscow's energy revenues. The move adds to existing supply constraints, and some analysts see more pressure ahead.
If Russian flows tighten further and sanctions on Iran and Venezuela intensify, oil prices could climb <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/42965857/oil-could-hit-90-goldman-sachs-says-trump-may-not-ease-sanctions-on-russia">toward $90 per barrel.</a> That&#8217;s according to Goldman Sachs commodity strategist Daan Struyven.
Adding to the uncertainty, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-16/trump-team-readies-oil-sanctions-plan-for-russia-deal-iran-squeeze?sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a> reported Thursday that Trump's economic team is weighing two options: easing or increasing sanctions as leverage with Russia, aiming to push Moscow toward negotiations over the war in Ukraine.
Trump has hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, fueling speculation over how U.S. policy—and global energy markets—could change in the months ahead.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43031980/big-banks-continue-to-beat-q4-earnings-financial-etf-takes-breather">Big Banks Continue To Beat Q4 Earnings As Financial ETF Takes A Breather</a>
Why It Matters: Within the oil majors, Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) has been the standout performer, gaining nearly 10% since the start of the year, while Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) has added 3%.
In a note shared Thursday, Goldman Sachs analyst Neil Mehta expects a "constructive setup" for Chevron heading into 2025. He cites an expected production and free cash flow boost from its Tengiz operations, strong shareholder returns—projected at around 10% annually through dividends and buybacks—and improving operational execution.
Investors are also watching for updates on Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HES#NYSE">HES</a>), particularly the ongoing arbitration process. 
Goldman Sachs doesn't take a stance on the outcome. Yet, Chevron management projects a resolution by the third quarter of 2025. Speaking at the Energy, CleanTech &amp; Utilities Conference last week, company executives expressed confidence in Hess' position and hinted at progress on regulatory approvals and integration planning.
Chevron shares have been on a tear. They hit a one-month high this week and could extend their winning streak to seven straight sessions on Thursday.
The company is set to report fourth-quarter earnings on Jan. 31, with Wall Street expecting earnings per share of $2.22 on revenue of $47.28 billion, according to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent011625&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a> data. A year ago, Chevron posted EPS of $3.45 on revenue of $50.67 billion.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43017610/oil-prices-break-80-reach-6-month-highs-despite-israel-hamas-ceasefire-deal-why-is-crude-rallying">Oil Prices Break $80, Reach 6-Month Highs Despite Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal: Why Is Crude Rallying?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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Economics

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US Energy Sector Enjoys Strong Start To 2025, Analysts Eye 'Constructive Setup' For Chevron (CORRECTED)

President-elect Donald Trump's picks for Secretary of the Interior, Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency and the Treasury Department are set to begin the confirmation process on Thursday. Here's a look at who will be appearing before Senate committees as the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/24/12/42354639/donald-trumps-personnel-picks-voters-like-huckabee-rubio-picks-disapprove-of-kennedy-oz-mcmahon"> nomination process begins. </a>
The Details: Former governor of North Dakota, Doug Burgum, will appear before members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee as Trump's pick to lead the Interior Department. Burgum has also been chosen to head the National Energy Council. 
If confirmed, Burgum is expected to shift policies in favor of drilling which could benefit large oil companies like Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/01/43018125/trump-considers-executive-order-to-save-tiktok-from-being-banned-in-4-days">Trump Considers Executive Order To &#8216;Save&#8217; TikTok From Being Banned In 4 Days</a>&nbsp;
Scott Bessent, Trump&#8217;s pick for Secretary of the Treasury, is scheduled for a confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.&nbsp;
The billionaire investor and CEO of Key Square Group will likely face questions regarding<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43021014/trumps-treasury-pick-scott-bessent-urges-dollar-must-remain-worlds-reserve-currency-as-president-elect-reportedly-pushes-for-strategic-bitcoin-reserve"> his views</a> on taxes, tariffs, trade and cryptocurrency.&nbsp;
According to an ABC News<a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/treasury-nominee-plans-confirmation-hearing-trump-unleash-economic-117732291"> report</a>, Bessent is expected to testify, saying, "Productive investment that grows the economy must be prioritized over wasteful spending that drives inflation."
Lee Zeldin, who represented New York&#8217;s 1st congressional district in the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2023, will face the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as Trump's choice to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.&nbsp;
Scott Turner, former NFL player and Trump's pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will appear at a hearing on Thursday before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43007213/experts-see-the-fed-on-hold-for-now-if-there-are-any-cuts-at-all-in-2025-after-decembers-sticky-consumer-inflation-report">Interest Rate Cuts &#8216;On Hold&#8230; If There Are Any At All In 2025&#8217; After December&#8217;s Sticky Consumer Inflation Report: Economists&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Aaron of L.A. Photography via Shutterstock.

Government

Politics

Real Estate

Trump Cabinet Picks Scott Bessent, Doug Burgum To Appear For Senate Confirmation Hearings Thursday

The International Energy Agency has revised its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/oil" rel="noreferrer noopener">global oil demand</a> outlook slightly for 2025, projecting growth of 1.05 million barrels per day, down from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iea.org/reports/oil-market-report-december-2024" rel="noreferrer noopener">the previously estimated</a> 1.1 million barrels daily.
The new forecast anticipates global demand will average 104 million barrels daily, reflecting a combination of improving economic conditions and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.iea.org/reports/oil-market-report-january-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower fuel prices</a>.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, oil demand rebounded strongly, increasing by 1.5 million barrels daily—the highest growth since late 2023.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42980720/microsoft-taps-meta-veteran-to-lead-new-coreai-division-plans-shift-from-openai-dependence" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Launches CoreAI Division: Ex-Meta Exec To Supercharge Copilot And AI Innovations</a>
The IEA attributed this surge to reduced fuel prices, colder weather in northern regions, and heightened petrochemical activity in the U.S. However, while 2025 demand growth will likely surpass 2024, it will fall short of the over 2 million barrels per day increase seen in 2023.
OPEC projects a higher demand growth of <a target="_blank" href="https://momr.opec.org/pdf-download/" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.45 million barrels daily</a>.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities/24/11/41899890/opec-cuts-2024-oil-demand-forecast-for-fourth-straight-month-amid-chinas-economic-slowdown" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disappointing data from</a> major Asian markets, including China, India, and African countries, prompted OPEC to revise its oil demand growth forecasts for 2024 several times.
Still, OPEC&#8217;s estimates looked more optimistic than those of Wall Street banks and Saudi Aramco.
China saw a significant uptick in oil demand in November, driven by rising gasoil consumption and falling diesel prices, which hit their lowest in nearly three years.
The IEA highlighted that signs of stabilization in China&#8217;s property market could support further recovery in oil demand. Projections suggest China will add 220,000 barrels per day to its oil consumption in 2025, compared to a 180,000-barrel daily increase in 2024, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/iea-trims-oil-demand-outlook-but-still-expects-stronger-growth-this-year-a972c71b?mod=business_lead_pos4" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Recent U.S. sanctions targeting Russia&#8217;s energy sector and shipping networks and measures aimed at Iran&#8217;s shadow fleet could disrupt global oil supplies. These actions may compel major buyers like China and India to seek alternative sources.
Meanwhile, Brent crude prices hover around $80 per barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate trades near $77 per barrel, reflecting market concerns over tightened supply, the WSJ reports.
Despite geopolitical pressures, global oil supply rose modestly in December 2024, supported by increased production in Nigeria and Libya. For 2025, the IEA forecasts supply growth of 1.8 million barrels daily, led by non-OPEC+ countries such as the U.S., Brazil, and Canada. However, the agency cautioned that sanctions or weather-related disruptions could rapidly draw down existing oil stocks.
Notable oil stocks include Exxon Mobil Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>), Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Shell Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>), TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTE#NYSE">TTE</a>), Petroleo Brasileiro (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PBR#NYSE">PBR</a>) and BP Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>).
Investors can gain exposure to the crude oil market through the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) and ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCO#NYSE">UCO</a>).
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42974632/us-listed-chinese-stocks-rally-on-strong-trade-data-central-bank-support-goldman-forecasts-20-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Listed Chinese Stocks Rally on Strong Trade Data, Central Bank Support, Goldman Forecasts 20% Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by William Potter on Shutterstock

