Melius Research Upgrades Chevron on Exploration and Venezuela Potential
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1 hour ago
0mins
Should l Buy CVX?
Source: CNBC
- Increased Exploration Spending: Melius Research upgraded Chevron to a buy rating and set a price target of $205, suggesting a 13% upside, driven by the company's renewed focus on ramping up exploration spending, which is expected to increase by 50%.
- Management Restructuring: The analyst highlighted a recent reshuffle in Chevron's management team to prioritize younger, home-grown leaders, positioning the company for its next growth phase and demonstrating a proactive approach to talent acquisition.
- New Opportunities in Libya and Iraq: Chevron has increased its acreage by 50% over the past two years, with new entry opportunities identified in Libya and Iraq, and plans to drill 10 to 15 exploration wells, enhancing its global exploration capabilities.
- Venezuela Potential: Chevron's assets in Venezuela remain at performance levels despite the country's production collapse over the past two decades, and the analyst believes the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region.
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Analyst Views on CVX
Wall Street analysts forecast CVX stock price to fall
19 Analyst Rating
15 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 183.740
Low
158.00
Averages
176.95
High
206.00
Current: 183.740
Low
158.00
Averages
176.95
High
206.00
About CVX
Chevron Corporation is an integrated energy company. The Company produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance its business and industry. The Company’s segments include Upstream and Downstream. Upstream operations consist primarily of exploring for, developing, producing and transporting crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation and regasification associated with LNG; transporting crude oil by major international oil export pipelines; processing, transporting, storage and marketing of natural gas; carbon capture and storage; and a gas-to-liquids plant. Downstream operations consist primarily of the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing crude oil, refined products, and lubricants; manufacturing and marketing of renewable fuels, and transporting of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment and rail car.
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.
Chevron Signs Lease Agreements for Offshore Exploration in Greece
- Lease Agreement Signed: Chevron, through its four Dutch subsidiaries, has signed lease agreements with the Hellenic Republic to explore four offshore blocks south of Crete and in the Peloponnese, holding a 70% operating interest, indicating its strategic intent to expand in the Mediterranean region.
- Exploration Potential Assessment: Under the agreements, the consortium will conduct 2D and 3D seismic exploration in the first phase to assess hydrocarbon potential, laying the groundwork for future energy supplies and enhancing Chevron's resource base.
- Market Position Enhancement: This collaboration not only solidifies Chevron's market position in the Mediterranean but also complements its existing gas field assets in Israel and Cyprus, expected to drive long-term growth and investment returns in the region.
- Strategic Partnership: The partnership with HELLENiQ ENERGY will facilitate technology and resource sharing, enhancing both companies' competitiveness in emerging markets while potentially providing economic benefits and job opportunities for the Greek government.
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- Norwegian Cruise Investment: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, aiming to turnaround the underperforming operator, which has led to a more than 6% increase in share price, reflecting market confidence in its restructuring potential.
- Energy Stock Upgrade: Melius upgraded Chevron from hold to buy, raising its price target from $162 to $205, as analysts believe the global energy company is well-positioned for growth, particularly due to developments in Venezuela.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple has invited press members to a
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Melius Research Upgrades Chevron on Exploration and Venezuela Potential
- Increased Exploration Spending: Melius Research upgraded Chevron to a buy rating and set a price target of $205, suggesting a 13% upside, driven by the company's renewed focus on ramping up exploration spending, which is expected to increase by 50%.
- Management Restructuring: The analyst highlighted a recent reshuffle in Chevron's management team to prioritize younger, home-grown leaders, positioning the company for its next growth phase and demonstrating a proactive approach to talent acquisition.
- New Opportunities in Libya and Iraq: Chevron has increased its acreage by 50% over the past two years, with new entry opportunities identified in Libya and Iraq, and plans to drill 10 to 15 exploration wells, enhancing its global exploration capabilities.
- Venezuela Potential: Chevron's assets in Venezuela remain at performance levels despite the country's production collapse over the past two decades, and the analyst believes the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region.
See More
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- Seismic Exploration Plans: The consortium will conduct 2D and 3D seismic surveys in the first phase to assess the hydrocarbon potential of these areas, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future development and further drive the company's long-term growth.
- Market Performance Analysis: Despite mixed performance in the overall energy sector, Chevron's stock rose 0.79% to $183.39, approaching its 52-week high of $186.52, indicating a positive impact of company-specific developments on its stock price.
- Analyst Rating Updates: Chevron's stock carries a “Buy” rating with an average price target of $173.71, reflecting market confidence in its future growth potential, although it faces some valuation pressures.
