ConocoPhillips vs. Viper Energy: Which Energy Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

The article compares ConocoPhillips and Viper Energy as investment options for 2026. ConocoPhillips, a global independent E&P company, is recommended as the better choice due to its diversified operations, stronger financial performance ($61.6B revenue, $8.0B net income in FY2025), lower valuation (10.6x Forward P/E), and dividend payments of $3.30 per share. Viper Energy, a mineral and royalty company focused on the Permian Basin, offers a capital-light model but faces challenges including a $68M net loss in 2025, heavy dependence on operator Diamondback Energy, and no dividend, though analysts project a recovery with $500M+ net income expected in 2026.

06/19/2026, 10:12 AM • The Motley Fool

This Top Oil Stock Expects an Unlikely Source to Help It Double Its Free Cash Flow by 2029.

ConocoPhillips is betting on its $9 billion Willow project in Alaska's North Slope to drive significant cash flow growth. The company expects $7 billion in incremental free cash flow by 2029, with $4 billion coming from Willow production and $3 billion from cost-reduction measures. This could support dividend growth and share buybacks, though projections depend on crude oil staying above $70 per barrel.

06/16/2026, 2:30 AM • The Motley Fool

Why ConocoPhillips Stock Dropped Today

Oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday (Brent crude down 3%, WTI down 3.5%) after U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz are rising significantly, suggesting global oil supplies may be less tight than previously thought. However, ConocoPhillips stock only declined about 2.2%, outperforming the broader oil market decline. The author expresses skepticism about sustained price relief due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

06/09/2026, 3:37 PM • The Motley Fool

Chevron’s Oil Leverage Makes CVX a Direct Bet on Hormuz Risk

Chevron (CVX) is a highly leveraged bet on crude oil prices and geopolitical risk in the Strait of Hormuz. The stock has declined from $214.71 to $188 as oil prices fell 20% on ceasefire hopes between the U.S. and Iran. While CVX offers a fortress dividend with 39 years of consecutive growth and a reasonable 14x forward P/E multiple, its earnings are heavily dependent on oil prices remaining elevated. The stock faces a binary outcome: if the ceasefire holds, crude falls and CVX declines further; if talks collapse, crude spikes and CVX rallies significantly. Notable headwinds include Berkshire Hathaway's 35% stake reduction and insider selling.

06/05/2026, 2:03 PM • Investing

ExxonMobil’s Iran Exposure Turns a Strong Operator Into an Oil Tape Proxy

ExxonMobil's stock performance is heavily dependent on crude oil prices and Iran geopolitical tensions rather than its strong operational fundamentals. While the company boasts record Permian and Guyana production, a $20 billion buyback program, 43 years of dividend growth, and a fortress balance sheet (0.16 debt-to-equity), Q1 2026 earnings hit a 5-year low due to Middle East conflicts disrupting ~15% of output. The stock trades as an oil proxy with a dividend attached, vulnerable to crude volatility and Strait of Hormuz closure risks.

06/02/2026, 3:05 PM • Investing

Gas Shortages Are Coming, and Chevron's CEO Says Economies Will Have to Slow. These Consumer Stocks Are Most at Risk.

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth warns of imminent physical gas shortages due to potential Strait of Hormuz closure from the Iran war, comparing the impact to 1970s OPEC embargo. As strategic reserves deplete, economies will slow and energy costs will ripple across sectors—benefiting oil companies but hurting transportation, consumer products, and discretionary goods makers.

05/25/2026, 5:27 AM • The Motley Fool

'The Revenge Of Old Economy In Real Time:' Top Wall Street Voice Calls A Commodity Supercycle

Jeffrey Currie, former Goldman Sachs commodities head, calls a major commodity supercycle driven by AI's physical asset requirements. He argues a 1,000-basis-point gap in free cash flow yields between energy stocks (7x P/E, 15.5% FCF yield) and Magnificent 7 tech stocks (28x P/E, 1.5% FCF yield) is unsustainable, predicting capital rotation from tech to commodities. The shift is backed by 15 years of underinvestment in refining, oil/gas, and mining capacity, coinciding with deglobalization, electrification, and synchronized fiscal expansion.

