Goldman Sachs resumes coverage on Expand Energy with buy, cuts Occidental to sell By Investing.com
Goldman Sachs Coverage on Expand Energy Corp: Goldman Sachs has reinstated a "Buy" rating for Expand Energy Corp (NASDAQ:EXE) with a price target of $121, emphasizing its operational efficiency and strategic positioning in key natural gas basins after its merger with Chesapeake Energy and Southwestern Energy.
Downgrades for Other Companies: The bank downgraded Magnolia Oil & Gas to "Neutral" with a price target of $26 and Occidental Petroleum to "Sell," citing concerns over capital returns and balance sheet issues, while noting potential long-term improvements for Occidental.
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- Earnings Release Schedule: Expand Energy Corporation will release its operational and financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2025 after market close on February 17, 2026, which is expected to provide investors with critical performance metrics and future outlook.
- Conference Call Timing: A conference call is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST, where the company will discuss the financial results and answer investor questions, enhancing transparency and investor confidence.
- Participation Details: Investors can access the live webcast link through the company's website and register to receive dial-in information and a unique PIN, ensuring smooth participation in the call.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be available on Expand Energy's website following the meeting, allowing investors who could not attend live to review the content, thereby improving information accessibility.
- Manufacturing Index Surge: The US January ISM manufacturing index rose by 4.7 to 52.6, surpassing expectations of 48.5, marking the strongest expansion in over 3.25 years, which bolstered market optimism and contributed to stock gains.
- Chip Stocks Rally: Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks performed strongly on Monday, with Sandisk (SNDK) surging over 15% to lead the S&P 500 gainers, reflecting strong demand for tech stocks and a recovery in investor confidence.
- Energy Stocks Under Pressure: Energy producers faced headwinds as WTI crude oil prices fell more than 4%, with Diamondback Energy (FANG) and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) both declining over 3%, indicating growing concerns in the energy sector.
- Cryptocurrency Market Retreats: Bitcoin plummeted over 7% to a 9.75-month low, leading to widespread declines in cryptocurrency-related stocks, with Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Strategy (MSTR) both dropping over 6%, reflecting weakened investor confidence in the crypto market.
- Underperforming Energy Stocks: Expand Energy (EXE) reported a -1.68% performance over the past month, despite holding a Buy Quant Rating of 4.25, indicating market confidence in its potential but highlighting significant recent challenges that have led to its underperformance relative to the sector.
- Sector Performance Overview: Antero Resources (AR) and EQT (EQT) achieved modest gains of +1.99% and +3.28%, respectively, yet both remain among the weakest performers in the energy sector, suggesting a sluggish recovery across the oil and gas industry.
- Bottom Performers Analysis: DT Midstream (DTM) and MPLX LP (MPLX) posted +3.87% and +4.13% gains, respectively, further emphasizing the widespread underperformance in the oil and gas exploration, production, and storage sectors, reflecting a lack of investor confidence in these companies.
- Market Trend Observation: While some energy stocks like Coterra Energy (CTRA) and Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) saw increases of +7.10% and +6.86%, respectively, the overall performance of energy stocks remains influenced by supply risks and market sentiment, necessitating caution among investors.

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- Natural Gas Producers in Focus: The surge in natural gas prices due to Winter Storm Fern has put companies like Antero Resources and EOG Resources in the spotlight, with analysts predicting significant upside potential for these producers amid production disruptions.
- Equipment Manufacturers at Risk: The freezing of natural gas equipment and pipelines could halt operations for energy transfer companies such as Energy Transfer and Kinder Morgan, potentially impacting their production and revenue.
- Power Supply Assurance: PJM, the largest U.S. power grid, has warned of a potential winter peak, prompting CenterPoint Energy and Duke Energy to implement emergency plans to ensure reliable power supply during the storm.
- Airline Industry Disruption: The storm has led to the cancellation of over 9,400 flights by airlines including Delta, JetBlue, and United Airlines, causing widespread travel disruptions and affecting numerous travelers nationwide.