Guidance

Commodities

SHEL

OPEC's Optimism Clashes With IEA's Conservative 2025 Oil Growth Projections

Defense stocks are moving slightly lower Wednesday after Israel and Hamas verbally agreed on a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">ceasefire in Gaza</a>.
What Happened: Hamas accepted a draft agreement on Wednesday for a ceasefire in Gaza that includes the release of several hostages, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">multiple reports</a>. 
The agreement follows months of negotiations and paves the way for a potential end to the ongoing war in the Middle East that began about 15 months ago. The verbal agreement also comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump&#8217;s inauguration. 
&#8220;We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!&#8221; Trump&nbsp;said in a post on Truth Social.
The deal reportedly includes a six-week ceasefire and the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel still needs to ratify the deal, but a vote is expected by Thursday. 
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43011383/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-exchange">Israel, Hamas Agree To Cease-Fire Deal With Hostage Exchange: What You Need To Know</a>
Defense stocks including Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), Northrop Grumman Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) and RTX Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>) moved lower as the ceasefire reports surfaced despite a strong session from broader indices. The Global X Funds Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHLD#NYSE">SHLD</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) also pulled back from highs on the news. 
At the time of writing, Lockheed Martin shares were down about 0.7%, while Northrop Grumman and RTX shares were down about 0.8%. It&#8217;s worth noting that the SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was up 1.77% at last check.
Defense stocks have benefitted from the ongoing war in the Middle East with the Global X Funds Defense ETF having gained more than 35% over the past year, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>. Defense stocks tend to rally in periods of elevated conflict given their heavy reliance on government contracts. 
Energy stocks including BP P.L.C (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BP#NYSE">BP</a>), Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) also pulled back slightly on the ceasefire news, but bounced back pretty quickly. 
The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) hit new 52-week highs on Wednesday on continued momentum from last week after the U.S. announced its most extensive sanctions on Russian oil exports to date.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42948649/goldman-sachs-warns-of-90-oil-risk-trump-may-not-ease-sanctions-once-he-takes-office">Oil Could Hit $90, Goldman Sachs Says: &#8216;Trump May Not Ease Sanctions&#8217; On Russia</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: courtesy of Lockheed Martin.

Global

SHLD

Defense Stocks Fall On Gaza Ceasefire While Broader Market Rallies: What's Going On?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with CVX, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 16 uncommon options trades for Chevron.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 18% bullish and 56%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $305,032, and 12 are calls, for a total amount of $615,588.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $130.0 to $190.0 for Chevron over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Chevron's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Chevron's whale trades within a strike price range from $130.0 to $190.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Chevron Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1736878539_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$2.55</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$180.0K</td>
<td>187</td>
<td align="right">746</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.1</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$161.7K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td align="right">240</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$24.6</td>
<td>$24.55</td>
<td>$24.55</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$73.6K</td>
<td>137</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$33.0</td>
<td>$32.25</td>
<td>$32.41</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$64.8K</td>
<td>65</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.35</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$56.5K</td>
<td>225</td>
<td align="right">107</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chevron</h3>
Chevron is an integrated energy company with exploration, production, and refining operations worldwide. It is the second-largest oil company in the United States with production of 3.1 million of barrels of oil equivalent a day, including 7.7 million cubic feet a day of natural gas and 1.8 million of barrels of liquids a day. Production activities take place in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its refineries are in the US and Asia for total refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. Proven reserves at year-end 2023 stood at 11.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including 6.0 billion barrels of liquids and 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Chevron, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Chevron's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 2,667,129, the price of CVX is up by 0.1%, reaching $155.5.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 17 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Chevron</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $168.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Hold rating on Chevron, maintaining a target price of $164. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler persists with their Overweight rating on Chevron, maintaining a target price of $173. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Chevron, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

A Closer Look at Chevron's Options Market Dynamics

WIIM

EQNR

FANG

Shares of oil-related companies are trading higher amid new U.S. sanctions towards Russia's energy supply chain.

Truist Securities analyst Neal Dingmann maintains Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $160 to $164.

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Chevron, Raises Price Target to $164

Oil prices are heating up, and so are the stocks of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/energy">major energy companies</a>. 
Shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>), and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) were trading in the green at the last check on Friday. The rally follows a Reuters report suggesting the U.S. is preparing its most <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/01/42919047/oil-nears-80-as-us-prepares-new-russia-sanctions">stringent sanctions yet</a> against Russian oil.
These sanctions, expected to target 180 vessels, major <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/oil?_gl=1&#x2A;1aeuuae&#x2A;_gcl_au&#x2A;MTQ3Nzg4MTMxMi4xNzM1NTczMTA3&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;R1MxLjEuMTczNjUyMjc2NC4xLjEuMTczNjUyMjg4Ni4wLjAuMA..&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTczNjUyMDk1NC40Ni4xLjE3MzY1MjY3NDYuMC4wLjA.">oil </a>companies, and top executives, have already pushed oil prices to $80 per barrel — a level not seen since October 2024. 
Traders are responding to the anticipated disruption in global oil supply, and some ETFs with oil and energy exposure stand to reap the benefits.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What This Means For ETFs</h3>
<ul>
<li>The United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) was trading 3.73% higher as of 12.13 P.M. EST</li>
<li>The Invesco DB Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DBO#NYSE">DBO</a>) rose about 3.84%. </li>
<li>The United States 12 Month Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USL#NYSE">USL</a>) posted a 2.21% gain.</li>
<li>The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOP#NYSE">XOP</a>), with an expense ratio of 0.09% and a 91.26% exposure to the Oil, Gas &amp; Consumable Fuels make it a good bet for investors of oil-focused ETFs. The portfolio includes Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips.</li>
<li>Vanguard Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VDE#NYSE">VDE</a>) has an expense ratio of 0.10% and like XOP, Exxon Mobil, Chevron and ConocoPhillips enjoys significant weightage in the fund.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Geopolitics and Market Dynamics</h3>
Sanctions on Russia — one of the world's largest oil producers — are expected to tighten supply. Prices are expected to go higher. Ongoing reduction in U.S. crude stockpiles, particularly at the Cushing, Oklahoma hub, as reported by Reuters, adds to the pressure.
While tighter supplies drive prices upward, concerns about demand persist. China&#8217;s fuel oil imports are likely to fall early 2025 thanks to a hike in oil import tax from Jan. 1. 
Weaker demand from China, one of the biggest crude oil importers, could weigh on prices in the longer term. 
See Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42340255/opec-extends-oil-output-cuts-to-late-2026-what-it-means-for-markets">OPEC+ Extends Oil Output Cuts To Late 2026: What It Means For Markets</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Oil Stocks Rally On Anticipation Of Stricter Russian Sanctions: Here's How ETFs Are Reacting

Wall Street faced heavy selling pressure in its first trading session after former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, as a series of economic developments rattled interest rate and energy markets, sparking heightened <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">risk aversion among investors.</a>
The U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs in December, far exceeding expectations of a slowdown to 160,000. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.1%, defying forecasts that had anticipated it to remain at 4.2%.
This red-hot labor market data spurred traders to recalibrate their interest-rate projections. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, expectations for a rate cut have been postponed even further, with markets now fully pricing in a reduction only by September 2025.
Adding to market turmoil, oil prices — as tracked by the United States Oil Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) — surged more than 3% to $76 per barrel after the Biden administration imposed stricter sanctions on Russian oil exports. These measures targeted major Russian oil companies, shadow fleet tankers and opaque trading networks, intensifying pressure on Moscow&#8217;s energy revenues.
Rising interest rate concerns and inflation uncertainty weighed heavily on equities. The latest University of Michigan consumer survey showed five-year inflation expectations rise to 3.3%, the highest since June 2008.
The S&amp;P 500 dropped nearly 2%, hovering around the 5,800-point level, fully erasing gains made since the election. 
Technology and small-cap stocks bore the brunt of the sell-off, with sharper declines across both sectors.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) climbed to 109.70, marking its highest level since November 2022. The greenback is on track to notch its sixth consecutive weekly gain and has risen in 14 of the past 15 weeks, underscoring its dominance as a safe haven amid market turbulence.
Treasury yields climbed further as fixed-income investors braced for the possibility of persistent inflation. The 10-year Treasury yield rose seven basis points to 4.76%, nearing its late October 2023 highs.
The 30-year Treasury yield briefly touched the 5% mark, a level last seen in October 2023 and previously in August 2007.
Gold prices offered a haven for risk-averse investors, climbing 0.9% as geopolitical uncertainties mounted.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) saw some dip-buying activity, up by 1.2%, snapping a three-day losing streak during which it shed 10% of its value. 
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day % chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,812.53</td>
<td>-1.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>41,837.77</td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>20,744.86</td>
<td>-2.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,173.84</td>
<td>-2.9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:30 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent010625&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) flattened at $588.43.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;was unchanged at $425.08.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) eased 0.1% to $514.72.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) dipped 1% to $220.91.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>) outperformed, up 0.4%; the&nbsp;Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLC#NYSE">XLC</a>) lagged, down 0.9%.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Friday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) tumbled 5% after Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral.</li>
<li>Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAL#NYSE">DAL</a>) soared over 10%, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42912208/delta-stock-jumps-after-record-q4-earnings-and-strong-2025-outlook">following the release of stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results</a>. Industry peers American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>) and United Airlines Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UAL#NASDAQ">UAL</a>) rose 4% and 5%, respectively.</li>
<li>Other stocks reacting to earnings included Jefferies Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JEF#NYSE">JEF</a>), down 12%; Constellation Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>), down 16%; TD Synnex Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNX#NYSE">SNX</a>), up 6.2% and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>), up 26%,</li>
<li>Insurance-linked stocks faced losses as damage from California&#8217;s wildfires continues to mount. Shares of American International Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>) fell nearly 2%. Meanwhile, Allstate Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALL#NYSE">ALL</a>) and Chubb Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CB#NYSE">CB</a>) plummeted by 7.4% and 4.8%, respectively.</li>
<li>Energy stocks rose in response to soaring oil prices. Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) soared 2%, buoyed by a bullish note from Bank of America Securities. </li>
</ul>
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Photo: Shutterstock

