Why Are Oil Prices Persistently Low?
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 03 2026
0mins
Source: CNBC
- Iran Conflict Impact: Despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., market optimism regarding a resolution has kept oil prices below $100, indicating complex investor expectations that could lead to increased volatility in oil prices.
- Declining Chinese Demand: JPMorgan's analyst reported a surprising 9% drop in China's oil demand, equivalent to 1.5 million barrels per day, which may reduce global demand pressure and influence oil price trends.
- Global Supply Surplus: The world is experiencing an oversupply of oil, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE ramping up production, which is expected to further depress prices, especially as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being drawn down at a rate of 8-9 million barrels per week.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Market expectations for oil prices have turned pessimistic, with Trump suggesting that prices will drop sharply, potentially undermining investor confidence in oil companies and affecting their stock performance.
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Analyst Views on PR
Wall Street analysts forecast PR stock price to fall
17 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 19.260
Low
14.00
Averages
18.33
High
21.00
Current: 19.260
Low
14.00
Averages
18.33
High
21.00
About PR
Permian Resources Corporation is an independent oil and natural gas company. The Company is focused on the acquisition, optimization and development of oil and natural gas properties. The Company's assets and operations are primarily concentrated in the core of the Permian Basin, and its properties consist of large, contiguous acreage blocks located in West Texas and New Mexico. Its position consists of approximately 475,000 net acres in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico. The majority of its assets are concentrated within the Delaware Basin in Eddy and Lea Counties, New Mexico and Reeves and Ward Counties, Texas.
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.
Why Are Oil Prices Persistently Low?
- Iran Conflict Impact: Despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., market optimism regarding a resolution has kept oil prices below $100, indicating complex investor expectations that could lead to increased volatility in oil prices.
- Declining Chinese Demand: JPMorgan's analyst reported a surprising 9% drop in China's oil demand, equivalent to 1.5 million barrels per day, which may reduce global demand pressure and influence oil price trends.
- Global Supply Surplus: The world is experiencing an oversupply of oil, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE ramping up production, which is expected to further depress prices, especially as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being drawn down at a rate of 8-9 million barrels per week.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Market expectations for oil prices have turned pessimistic, with Trump suggesting that prices will drop sharply, potentially undermining investor confidence in oil companies and affecting their stock performance.
See More
Emerging Opportunities in Energy Companies
- Permian Resources Efficiency Gains: In its Q1 2026 report, Permian Resources achieved a record oil production of approximately 192,300 barrels per day while reducing drilling and completion costs to about $685 per lateral foot, a 6% decrease from 2025's average, enabling the company to capture a larger share of cash flow during rising crude prices.
- Kosmos Energy LNG Potential: Kosmos Energy holds a 27% stake in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, reporting a net production of about 74,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q1 2026, a 25% year-over-year increase, with full-year LNG cargo guidance of 32 to 36, indicating an improving cash flow profile.
- Weatherford International Growth: Weatherford International flagged a profit impact of $30 million to $50 million in H1 2026 due to Middle East conflicts, but anticipates stronger growth in the second half driven by project ramps in Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, highlighting its international exposure.
- Diversified Investment Strategy: As oil prices trend higher, the combination of Permian Resources, Kosmos Energy, and Weatherford International offers a compelling investment opportunity across low-cost operations, LNG growth, and international service rebounds, despite the unique risks each faces.
See More
Permian Resources to Announce Q1 Earnings on May 6
- Earnings Announcement: Permian Resources is set to release its Q1 2023 earnings on May 6 after market close, with consensus EPS estimated at $0.38 and revenue projected at $1.41 billion, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year growth, which will provide investors with a fresh perspective on the company's financial health.
- Earnings Estimate Revisions: Over the past three months, EPS estimates have seen 10 upward revisions and 2 downward adjustments, while revenue estimates have experienced 9 upward revisions and 1 downward, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's future performance, which could positively impact its stock price.
- Ongoing Growth Strategy: Permian Resources continues to implement its rollup strategy aimed at driving growth through acquisitions and optimizing resource allocation, and the success of this strategy will further solidify its position in the industry and potentially attract more investor interest.
- Market Dynamics Impact: Amidst downgrades of oil stocks by Roth due to likely peak crude prices, Permian Resources' earnings report is still viewed as a crucial indicator for assessing its market performance and future growth potential.
See More
Wall Street's Optimistic Price Targets for Stocks
- LifeStance Health Risks: LifeStance Health Group (LFST) has a revenue base of only $1.42 billion, lacking the economies of scale enjoyed by industry giants, and its free cash flow margin of 0.5% over the past five years constrains its ability to self-fund growth or return capital, with a current share price of $6.90 reflecting a forward P/E of 22.9.
- Meta's Growth Potential: Meta (META) has achieved a 29.9% annual growth in average revenue per user over the past two years, and its stock buybacks have led to a 51.3% increase in earnings per share, with a current share price of $672.76 and a forward EV/EBITDA of 12.2, indicating strong profitability and investment returns.
- Permian Resources' Strong Performance: Permian Resources (PR) has seen an impressive annual revenue growth of 43.3% over the last decade, boasting a best-in-class gross margin of 75.7% and a free cash flow margin of 27.2%, with a current stock price of $20.40 reflecting a forward P/E of 10.4, showcasing flexibility in capital deployment.
- Market Outlook Analysis: While analysts set optimistic price targets for these stocks, caution is advised as market sentiment can lead to overly optimistic forecasts, prompting investors to focus on the companies' fundamentals and potential risks.
See More
Analyst Bullish on Energy Stock Investment Opportunities
- Optimistic Oil Outlook: Analyst Mehta emphasizes a long-term view that Brent crude will normalize at $75 per barrel, despite current ICE Brent futures trading over 8% lower, presenting potential buying opportunities for energy stocks.
