What happened?
Oil producers Chevron (CVX) and Exxon Mobil (XOM) reported their Q1 earnings. Both companies delivered weaker-than-expected financial results. Is there any sense in pursuing the stocks of this sector?
Why is it important?
In general
Both companies had similar problems. Firstly, oil prices were lower than a year ago. Secondly, the refining and chemicals business brought weaker profit margins.
For investors
In the first 3 months of 2019, Chevron earned 27% less than in Q1 a year earlier, while Exxon’s profit fell by nearly 50% from a year ago.
Both companies responded to the decline in oil prices by increasing output. Chevron’s oil and gas production surged nearly sixfold. The company now has a rival for its $33 billion deal this month to buy Anadarko Petroleum. Chevron decided to make this purchase to further increase its presence in the key Ameican Permian Basin: the producer plans to double the output from there by 2023. As for Exxon, it announced in March plans to increase oil and gas production from the Permian Basin by 80%.
The majority of analysts prefer Chevron to Exxon. According to Bloomberg, the most favored oil company among analysts is Total. Chevron occupies the second place. As a result, if all goes well with Anadarko, Chevron has better chances to rebound.
Meanwhile, if you are looking at a really-really long-term picture, oil stocks shouldn’t be your first choice. After all, the trend is still on efficiency and renewable energy. When the importance of Permian fields declines, the stocks of the US oil producers will be in trouble.
For traders
Chevron stock clearly reversed to the downside in April. The levels to watch on the downside are $113.80 and $110.60. Resistance is located at the 100- and 200-day MAs at 118.00 and 118.60.
Exxon stock failed to close the bearish gap and formed a candlestick with a long upper wick on the daily chart. A decline below $79 will open the way down to $76.70 (200-day MA).
Stocks can be traded as CFDs at eToro.