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Wall Street Tumbles On Blowout Payrolls, Oil Rallies To $76, US Dollar Hits 26-Month Highs: What's Driving Markets Friday?

The December jobs report jolted financial markets during early Friday trading. Stronger-than-expected employment growth and a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.1% raised fears the Federal Reserve may hold off on cutting interest rates <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">for most of 2025.</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">December Jobs Report Fuels Fed Hawkishness: Dollar Soars, Yields Jump </h3>
The U.S. economy added 256,000 new jobs last month, marking an acceleration from the downwardly revised 212,000 jobs added in November and sharply outpacing economist forecasts of 160,000, as tracked by TradingEconomics.
The December reading represented the strongest monthly job growth since March 2024, underscoring the continued resilience of the U.S. economy despite high interest rates and resurgent inflationary pressures.
The unemployment rate ticked down from 4.2%to 4.1% in November, defying expectations of no change. Wages rose broadly in line with expectations, with average hourly earnings increasing 0.3% month-over-month, slowing slightly from November&#8217;s 0.4%. On a year-over-year basis, wages climbed 3.9%, marginally below the 4% forecast.
Fed fund futures showed a steep decline in the probability of a March rate cut, with implied odds dropping to just 26%, down from 43% a day earlier, according to CME&#8216;s FedWatch tool.
Treasury yields rose sharply across the curve, reflecting a repricing of interest rate expectations. 
The two-year yield, closely tied to Federal Reserve policy expectations, jumped 11 basis points to 4.37%. The 10-year yield surged 10 basis points to 4.79%, its highest level since November 2023.
Notably, the most striking move came in the 30-year yield, which breached the 5% mark for the first time since October 2023. Before that, the last time 30-year yields surpassed this milestone was in August 2007. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) dropped 1.2% in premarket trading, highlighting the market's sensitivity to long-term rates.
The U.S. Dollar Index, tracked by the Invesco DB USD Index Bullish Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UUP#NYSE">UUP</a>), surged 0.5% to 109.70, a level last seen in late October 2022. 
The greenback climbed 0.4% against the Japanese yen and 0.6% versus the euro, pushing the euro-dollar pair to a fresh 27-month low of 1.0250. The Sterling wasn&#8217;t spared, falling 0.7% to a 15-month low against the dollar.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stocks Slump Across The Board</h3>
Futures on major U.S. indices were down 1% across the board, as the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates rattled investors. All S&amp;P 500 sectors, except energy, traded in the negative premarket Friday.
Real estate, tracked by the Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLRE#NYSE">XLRE</a>), and technology, represented by the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>), both sank 1.4%. 
Rate-sensitive sectors such as real estate and growth-heavy tech bore the brunt of the selloff as higher yields weighed on long-duration assets.
The one standout sector was energy, with the Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) climbing 1.3%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Major Premarket Movers</h3>
Among energy giants, Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) gained 1.67% to $152.81, Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) rose 1.57% to $108.61 and ConocoPhillips (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>) advanced 1.43% to $103.07, benefiting from a 3% spike in oil prices after Reuters reported thet U.S. is mulling stronger sanctions on Russia&#8217;s oil sector.
In contrast, rate-sensitive mega-cap tech stocks dragged the market lower. 
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) fell 2.51% to $136.59, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) dropped 2.92% to $118.28 and American International Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIG#NYSE">AIG</a>) plunged 3.93% to $68.63, leading losses among financials.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42901085/us-2025-recession-odds-plummet-good-news-or-warning-sign">US 2025 Recession Odds Plummet: Good News Or Warning Sign?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock.

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

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XLRE

Dollar Soars To 27-Month Highs, 30-Year Yields Hit 5%, Stocks Tumble As Jobs Report, Oil Spike Darken Fed's Interest Rate Cut Hopes

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) disclosed the commencement of oil production from the Whale semi-submersible platform in the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b42899245/chevron-bolsters-u-s-gulf-of-mexico-production-with-whale-facility-startup" rel="noreferrer noopener"> deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico</a>.
The company&#8217;s subsidiary, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., owns 40% working interest in Whale, with Shell Offshore Inc. owning 60% interest as operator.
Whale, located 200 miles southwest of Houston in Alaminos Canyon Block 773, is in over 8,600 feet of water.
The company estimates Whale&#8217;s peak production at 100,000 gross boe/d, with up to 15 wells in its first phase.
The project features energy-efficient gas turbines and compression systems, utilizing a simplified design for lower emissions, reduced costs, and higher returns.
Chevron&#8217;s latest milestone follows a year of key achievements, including first production from its high-pressure Anchor project and the launch of water injection operations to enhance output at its Jack/St. Malo and Tahiti facilities in the Gulf.
Bruce Niemeyer, president of Chevron Americas Exploration &amp; Production, stated Whale&#8217;s production brings Chevron nearer to its target of 300,000 net barrels of oil equivalent per day in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico by 2026.
Last month, Chevron and Woodside swapped energy assets, with Chevron gaining Julimar-Brunello stakes and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/24/12/42584936/chevron-secures-larger-north-west-shelf-stake-in-asset-swap-400m-payment-to-woodside" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodside focusing on LNG assets</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via EA Series Trust Strive U.S. Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRLL#NYSE">DRLL</a>) and SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Energy Select Sector (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>).
Price Action: CVX shares closed higher by 0.47% at $150.30 on Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42883117/in-an-unpredictable-market-here-are-some-potential-winners-and-losers-for-the-first-quarter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In an Unpredictable Market Here Are Some Potential Winners and Losers for the First Quarter</a></li>
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Image via Shutterstock.

DRLL

Chevron Kicks Off Whale Oil Production: Details

Chevron Reports Start Of Oil Production From Whale Semi-submersible Platform In  Deepwater US Gulf Of Mexico

