Energy Stocks Hit by Oil Price Drop, Buying Opportunities Arise
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 17 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Oil Price Impact: Brent crude futures fell over 8% and West Texas Intermediate dropped 10%, leading to a broad decline in energy stocks, which may present buying opportunities for stocks favored by Goldman Sachs.
- Goldman’s Stock Picks: Analyst Neil Mehta noted that despite geopolitical and commodity volatility, the energy stocks he recommends are fundamentally supported in the mid-term, particularly with a bullish long-term view that Brent crude will normalize at $75 per barrel.
- Cash Flow Growth Potential: ConocoPhillips is expected to achieve a 20% to 25% compound annual growth rate in free cash flow per share through cost reductions and major projects coming online, with a price target of $144 implying an 18% upside from Thursday's close.
- Electrification Investment Theme: Vistra is performing well under the electrification theme, with attractive fundamentals, a price target of $212 suggesting a 28% upside, and recent agreements with Meta providing additional support for future growth.
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Analyst Views on COP
Wall Street analysts forecast COP stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 117.870
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
Current: 117.870
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
About COP
ConocoPhillips is an exploration and production company. Its Alaska segment primarily explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. The Lower 48 segment consists of operations located in the 48 contiguous states in the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. Canadian operations consist of the Surmont oil sands development in Alberta, the liquids-rich Montney unconventional play in British Columbia and commercial operations. The Europe, Middle East and North Africa segment consists of operations principally located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, Qatar, Libya, Equatorial Guinea and commercial and terminalling operations in the United Kingdom. Asia Pacific segment has exploration and production operations in China, Malaysia, Australia and commercial operations in China, Singapore and Japan. Other International segment includes interests in Colombia as well as contingencies associated with prior operations in other countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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