- Quality Stock Picks: Companies like ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Permian Resources, and Vistra are highlighted as top picks with over 18% upside potential, all of which pay dividends, enhancing their investment appeal.
- Capital Expenditure Growth: Mehta notes that ConocoPhillips' capital spending will significantly boost free cash flow, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 20% to 25% per share through 2030, further driving its stock price upward.
- Market Volatility Opportunities: Although major energy stocks fell due to declining oil prices, Goldman Sachs suggests this could represent a buying opportunity, particularly for dividend-paying energy stocks, indicating potential market rebound space.
See More
Energy Stocks Hit by Oil Price Drop, Buying Opportunities Arise
- 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.
See More
Why Are Oil Prices Persistently Low?
- Iran Conflict Impact: Despite ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., market optimism regarding a resolution has kept oil prices below $100, indicating complex investor expectations that could lead to increased volatility in oil prices.
- Declining Chinese Demand: JPMorgan's analyst reported a surprising 9% drop in China's oil demand, equivalent to 1.5 million barrels per day, which may reduce global demand pressure and influence oil price trends.
- Global Supply Surplus: The world is experiencing an oversupply of oil, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE ramping up production, which is expected to further depress prices, especially as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being drawn down at a rate of 8-9 million barrels per week.
- Market Sentiment Shift: Market expectations for oil prices have turned pessimistic, with Trump suggesting that prices will drop sharply, potentially undermining investor confidence in oil companies and affecting their stock performance.
See More
Emerging Opportunities in Energy Companies
- Permian Resources Efficiency Gains: In its Q1 2026 report, Permian Resources achieved a record oil production of approximately 192,300 barrels per day while reducing drilling and completion costs to about $685 per lateral foot, a 6% decrease from 2025's average, enabling the company to capture a larger share of cash flow during rising crude prices.
- Kosmos Energy LNG Potential: Kosmos Energy holds a 27% stake in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, reporting a net production of about 74,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day in Q1 2026, a 25% year-over-year increase, with full-year LNG cargo guidance of 32 to 36, indicating an improving cash flow profile.
- Weatherford International Growth: Weatherford International flagged a profit impact of $30 million to $50 million in H1 2026 due to Middle East conflicts, but anticipates stronger growth in the second half driven by project ramps in Argentina, Brazil, and Australia, highlighting its international exposure.
- Diversified Investment Strategy: As oil prices trend higher, the combination of Permian Resources, Kosmos Energy, and Weatherford International offers a compelling investment opportunity across low-cost operations, LNG growth, and international service rebounds, despite the unique risks each faces.
See More
Permian Resources to Announce Q1 Earnings on May 6
- Earnings Announcement: Permian Resources is set to release its Q1 2023 earnings on May 6 after market close, with consensus EPS estimated at $0.38 and revenue projected at $1.41 billion, reflecting a 2.2% year-over-year growth, which will provide investors with a fresh perspective on the company's financial health.
- Earnings Estimate Revisions: Over the past three months, EPS estimates have seen 10 upward revisions and 2 downward adjustments, while revenue estimates have experienced 9 upward revisions and 1 downward, indicating growing analyst confidence in the company's future performance, which could positively impact its stock price.
- Ongoing Growth Strategy: Permian Resources continues to implement its rollup strategy aimed at driving growth through acquisitions and optimizing resource allocation, and the success of this strategy will further solidify its position in the industry and potentially attract more investor interest.
- Market Dynamics Impact: Amidst downgrades of oil stocks by Roth due to likely peak crude prices, Permian Resources' earnings report is still viewed as a crucial indicator for assessing its market performance and future growth potential.
See More
Wall Street's Optimistic Price Targets for Stocks
- LifeStance Health Risks: LifeStance Health Group (LFST) has a revenue base of only $1.42 billion, lacking the economies of scale enjoyed by industry giants, and its free cash flow margin of 0.5% over the past five years constrains its ability to self-fund growth or return capital, with a current share price of $6.90 reflecting a forward P/E of 22.9.
- Meta's Growth Potential: Meta (META) has achieved a 29.9% annual growth in average revenue per user over the past two years, and its stock buybacks have led to a 51.3% increase in earnings per share, with a current share price of $672.76 and a forward EV/EBITDA of 12.2, indicating strong profitability and investment returns.
- Permian Resources' Strong Performance: Permian Resources (PR) has seen an impressive annual revenue growth of 43.3% over the last decade, boasting a best-in-class gross margin of 75.7% and a free cash flow margin of 27.2%, with a current stock price of $20.40 reflecting a forward P/E of 10.4, showcasing flexibility in capital deployment.
- Market Outlook Analysis: While analysts set optimistic price targets for these stocks, caution is advised as market sentiment can lead to overly optimistic forecasts, prompting investors to focus on the companies' fundamentals and potential risks.
See More
Analyst Bullish on Energy Stock Investment Opportunities
- Optimistic Oil Outlook: Analyst Mehta emphasizes a long-term view that Brent crude will normalize at $75 per barrel, despite current ICE Brent futures trading over 8% lower, presenting potential buying opportunities for energy stocks.
- Quality Stock Picks: Companies like ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, Permian Resources, and Vistra are highlighted as top picks with over 18% upside potential, all of which pay dividends, enhancing their investment appeal.
- Capital Expenditure Growth: Mehta notes that ConocoPhillips' capital spending will significantly boost free cash flow, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 20% to 25% per share through 2030, further driving its stock price upward.
- Market Volatility Opportunities: Although major energy stocks fell due to declining oil prices, Goldman Sachs suggests this could represent a buying opportunity, particularly for dividend-paying energy stocks, indicating potential market rebound space.
See More
Energy Stocks Hit by Oil Price Drop, Buying Opportunities Arise
- 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.
See More