Every year, analysts discuss the stocks and sectors they favor for the coming year, often providing price targets for where major indexes might land by year-end. I believe both of these practices are futile. The market is dynamic and ever-changing; the environment can shift on a dime, so don&rsquo;t get attached to a one-year playbook. Focusing on quarterly trends is a better approach.
I have a few items I&rsquo;m monitoring for Q1, listed in no particular order. These are not recommendations, just observations.
Economic Landscape
As of the end of December, the FOMC updated its Summary of Economic Projections (SEP), making key adjustments:
<ul>
<li>Core PCE projections for 2025 were revised upward from 2.2% to 2.5%.</li>
<li>Real GDP growth was adjusted from 2.0% to 2.1%.</li>
<li>The number of anticipated rate cuts for 2025 was reduced by one&nbsp;25-basis-point cut, down from four cuts projected in September to 2 cuts for the year.</li>
</ul>
The 10-year Treasury yield has moved higher since the first rate cut, alongside the U.S. Dollar Index ($DXY)&mdash;and rightly so. Economic data remains robust, with Real GDP continuing to exceed 2.5%, the Unemployment Rate holding steady at around 4.2%, and the Labor Participation Rate stabilizing at approximately 62.5% throughout the year.
Labor Market
For Q1, continued stability in initial claims is expected due to the high frequency of the data. In contrast, monthly BLS data&mdash;and even more delayed revisions&mdash;will likely have less market influence. Instead, the market will focus on high-frequency data and dismiss monthly payroll data, especially prior-month revisions, given the optimistic business landscape following Donald Trump&rsquo;s election.
The Philly Fed provides a valuable report that models preliminary non-farm employment change data (reflected in monthly Non-Farm Payrolls) and uses comprehensive datasets from the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) to produce an Early Benchmark indicator. This indicator reflects potential overestimation or underestimation of non-farm payrolls for each state. Unfortunately, the Early Benchmark indicator shows that total Non-Farm Payrolls have been overestimated. This aligns with the aggressive downward revision reported this year of 818,000 jobs from April 2023 through March 2024. The final revision will be released in February, alongside the January Labor Report.
The market may not feel significant labor pressure until the Unemployment Rate reaches 4.5&ndash;4.6%. While this may be a tall order for Q1 based on current trends preliminary data, it becomes more plausible by Q2 of 2025 after revisions and census data updates.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQECOejOeiUL7A/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/article-inline_image-shrink_1000_1488/0/1736112731197?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=4_w4otHVeV-GAa_88kF8M7-5gG-TUgFpBLLeoUeOLE0" style="height:730px; width:650px" />
Source:&nbsp;The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia
Liquefied Natural Gas
Just like in 2024, I am optimistic about the longer-term vision on liquefied natural gas. For those who may not know, liquified natural gas is natural gas that is cooled at -260 degrees Fahrenheit, which requires special equipment to complete the process and to also transport liquified natural gas in the form of exports to other countries. The reason LNG has gained enthusiasm over the last several years is the result of diminishing natural gas flows from Russia to Europe due to the Russia/Ukraine war, and also its ability to scale to make it more efficient to transport natural gas, in which the United States has an abundance of and in some cases we flare off excess (burn off) supplies of natural gas because it does not make it economical to capture and transport through pipelines.
With the change in Presidential administrations, the expectation is for expedited permitting and favorable regulations for the energy market as a whole, but for LNG, there might be a special focus around this industry because of its geopolitical implications. It is one of the bigger economic levers the U.S. may use over the coming months and years. Right now, LNG is still relatively expensive, and that is the result of a lack of infrastructure and tanker availability as LNG requires special tankers to transport the commodity. Infrastructure plays around LNG may be in the spotlight for Q1.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQHUiUiFwVgRRg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112829392?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=M56YgYUkik565DCaPp3BmrpeggP7kGhc-y4wbxXeGfk" style="height:352px; width:650px" />
Source: EIA
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQHrL08LCQAx0g/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112853858?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=hBjAMRyYap-N5BPHIvlqt7SYWXC-ZuT5kqLU8W5IDhM" style="height:408px; width:650px" />
Source: EIA
Several companies with LNG exposure (Not a recommendation):
<ul>
<li>Cheniere Energy (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lng#NYSE">LNG</a>): Cheniere Energy is the leading U.S. producer and exporter of LNG, operating major liquefaction facilities at Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi. Its robust infrastructure and long-term contracts position it as a critical player in the global LNG supply chain.</li>
<li>TotalEnergies SE (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tte#NYSE">TTE</a>): TotalEnergies is a global energy giant with significant investments in LNG production, trading, and infrastructure, including projects like the Arctic LNG venture. Its diversified portfolio highlights its commitment to LNG as a cleaner energy alternative.</li>
<li>Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/glng#NASDAQ">GLNG</a>): Golar LNG is a pioneer in Floating LNG (FLNG) technology and operates LNG carriers, enabling efficient liquefaction, storage, and transportation. The company&#39;s innovative solutions offer flexibility and cost savings in the LNG value chain.</li>
<li>Chevron (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cvx#NYSE">CVX</a>): Chevron has extensive LNG operations, particularly in Australia with the Gorgon and Wheatstone projects, which supply LNG to global markets. Its LNG ventures align with its strategy to meet rising global energy demands with lower carbon solutions.</li>
<li>Exxon Mobil (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/xom#NYSE">XOM</a>): ExxonMobil is a major player in LNG with projects in Qatar, Papua New Guinea, and Mozambique, contributing to its role as a key supplier of cleaner-burning fuel. The company&rsquo;s LNG operations are integral to its global energy portfolio and sustainability efforts.</li>
<li>Baker Hughes (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bkr#NYSE">BKR</a>): Baker Hughes provides critical equipment and services for LNG projects, including turbo-machinery and gas technology for liquefaction and transportation. Its expertise supports the development and operation of LNG facilities worldwide.</li>
<li>Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hon#NASDAQ">HON</a>) Honeywell provides advanced technologies and equipment essential for LNG facilities, including control systems and automation solutions. In 2024, Honeywell announced its acquisition of Air Products&#39; LNG technology and equipment division for $1.81 billion, enhancing its LNG pretreatment portfolio.</li>
<li>KBR, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kbr#NYSE">KBR</a>) KBR offers engineering, procurement, and construction services, with significant experience in LNG projects, including liquefaction and regasification facilities. KBR is recognized as a leading company in the LNG infrastructure market.</li>
</ul>
The infrastructure plays, the bottom-up players may see tailwinds in Q1, like Baker Hughes, KBR, and Honeywell (even though LNG exposure may only be 5% of total revenue mix).
Copper
Pressure on key industrial metals like copper and silver persists as we begin the year, driven by the lackluster performance of China&#39;s expansion story throughout 2024. However, rhetoric from China continues to intensify, and if actions align with these statements, the &quot;China trade&quot; could gain traction by Q2 this year.
Copper was a notable trade last year, but prices have since pulled back as China has shifted to becoming a temporary net exporter of finished copper. This transition is driven by the ongoing expansion of smelting operations, even though copper ore remains in a structural supply deficit. The market anticipates the reopening of key mining operations in the second half of the year. While this potential supply increase may already be priced in, a price ceiling could persist if China does not significantly ramp up domestic consumption.
China accounts for approximately 55% of global refined copper consumption, so any bullish narrative around copper must be supported by increased domestic demand. Copper price action and global inventory levels should be closely monitored, as they are likely to serve as early indicators of progress in the China stimulus narrative.
It is important to note that while refined copper supply is currently in surplus, copper ore remains in a structural supply deficit. The physical market will need to work through the oversupply of refined copper before structural price support can emerge.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQF3cJV-h4PyVQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112883295?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=86FsfwTsgVCqfKuhAZXBhGmr1yIMzitmksa0MVc0LFY" style="height:385px; width:650px" />
Source: ING Research
I expect the China narrative to gain traction by the end of Q1, with stronger momentum building into Q2. While price advances may be short-lived, a risk/reward trade could materialize for those patient enough to await the move, with resistance near the 2024 highs around $4.70. The 200-week SMA and 100-week SMA have converged, forming a potential support area. In the event of a structural break lower, $3.70 may act as a key support level.
The MACD is currently bearish but may begin to flatten if the $4.00 level holds. A bullish crossover of the 12 EMA above the 26 EMA on the weekly chart could serve as a bullish signal for the market.
Remember, there are other China-exposed equity trades that may relate to this early economic signal. Companies typically do not preannounce a ramp-up in commodity orders&mdash;they simply act when the timing is appropriate.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQHBOX0_y6s7xA/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112908231?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=uDQQeBbnYztzGFUuTni0gZBpMw1jl0ht4YzuNp6xr4Y" style="height:312px; width:650px" />
Silver
The silver market saw impressive activity in 2024 as it was leveraged to complement the strong move in gold and to gain exposure to the A.I. trade. Silver is used in approximately 90% of all electronics in one form or another, so the increasing demand for high-powered A.I. infrastructure products, such as GPUs and server technology, could serve as a significant tailwind for the metal. However, consumer electronics demand has been lagging since the post-COVID era, creating some slack in demand for this precious and industrial metal.
Many analysts are optimistic about a refresh cycle for consumer electronics, including cellphones and laptops. If this refresh narrative materializes in the second half of the year, silver could be a major beneficiary. That said, silver is also considered an inflationary hedge. The China growth narrative will play a critical role in silver&rsquo;s ability to sustain a bullish trend. However, if slack persists in Asia-Pacific markets and there is a marginal slowdown in the U.S., silver could face downward pricing pressure.
Fundamentally, the market remains in a physical deficit when considering ETF holdings. Modest silver production growth is expected in 2025, alongside industrial demand growth projected in the high single digits. A potential price decline would likely result from a global economic slowdown. Given these dynamics, coupled with pent-up optimism around China&rsquo;s expansion and expectations for sticky Q1 U.S. inflation data&mdash;especially in energy commodities like natural gas&mdash;silver may still have room to run.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQHghEvpFBkSWQ/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112934595?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=SSBE1v6OzOnUeBoNNEkfcqt9xYQzdmZPUuHOD5mg068" style="height:312px; width:650px" />
Traders should continue to rely on technical analysis, with the weekly MACD serving as a primary guide. Key bullish and bearish signals can be identified through MACD crosses: a 12 EMA crossing above the 26 EMA indicates a bullish trend, while a 12 EMA crossing below the 26 EMA signals a bearish trend.
Support for silver futures (/SI) currently lies at $24.50-$25, with resistance at $32. Any break above $32, accompanied by volume exceeding the 10-week average by 20%, should be taken seriously as a potential breakout signal. A weakening U.S. Dollar, driven by weaker domestic economic data alongside sticky inflation, may also act as a tailwind for silver in Q1. However, at present, the U.S. Dollar Index ($DXY) does not appear to be weakening anytime soon.
Crude Oil
It should come as no surprise that petroleum markets experienced lackluster performance during the last quarter of 2024. Global demand has softened, with slack evident in the Asian markets, particularly in India and China, as well as a lack of industrial activity in Germany. This has prompted leading industry agencies, including OPEC and the IEA, to revise their petroleum demand outlooks for 2024 and 2025.
OPEC+ continues to delay adding production to the market due to concerns over weak pricing support. In 2025, it should be expected that any sustainable price advances in oil will be met with increased supply, limiting the potential for sustained bullish trends unless there are logistical disruptions caused by geopolitical risks.
That being said, Q1&mdash;particularly January&mdash;may present the best window of opportunity for bulls. The first three weeks of the year are likely to see a meaningful drop in refiner utilization rates due to scheduled maintenance. Additionally, harsh winter weather, such as &quot;Arctic blasts,&quot; could disrupt production in regions like the Bakken, affecting both extraction and pipeline operations.
The China stimulus narrative could also act as a bullish catalyst for energy markets in the first quarter. Furthermore, the early months of the Trump administration may bring headlines about favorable policies aimed at incentivizing exploration and infrastructure spending. However, it is important to note that a &quot;drill, baby, drill&quot; approach is not inherently bullish for prices. Instead, it could constrain additional investment as energy companies prioritize profitability over production.
It is also expected that China will continue to expand its oil and natural gas import relationship with Russia, potentially reducing its demand for global supplies.
&nbsp;
<img alt="" src="https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQF1xzbzF5sNxg/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/article-inline_image-shrink_1500_2232/0/1736112960557?e=1741824000&amp;v=beta&amp;t=ZLJ--czC8WI0r782-THhCZCjWmI6_X3_N6ZXVmAtiM8" style="height:312px; width:650px" />
Given the current fundamental backdrop, WTI crude oil is likely to trade within a range of $67-$75. Any geopolitical risk involving Iran, including greater enforcement of economic sanctions, could add a $2-$4 premium to prices. For the year, any break below $63 may result in crude oil hitting the mid $50 level. The 200-week SMA continues to be a key area of resistance at $80.
Follow me on <a href="https://x.com/KGBULLANDBEAR">X</a>&nbsp;
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