05/15/2026, 2:19 PM • Benzinga

Shell's CEO Says the Oil Market Is Short 1 Billion Barrels and Getting Worse. Here's What Investors Should Do Now.

Shell's CEO reports a global oil supply shortage of nearly 1 billion barrels due to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure, with Persian Gulf production down 57%. The world is burning through stockpiles at record rates, and even with a peace deal, recovery could take months. Oil prices are expected to remain elevated through 2027, benefiting oil stocks while pressuring energy-intensive industries.

05/08/2026, 3:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Earnings Season Shows Resilient Consumers and Surging AI Demand

Earnings season reveals resilient consumer spending despite higher gas prices and geopolitical tensions. Major banks and consumer-facing companies report strong performance, while tech giants demonstrate exceptional AI-driven growth with massive capital investments. S&P 500 earnings estimates have increased, with all 11 sectors expected to deliver positive growth in 2026 for the first time since 2021.

05/06/2026, 1:44 PM • Investing

Prediction: Where Chevron Stock Will Be in 1 Year

Chevron stock is predicted to gain 10-20% over the next year, driven by strong production growth from the Hess acquisition, cost-cutting initiatives, and sustained high oil prices. However, risks include potential oil price declines from U.S.-Iran peace negotiations or a recession impacting energy demand. The company is likely to extend its 40-year dividend increase streak.

05/04/2026, 5:10 AM • The Motley Fool

Oil Could Hit $150 or Higher, Experts Warn. These Energy Stocks Are Built for the Shock.

Oil prices could surge to $150 or higher if the Strait of Hormuz closure persists, according to JPMorgan and other experts. The supply disruption has already pushed crude to nearly $120 a barrel. Low-cost oil producers like Chevron and ConocoPhillips are positioned to benefit significantly from higher prices, with substantial increases in free cash flow enabling share buybacks and dividend growth.

05/02/2026, 6:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Higher Oil Prices Are Boosting This Oil Stock's Profits. Here's How It's Using That Windfall.

ConocoPhillips reported strong Q1 2026 earnings of $1.89 per share, significantly beating analyst expectations, driven by higher oil prices ($50.36/BOE). The company is increasing its capital budget to $12-12.5 billion for additional Permian Basin drilling while maintaining substantial financial flexibility. With oil prices expected to remain elevated, ConocoPhillips projects over $25 billion in operating cash flow for 2026, enabling continued dividend payments, share buybacks, and debt reduction.

05/01/2026, 5:30 AM • The Motley Fool

ConocoPhillips Says Middle East Conflict Has Global Economy Feeling The Pain

ConocoPhillips reported Q1 2026 earnings that beat expectations with adjusted EPS of $1.89 vs. consensus of $1.64 and revenue of $16.054 billion exceeding $15.548 billion estimate. However, production declined 80 MBOED year-over-year to 2.3 million BOE/day, and realized oil prices fell 6% to $50.36/barrel. CEO Ryan Lance highlighted Middle East conflict risks to global energy security and economic stability. The company maintained full-year production guidance and announced a $0.84/share dividend, but shares fell 1.57% on the day.

04/30/2026, 2:18 PM • Benzinga

JPMorgan Says Oil Prices Still Have Room to Run. Here's What Energy Investors Need to Know.

JPMorgan analysts believe oil prices don't yet reflect the full impact of the Iran conflict on global markets. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, Persian Gulf oil production is down 57%. Even after the strait reopens, it could take months to restore production, keeping oil prices elevated for the rest of 2026. This windfall will significantly boost cash flows for major oil companies like ConocoPhillips and Occidental Petroleum, likely leading to increased share buybacks.

04/28/2026, 9:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Top Technology Executives Recognized at the 2026 HoustonCIO ORBIE Awards

The HoustonCIO ORBIE Awards recognized seven leading CIOs and technology executives for exceptional leadership and business transformation. Winners included executives from SLB, ConocoPhillips, Oceaneering, ABM Industries, Expro, Houston Airport System, and Capital Farm Credit across various organizational size categories. The awards, hosted by HoustonCIO as part of the Inspire Leadership Network, brought together over 350 executives and industry leaders.

04/24/2026, 1:52 PM • GlobeNewswire