Sempra Divests Stake to Support Growth of US Utility Operations
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 23 2025
0mins
Should l Buy COP?
Source: Benzinga
Sempra's Major Stake Sale: Sempra announced a $10 billion deal to sell a 45% stake in Sempra Infrastructure Partners to KKR & Co and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, aiming to strengthen its balance sheet and focus on U.S. regulated utilities.
Port Arthur LNG Expansion: Sempra Infrastructure Partners has approved a $14 billion expansion of the Port Arthur LNG project, which includes new liquefaction trains and is backed by significant equity financing from major investors, with operations expected to start in 2030 and 2031.
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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: 118.900
Low
98.00
Averages
115.67
High
133.00
Current: 118.900
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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- Resource Potential: The PPF project is expected to deliver between 90 million and 120 million barrels of recoverable gas and condensate, further solidifying ConocoPhillips' position in the energy market and meeting the increasing energy demands in Europe.
- Production Timeline: First gas production is anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2028, providing the company with a long-term revenue stream and supporting its strategic positioning in the renewable energy transition.
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- Strait of Hormuz Blockade: The International Energy Agency noted that Iran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, impacting about 20% of global oil supplies, with normal export recovery expected to take months, disrupting global supply chains.
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- Stable Labor Market: Initial US unemployment claims rose by 10,000 to 200,000, below expectations of 205,000, indicating labor market resilience, while continuing claims unexpectedly fell to a 2.25-year low of 1.766 million.
- Strong Corporate Earnings: So far, 84% of the 411 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings have beaten estimates, with Q1 earnings projected to climb 12% year-over-year, reflecting ongoing improvements in corporate profitability, although growth outside the tech sector is only 3%.
See More
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- Surge in Oil Prices: The war with Iran has caused WTI crude prices to rise by 85% to over $100 per barrel, leading to record depletion of global oil stockpiles and creating market uncertainty.
- Caution from Major Players: Oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron are maintaining their capital spending plans, with Chevron's budget set at $18 billion to $19 billion, ensuring flexibility in a volatile market environment.
- Proactive Smaller Firms: ConocoPhillips has raised its capital budget from $12 billion to $12.5 billion to increase Permian activity in response to supply disruptions and higher oil prices, aiming to maintain operational efficiency.
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