GLNG

In an Unpredictable Market Here Are Some Potential Winners and Losers for the First Quarter

- Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech &amp; Utilities Conference 2025&nbsp;

Events

Chevron CEO Says U.S. Could See A Build Out Of Natural Gas Power Generation To Support Data Center Demand

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in CVX usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Chevron. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 50% leaning bullish and 37% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $120,230, and 6 are calls, amounting to $229,971.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $130.0 to $155.0 for Chevron over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Chevron options trades today is 1478.57 with a total volume of 1,475.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Chevron's big money trades within a strike price range of $130.0 to $155.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Chevron Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735831825_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$149.00</td>
<td>$83.1K</td>
<td>4</td>
<td align="right">252</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$6.15</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$67.6K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td align="right">460</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.45</td>
<td>$2.47</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$44.2K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$7.35</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$37.0K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$2.31</td>
<td>$2.12</td>
<td>$2.2</td>
<td>$146.00</td>
<td>$33.0K</td>
<td>106</td>
<td align="right">321</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chevron</h3>
Chevron is an integrated energy company with exploration, production, and refining operations worldwide. It is the second-largest oil company in the United States with production of 3.1 million of barrels of oil equivalent a day, including 7.7 million cubic feet a day of natural gas and 1.8 million of barrels of liquids a day. Production activities take place in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its refineries are in the US and Asia for total refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. Proven reserves at year-end 2023 stood at 11.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including 6.0 billion barrels of liquids and 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In light of the recent options history for Chevron, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Chevron</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,353,849, the price of CVX is up 1.8% at $147.44. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 29 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Chevron</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $173.66666666666666.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler persists with their Overweight rating on Chevron, maintaining a target price of $173. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Overweight rating for Chevron, targeting a price of $188. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Truist Securities continues to hold a Hold rating for Chevron, targeting a price of $160. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Chevron with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Chevron Unusual Options Activity For January 02

Investors have many strategies when looking at stocks and options, including sector rotation, earnings strength and upcoming catalysts. Value investors often look for strong earnings strength <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dividend-stocks">from dividend stocks.</a>
The Dow Jones Industrial Average includes many dividend-paying stocks, including many blue-chip companies that have consistently raised their dividends.
Here&#8217;s a look at the top-yielding Dow Jones stocks heading into 2025.
What Happened: The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dow-jones-industrial-average"> Dow Jones Industrial Average</a> hit a record high of 45,000 in December as one of many stock indexes to post gains after the 2025 presidential election.
As of Dec. 27, 18 of the Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks have gained year-to-date, while 12 components are trading lower compared to the start of 2024.
While investors can bet on the entire Dow Jones Industrial Average through ETFs like the Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>), investors can also pick individual stocks from the 30 components of the index. Through Dec. 27, the ETF is up 13.4% year-to-date.
One popular strategy is to look at the &#8220;Dogs of the Dow,&#8221; which often coincides with the beaten-down stocks of the index that also offer high dividend payouts.
Here are the highest-yielding Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks to start 2025, with the dividend yield and stock performance in 2024 listed below.
<ol>
<li>Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>): 6.79% yield, +5.9% in 2024</li>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>): 4.53% yield, -3.5% in 2024</li>
<li>Amgen Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>): 3.62% yield, -8.8% in 2024</li>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>): 3.42% yield, -7.5% in 2024</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>): 3.25% yield, -8.5% in 2024</li>
<li>Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KO#NYSE">KO</a>): 3.11% yield, +6.0% in 2025</li>
<li>International Business Machines (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>): 3% yield, +36.2% in 2024</li>
<li>Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSCO#NASDAQ">CSCO</a>): 2.68% yield, +18.0% in 2024</li>
<li>McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>): 2.41% yield, -1.0% in 2024</li>
<li>Procter &amp; Gamble (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PG#NYSE">PG</a>): 2.37% yield, +15.7% in 2024</li>
</ol>
Seven of the top 10 highest-yielding stocks heading into 2025 also appeared on the top 10 list to start 2024 with Merck, McDonald's and Procter &amp; Gamble the newcomers to the Dogs of the Dow list for the new year.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/24/11/41724410/nvidia-joining-dow-jones-industrial-average-where-tech-giant-ranks-in-the-index-why-sh">Nvidia Joining Dow Jones Industrial Average: Where Tech Giant Ranks In The Index, Why Sherwin-Williams Addition Could Be More Important</a>
Component Changes Impact Yields: It's worth noting that dividend investors will have to look elsewhere to chase some of the higher-yielding stocks they have become accustomed to.
Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBA#NASDAQ">WBA</a>), which yields 10.40% and Dow Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>), which yields 6.99% have been replaced and removed from the index.
New 2024 Dow Jones Industrial Average components don't come with high dividend yields. Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) has a dividend yield of 0.80%, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) has a dividend yield of 0.03% and Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) does not pay a dividend.
This means that the yield on ETFs that track the Dow Jones Industrial Average will be lower, with the goal of potentially stronger returns by replacing the underperforming stocks with stocks that have performed better over the past five years.
The latest 30 Dow Jones Industrial Average components see 28 stocks paying out dividends with Amazon and Boeing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) the exceptions.
The average dividend yield of the Dow Jones Industrial Average is around 2%.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent123024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Dividends

AMGN

AMZN

CSCO

Dogs Of The Dow: Top 10 High-Yield Stocks Offering Dividends Up To 6.8% In 2025

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Chevron. Our analysis of options history for Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 20% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $173,100, and 7 were calls, valued at $362,356.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $75.0 to $170.0 for Chevron over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Chevron's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Chevron's whale trades within a strike price range from $75.0 to $170.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Chevron Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735245029_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$2.99</td>
<td>$2.87</td>
<td>$2.99</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$119.6K</td>
<td>9.1K</td>
<td align="right">434</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$4.1</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$93.0K</td>
<td>640</td>
<td align="right">229</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$70.4</td>
<td>$68.55</td>
<td>$69.43</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$69.4K</td>
<td>21</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$45.4</td>
<td>$44.05</td>
<td>$44.64</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$53.5K</td>
<td>20</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CVX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$15.6</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$47.7K</td>
<td>8</td>
<td align="right">45</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chevron</h3>
Chevron is an integrated energy company with exploration, production, and refining operations worldwide. It is the second-largest oil company in the United States with production of 3.1 million of barrels of oil equivalent a day, including 7.7 million cubic feet a day of natural gas and 1.8 million of barrels of liquids a day. Production activities take place in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Its refineries are in the US and Asia for total refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels of oil a day. Proven reserves at year-end 2023 stood at 11.1 billion barrels of oil equivalent, including 6.0 billion barrels of liquids and 30.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
In light of the recent options history for Chevron, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Chevron</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 2,747,664, the price of CVX is down -0.21% at $143.54. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 36 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Chevron</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $179.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Overweight rating for Chevron, targeting a price of $188. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Hold rating on Chevron, which currently sits at a price target of $160. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Buy rating for Chevron, targeting a price of $195. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Chevron, which currently sits at a price target of $173. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Chevron options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

What the Options Market Tells Us About Chevron

The year 2024 saw the U.S. stock market make new records, with major indices breaching key milestones. While many stocks witnessed a stellar rally this year, analysts still expect some blue-chip equities to rise further as they forecast a better return potential.
Dow&#8217;s Performance In 2024
The Dow Jones Industrial Average index hit a record eight 1,000-point milestones this year. It started the year around the 37,000 level and breached the 45,000 level at the beginning of December. It took only seven trading days for the index to go from 44,000 to 45,000, the second fastest 1,000-point milestone ever.
Following that the index also saw one of its longest 10-day losing streak, the first ever since 1974. These 10 days of underperformance stems from a confluence of factors. 
The Dow doesn&#8217;t include all &#8220;Magnificent 7&#8221; stocks like Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>). The recent inclusion of Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) in the Dow has also pulled the index down because of the stock&#8217;s underperformance.
Dow&#8217;s constituent UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has experienced a substantial decline this month following the tragedy with its CEO&#8217;s shooting. Moreover, in essence, the Dow&#8217;s historical advantage of its price-weighted indexing has become a significant disadvantage in today&#8217;s market. This is because, unlike market capitalization-weighted indices, higher-priced stocks have more weight in the calculation of a price-weighted index.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Dow Jones Stocks With The Best And Worst Return Potential</h4>
Analysts still expect that a group of stocks led by Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>), UnitedHealth and Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) within the Dow will rise even more, according to estimates compiled by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com">Benzinga</a>. Others on the list are the Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) and Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>).
To be sure, analysts keep updating their forecasts based on company performance and may change their estimates as the new earnings season begins.
Selection Criteria:
<ul>
<li>The thirty blue-chip stocks in Down Jones.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The highest and lowest return potential is based on the average 12-month target prices from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Companies</td>
<td>M-Cap</td>
<td>Highest PT ($/Share)</td>
<td>Lowest PT ($/Share)</td>
<td>Consensus PT ($/Share)</td>
<td>Upside/Downside Potential</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>)</td>
<td>176.73B</td>
<td>515</td>
<td>174</td>
<td>331.35</td>
<td>31.68%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>)</td>
<td>460.26B</td>
<td>675</td>
<td>460</td>
<td>608.16</td>
<td>28.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>)</td>
<td>86.71B</td>
<td>450</td>
<td>249</td>
<td>371.19</td>
<td>24.08%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)</td>
<td>2,365.04B</td>
<td>290</td>
<td>197</td>
<td>247.05</td>
<td>23.82%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>)</td>
<td>347.83B</td>
<td>215</td>
<td>40</td>
<td>168</td>
<td>22.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chevron Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>)</td>
<td>256.71B</td>
<td>212</td>
<td>160</td>
<td>179.36</td>
<td>21.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE: MRK</td>
<td>248.03B</td>
<td>155</td>
<td>104</td>
<td>126.24</td>
<td>20.76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Salesforce Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crm#NYSE">CRM</a>)</td>
<td>328.87B</td>
<td>450</td>
<td>236</td>
<td>378.52</td>
<td>20.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)</td>
<td>3,246.07B</td>
<td>600</td>
<td>465</td>
<td>508</td>
<td>18.21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Visa Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>)</td>
<td>622.63B</td>
<td>375</td>
<td>252</td>
<td>318.42</td>
<td>17.69%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: Benzinga.com (Data as of Dec. 22, 2024)</figcaption></figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42430296/carson-researchs-50-year-study-suggests-that-the-26-months-old-bull-market-is-far-from-over">Is The 26-Month Bull Market Over? Here Is What Carson Research&#8217;s 50-Year Old Study Tells Us</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Caterpillar Inc</h3>
<ul>
<li>Caterpillar Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAT#NYSE">CAT</a>) has the highest return potential of 31.68% among the Dow Jones constituents.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 28 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $331.35 per share, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CAT/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Truist Securities&#8217; Jamie Cook raised the price target from $454 to $471 per share on Dec. 19, 2024 as he expects significant investments in infrastructure, likely driven by government initiatives and private sector projects to fuel demand for Caterpillar&#8217;s equipment.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Citigroup analyst Kyle Menges maintained a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on the company and raised the price target from $435 to $460 apiece on Dec. 9, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On Dec. 9, JPMorgan analyst Tami Zakaria also reaffirmed her bullish stance on Caterpillar, maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on the stock. Concurrently, she raised the firm&#8217;s price target for Caterpillar from $500 to $515 per share.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">UnitedHealth Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) has the second highest return potential of 28.95% among the Dow Jones constituents.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 26 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $331.35 per share, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UNH/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Oppenheimer raised its price target to $640 from $610 apiece on Dec.6, 2024. The primary reason for the price target increase is that the Oppenheimer analyst is updating their financial model. This update appears to be based solely on the publicly available information disclosed by UnitedHealth in their 8-K filing.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Stephens &amp; Co raised its target price to $675 from $605 per share on Dec. 5, 2024, after conducting a detailed review of the 2025 guidance metrics that UnitedHealth had shared before the fatal shooting of CEO Brian Thompson that led to the cancellation of their investor conference.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Deutsche Bank also increased its target from $595 to $625 apiece as it believes investor positioning into the event is mostly neutral to positive, with almost no one expecting a negative revision versus the third quarter outlook.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sherwin-Williams Company</h3>
<ul>
<li>Sherwin-Williams Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHW#NYSE">SHW</a>) has a return potential of 24.08% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A consensus price target of $371.19 per share was maintained by 25 analysts that track the company, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHW/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Greg Melich from Evercore ISI raised the price target of the Ohio-based paints, coatings and related products manufacturer to $420 from $400 per share on Nov. 7, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>RBC Capital&#8217;s Arun Viswanathan lowered his target on the company from $455 to $446 per share on Oct. 24, 2024. While acknowledging that third-quarter results might not have met investor expectations, Viswanathan emphasized the company&#8217;s potential for market share gains and the positive impact of its upcoming price increase scheduled for January 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Citigroup adjusted its price target from $430 to $420 apiece on Oct. 24 as it anticipates choppy demand in the first half of 2025, which could hinder the rapid pass-through of interest rate cuts.</li>
</ul>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42383725/trump-administrations-deregulation-efforts-to-lift-energy-oil-and-gas-sectors-ai-frenzy-to-aid-faang-stocks-and-nvidia-says-fintech-insider">Trump&#8217;s Deregulation Efforts To Benefit Energy, Oil And Gas Sectors, While AI Frenzy Will Boost FAANG Stocks And Nvidia, Says Fintech Insider</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Amazon.com Inc</h3>
<ul>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has a return potential of 23.82% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>A consensus price target of $247.05 per share was maintained by 39 analysts that track the company, as per <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AMZN/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tigress Financial&#8217;s Ivan Feinseth umped is price target from $245 to $290 apiece on Dec.20, 2024 as it believes Amazon is well-positioned for continued success, driven by robust retail trends, effective utilization of generative AI and its fulfillment network, and the strategic integration of AI across its entire business.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The expectations of strong long-term growth driven by operational efficiency and sustained momentum across its business segments led Bernstein to raise its target price from $235 to $265 per share on Dec. 18, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>According to JPMorgan analyst Douglas Anmuth, Amazon is a best idea for 2025, and confidence in AWS growth in the months to come is a major reason for that. He raised its target price from $250 to $280 apiece on Dec. 18, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Johnson &amp; Johnson</h3>
<ul>
<li>Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>) has the fifth highest return potential in Dow of 22.41% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 21 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $168 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JNJ/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Citigroup&#8217;s Joanne Wuensch lowered Johnson &amp; Johnson&#8217;s price target from $185 to $175 per share while maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating on Dec. 11, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>BofA Securities reinstated coverage of Johnson &amp; Johnson with a &#8216;neutral&#8217; rating and a $166 price target on Dec. 10, 2024. BofA notes that J&amp;J&#8217;s current valuation premium to peers may limit upside potential. However, the analyst acknowledges a &#8220;fairly interesting&#8221; pipeline and anticipates that resolving the talc litigation in 2025 would be beneficial. This analysis was part of BofA&#8217;s broader coverage initiation of 11 large-cap U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Wolfe Research analyst Alexandria Hammond commenced coverage of Johnson &amp; Johnson with an &#8216;outperform&#8217; recommendation and established a price target of $190 per share on Nov. 15, 2024</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chevron Corporation</h3>
<ul>
<li>Chevron Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) has a return potential of 21.42% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 24 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $179.36 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CVX/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Piper Sandler analyst Ryan Todd reduced his price target on the company from $184 to $173 per share on Dec. 19, 2024, while maintaining a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating. Piper Sandler suggests the valuation gap between Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) and Chevron implies a probability of over 65% of the Hess Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HES#NYSE">HES</a>) deal failing out. This scenario presents a potential 15%-25% upside, while a successful deal offers a 5%-10% downside ahead of the upcoming arbitration.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Despite this deal uncertainty, Piper expects Chevron to deliver strong portfolio performance in 2025, driven by project starts and controlled capital expenditures. This is projected to result in a significant free cash flow increase of $6-$7 billion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read raised his target price from $171 to $188 apiece on Dec. 9, 2024</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Truist Securities raised its price target on Chevron to $160 from $155 while maintaining a &#8216;hold&#8217; rating, on Dec. 6, 2024. The analyst highlights Chevron&#8217;s significant inventory, including ample royalties, and expects improved capital efficiency to drive a cash flow inflection in the coming year.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Merck &amp; Co Inc</h3>
<ul>
<li>Merck &amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) has the seventh highest return potential in Dow of 20.76% going into 2025.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>The 27 analysts tracking the company have a consensus price target of $126.24 apiece, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK/analyst-ratings">Benzinga</a>.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>BMO Capital Markets downgraded Merck to &#8216;market perform&#8217; from &#8216;outperform&#8217; lowering the price target from $136 to $105 apiece, on Dec. 20, 2024. The downgrade reflects concerns about the company&#8217;s Gardasil franchise in China and the potential revenue gap as Keytruda faces increased competition from biosimilars and generic drugs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Tim Anderson from BofA Securities maintains his bullish stance on Merck with a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating, while adjusting the price target downward to $121 from $127 per share, on Dec. 10, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Truist analyst Robyn Karnauskas reaffirms a &#8216;buy&#8217; rating for Merck on Nov. 7, 2024, but lowers the price target to $130 from $132 apiece.</li>
</ul>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42642834/market-breadth-turns-positive-after-a-rare-14-day-negative-streak-history-suggests-gains-ahead">Market Breadth Rebounds As Risk Appetite Makes A Comeback: This Analyst Predicts Gains Ahead After S&amp;P 500&#8217;s Record Negative Streak</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

GOOG

TSLA

Top 7 Blue-Chip Stocks With The Best Return Potential Going Into 2025

Warren Buffett&#8216;s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRK#NYSE">BRK</a>) has significantly increased its stake in Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>) through five purchases last week, seemingly diverging from the legendary investor&#8217;s long-held investment principles regarding declining stocks.
What Happened: Regulatory filings show Berkshire acquired <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42622045/whats-going-on-with-occidental-petroleum-shares-friday">approximately 8.9 million shares</a> of Occidental between Dec. 17 and Dec. 19, investing about $405 million at an average price of $46 per share. The purchases have increased Berkshire&#8217;s ownership to 264.2 million shares, representing a 28% stake worth approximately $12 billion.
The move appears to contrast with Buffett&#8217;s own investment philosophy, outlined in his 1988 letter to Berkshire shareholders.
Quoting then-Fidelity Magellan fund manager Peter Lynch, Buffett wrote, &#8220;We are just the opposite of those who hurry to sell and book profits when companies perform well but who tenaciously hang on to businesses that disappoint.&#8221; He likened such behavior to &#8220;cutting the flowers and watering the weeds.&#8221;
Buffett&#8217;s recent decision to reduce his stake in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has sparked speculation, with Berkshire Hathaway gaining $97 billion in cash, raising its cash reserves to a record $325 billion.
While some analysts suggest the sale was driven by Apple&#8217;s high price-to-earnings ratio, others believe Buffett may be preparing for a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41867250/warren-buffetts-apple-stake-reduction-spurs-97b-cash-surge-analysts-speculate-this-could-be-the-reason-behind-berkshire-hathaways-massive-cash-pile">leadership transition or anticipating a crisis</a>.
The recent purchases are notable as they were made at prices significantly below Berkshire&#8217;s previous average cost basis of $54.20 per share. Occidental&#8217;s stock has declined 20.33% this year, with shares trading consistently below $50 in recent weeks.
The increased investment comes amid challenging market conditions for energy companies. The International Energy Agency recently reduced its <a href="https://www.ief.org/news/comparative-analysis-of-monthly-reports-on-the-oil-market-58#:~:text=The%20IEA%20has%20kept%20its%20forecast%20for%20global%20demand%20growth,2024%20Annual%20Demand%20Growth%20Forecasts">forecast</a> for oil demand growth through 2024 and 2025, citing weakening demand from China and increasing supplies from the Americas. 
Crude Oil WTI prices have declined approximately 35.36% since its peak of $112 in June 2022 in the last 5 years.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42665033/tesla-shorts-gordon-johnson-and-james-chanos-express-skepticism-on-robotaxi-potential-as-usage-data-sparks-debate">Tesla Shorts, Gordon Johnson, And James Chanos Express Skepticism On Robotaxi Potential Amid Usage Data Debate</a>
Why It Matters: Occidental&#8217;s financial performance reflects these industry headwinds. The company&#8217;s free cash flow has decreased significantly in recent quarters, dropping to $275 million in the first quarter of 2024 and $548 million in the second quarter, marking the lowest levels since early 2021. However, it rebounded strongly in the third quarter, surging to over $2 billion.
The company&#8217;s next <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OXY/earnings">earnings announcement is scheduled</a> for Feb. 20.
The oil producer currently maintains a dividend yield of 1.84%, notably lower than its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OXY/dividends">historical range</a> of 3.5% to 5% over the past decade. According to <a href="https://www.oxy.com/siteassets/documents/investors/quarterly-earnings/oxy3q24conferencecallslides.pdf">company investor presentations</a>, maintaining a sustainable and growing dividend remains a key priority for Occidental&#8217;s management.
Berkshire&#8217;s continued investment in Occidental represents one of Buffett&#8217;s largest recent positions, even as the company faces industry-wide challenges and stock price pressure. 
The trades have sparked a modest market reaction, with Occidental shares rising from $45.30 to $47.90 following the disclosure of Berkshire&#8217;s purchases, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Wall Street analysts remain optimistic about Occidental, with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OXY/analyst-ratings">consensus price target</a> of $62.86 from 23 analysts. Raymond James set the highest target at $78, while Piper Sandler&#8217;s lowest is $51. Recent ratings from Piper Sandler, Mizuho, and UBS average $57.33, indicating a potential 19.52% upside.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/OXY/analyst-ratings"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/24024615/Screenshot-2024-12-24-at-1.15.16%E2%80%AFPM-1024x381.png" alt="" class="wp-image-705480" style="width:609px;height:auto" /></a></figure>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42664887/apples-near-term-success-will-be-driven-by-strong-holiday-season-iphone-16-says-dan-ives-analyst-sees-stock-hitting-300-cupertino-hitting-4-trillion-marketcap">Apple&#8217;s Near Term Success Will Be Driven By Strong Holiday Season, iPhone 16, Says Dan Ives — Analyst Sees Stock Hitting $300, Cupertino Hitting $4 Trillion Marketcap</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Short Sellers

AAPL

Warren Buffett Once Called Berkshire The 'Opposite Of Those Who Hurry To Sell' — Now He's Offloading Apple And Snapping Up Occidental Petroleum Amid A 20% Drop

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There's a lot to be optimistic about in the Energy sector as 2 analysts just weighed in on Range Resources (RRC – Research Report) and Chevron (CVX...

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Analyst Roger Read from Wells Fargo reiterated a Buy rating on Chevron (CVX – Research Report) and keeping the price target at $188.00. Roger Read ...

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Chevron filed taxes in Venezuela despite sanctions - Bloomberg

Raymond James lowered the firm's price target on Chevron (CVX) to $170 from $175 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. Despite the volatile...

Chevron price target lowered to $170 from $175 at Raymond James

ARCC

BPAQF

COST

MTDR

NSRGF

NSRGY

Press Releases

Chevron Commits an Additional $250,000 to Hurricane Relief Efforts

Chevron Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Chevron Announces 2025 Capex Budget & 4Q24 Interim Updates

Chevron Upgrades Pasadena Refinery to Increase Capacity, Feedstock and Product Flexibility

Synchrony Extends Consumer Credit Card Issuing Agreement with Chevron, Celebrates 17 Years of Innovative Financial Solutions for Consumers

Advisory: Chevron to Present at Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference 2025

Advisory: Chevron Corporation's 4Q 2024 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast

Chevron Bolsters U.S. Gulf of Mexico Production With Whale Facility Startup

Chevron Names Laura Lane Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer; Al Williams to Retire

Brightmark RNG Holdings Achieves Landmark First Gas Milestone at 10 Midwest RNG Projects

Ecopetrol S.A. American Depositary Shares

Ecopetrol

Equinor

Occidental Petroleum Corporation Common Stock

Occidental Petroleum

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Common Stock

Petrobras Brasileiro

Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras American Depositary Shares

Shell PLC American Depositary Shares (each representing two (2) Ordinary Shares)

Shell

TotalEnergies

Exxon Mobil

Raymond James

Truist Securities

Piper Sandler

Wells Fargo

ChevronTexaco

株主たちがチェブロン・コープ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) との530億ドルの合併を承認した後、 ヘス社 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HES#NYSE">HES</a>) の株価が動いている（火曜日）。
出来事の詳細: 3億800万株のうち、過半数の株がこの取引に賛成の投票を行い、合併に向けた障壁の1つが取り払われた。この合併に賛成の投票は、追加の補償を求めていた株主の主張を終わらせることになる。
この取引は規制当局による承認がまだ必要であり、この取引についてはガイアナにおけるヘス社のパートナーとの仲裁が行われることになる。また、この仲裁が2025年まで取引を押し戻す可能性もある。
ヘスのCEOジョン・ヘス氏が「私たちの株主の過半数がこの戦略的な取引の魅力的な価値を認識してくれたことを大変嬉しく思います。そしてチェブロンとの合併を成功裏に成立させることを楽しみにしています」と述べた。
「私たちはFTC（連邦取引委員会）規制プロセスを、今後数週間以内に終了させると予想しています」とチェブロンの広報担当者は述べた。「私たちは仲裁において先買権についての立場が確認されると確信しています。」

CNNマネーのFear and Greed指数は、全体の市場センチメントにわずかな改善を示しましたが、指数は木曜日も「恐怖」ゾーンに留まりました。
経済報告の発表に続き、米国株は下落
米国の景気は第1四半期に年率1.6％増となり、2023年第4四半期の年率3.4％の伸びから大幅な減少を記録しました。しかし、アナリストらは2.5％の増加を予想していました。個人消費支出のためのコア価格指数は、前の3か月間の2％から第1四半期に年率3.7％増となりました。
Merck &amp; Co., Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) は第1四半期の業績予想を上回る決算を発表し、2024年のガイダンスも上方修正しました。Bristol Myers Squibb &amp; Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMY#NYSE">BMY</a>) の株価は、同社が第1四半期に損失を出した後に8％以上下落しました。 Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) の株価は、第1四半期の決算を発表してから10％以上下がりました。
S&amp;P 500指数のセクターのうち、コミュニケーションサービス、ヘルスケア、不動産では木曜日に大きな損失を記録しましたが、材料およびエネルギー株が全体の市場の傾向から逸脱して上昇しました。
ダウ平均は木曜日に約375ポイント下落し、38085.80で取引を終えました。S&amp;P500指数は5,048.42で0.46％下落し、ナスダック総合株価指数は前日比0.64％安の15,611.76で取引を終えました。
本日、Phillips 66（NYSE：<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSX#NYSE">PSX</a>）、Chevron Corporation（NYSE：<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>）および Exxon Mobil Corporation（NYSE：<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>）の決算を投資家は待っています。
木曜日、指数は現在40.2で、「恐怖」ゾーンに留まっていますが、先行読み込みは39.1でした。
CNNビジネスのFear &amp; Greedインデックスとは？
Fear &amp; Greed Indexは、現在の市場センチメントを測定する指標です。この指標は、恐怖が高まることで株価に圧力がかかる一方で、強欲が高まると逆の効果があるという前提に基づいています。この指標は7つの均等重み指標を基に計算されています。指標の幅は0から100で、0は最大の恐怖を示し、100は最大の強欲を示します。
今週注目のニュース： <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38430578/top-3-financial-stocks-that-could-sink-your-portfolio-this-quarter">今四半期、あなたのポートフォリオに穴を空けるかもしれない3つの金融株</a>

金曜日の朝、米国株式先物は高く推移し、本日投資家の関心を集める可能性がある銘柄は以下の通りです。
<ul>
<li>ウォール街は、オープニングベル前に1株あたり2.20ドルの四半期純利益、78.35億ドルの収益でExxon Mobil Corporation（NYSE: XOM）の決算を予想しています（<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>のデータ）。取引時間外で、同社の株は0.3％安の121.00ドルに推移しました。</li>
<li>木曜日、マイクロソフト（Microsoft Corp）（NASDAQ:MSFT）は第3四半期の予想を上回る業績と売上高を発表しました。同社の売上高は前年同期比17％増の619億ドルとなり、これはBenzinga Proによるコンセンサス予想の608.04億ドルを上回る結果となりました。この企業の四半期純利益は1株あたり2.94ドルで、これは1株あたり2.82ドルのアナリスト予想を上回る結果となりました。取引時間外で、マイクロソフトの株は4.4％上昇し、416.70ドルを記録しています。</li>
<li>アナリストは、Chevron Corporation（NYSE:CVX）の四半期決算は1株あたり2.87ドルの利益、506.6億ドルの収益を計上すると予想しています。同社は市場オープン前に決算を発表します。取引時間外で、シェブロンの株は0.3％下落し、164.85ドルを記録しています。</li>
</ul>
当社の<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">売り上げ前の取材内容をチェックしてください</a>
<ul>
<li>アルファベット（Alphabet Inc）（NASDAQ:GOOG）（NASDAQ:GOOGL）は、第1四半期の業績を上回る結果を発表しました。Alphabet社の取締役会は最大700億ドルの追加株式買い戻しプログラムを承認し、また配当金の支払いを発表しました。この企業の株は取引時間外で11.5％上昇し、1株176.08ドルを記録しました。</li>
<li>アナリストは、Phillips 66（NYSE:PSX）がオープニングベル前に1株あたり2.17ドルの四半期純利益、330.8億ドルの収益を計上すると予想しています。取引時間外で、フィリップス66の株は0.3％上昇し、157.77ドルを記録しています。</li>
</ul>
他にもチェック: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38430578/top-3-financial-stocks-that-could-sink-your-portfolio-this-quarter">今四半期、あなたのポートフォリオを沈めるかもしれないトップ3の金融株</a>

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