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- Lease Agreement Signed: Chevron, through its four Dutch subsidiaries, has signed lease agreements with the Hellenic Republic to explore four offshore blocks south of Crete and in the Peloponnese, holding a 70% operating interest, indicating its strategic intent to expand in the Mediterranean region.
- Exploration Potential Assessment: Under the agreements, the consortium will conduct 2D and 3D seismic exploration in the first phase to assess hydrocarbon potential, laying the groundwork for future energy supplies and enhancing Chevron's resource base.
- Market Position Enhancement: This collaboration not only solidifies Chevron's market position in the Mediterranean but also complements its existing gas field assets in Israel and Cyprus, expected to drive long-term growth and investment returns in the region.
- Strategic Partnership: The partnership with HELLENiQ ENERGY will facilitate technology and resource sharing, enhancing both companies' competitiveness in emerging markets while potentially providing economic benefits and job opportunities for the Greek government.
See More
Market Dynamics and Investment Opportunities Analysis
- Tech Stock Pressure: Selling pressure in the Nasdaq is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to ongoing fears of AI disruption, indicating a cautious market sentiment that may impact the short-term performance of tech companies.
- Norwegian Cruise Investment: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, aiming to turnaround the underperforming operator, which has led to a more than 6% increase in share price, reflecting market confidence in its restructuring potential.
- Energy Stock Upgrade: Melius upgraded Chevron from hold to buy, raising its price target from $162 to $205, as analysts believe the global energy company is well-positioned for growth, particularly due to developments in Venezuela.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple has invited press members to a
See More
Melius Research Upgrades Chevron on Exploration and Venezuela Potential
- Increased Exploration Spending: Melius Research upgraded Chevron to a buy rating and set a price target of $205, suggesting a 13% upside, driven by the company's renewed focus on ramping up exploration spending, which is expected to increase by 50%.
- Management Restructuring: The analyst highlighted a recent reshuffle in Chevron's management team to prioritize younger, home-grown leaders, positioning the company for its next growth phase and demonstrating a proactive approach to talent acquisition.
- New Opportunities in Libya and Iraq: Chevron has increased its acreage by 50% over the past two years, with new entry opportunities identified in Libya and Iraq, and plans to drill 10 to 15 exploration wells, enhancing its global exploration capabilities.
- Venezuela Potential: Chevron's assets in Venezuela remain at performance levels despite the country's production collapse over the past two decades, and the analyst believes the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the region.
See More
Latest Ratings and Outlook from Wall Street
- Nvidia Rating Reaffirmed: Citi reiterates Nvidia as a buy, anticipating the stock will outperform in the second half of 2026 as demand visibility extends into 2027, recommending investors add to their positions given attractive valuations.
- Toast Upgraded to Outperform: Bernstein upgrades Toast from market perform to outperform, noting that despite a 26% year-to-date decline, the restaurant tech company is positioned as an AI winner, suggesting a positive outlook.
- Carvana Maintains Overweight Rating: JPMorgan reiterates Carvana as overweight, asserting that fears surrounding AI are overblown, with the company's vertically integrated infrastructure providing a unique competitive moat to leverage AI effectively.
- Melco Upgraded to Buy: UBS upgrades Melco from neutral to buy, highlighting that despite a 27% year-to-date decline, enhancements at its City of Dreams in Macau are expected to offset margin pressures and branding fee increases in 2026.
See More
Chevron Expands Exploration Portfolio in the Mediterranean
- Exploration Investment Expansion: Chevron has signed lease agreements for four offshore blocks in Greece, holding a 70% operating interest, aimed at strengthening its exploration efforts in the Mediterranean, thereby enhancing its market position in the region.
- Seismic Exploration Plans: The consortium will conduct 2D and 3D seismic surveys in the first phase to assess the hydrocarbon potential of these areas, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future development and further drive the company's long-term growth.
- Market Performance Analysis: Despite mixed performance in the overall energy sector, Chevron's stock rose 0.79% to $183.39, approaching its 52-week high of $186.52, indicating a positive impact of company-specific developments on its stock price.
- Analyst Rating Updates: Chevron's stock carries a “Buy” rating with an average price target of $173.71, reflecting market confidence in its future growth potential, although it faces some valuation pressures.
See More
ZIM Announces Merger Agreement with Hapag-Lloyd
- Merger Agreement Details: Hapag-Lloyd will acquire ZIM for $35 per share, valuing the deal at approximately $4.2 billion, which represents a 58% premium over ZIM's share price on February 13, 2026, indicating strong market confidence in ZIM's future.
- Enhanced Market Position: This acquisition will position Hapag-Lloyd as the fifth-largest container shipping company globally, with projected annual cargo volumes exceeding 18 million TEU by 2027, further solidifying its competitive edge in the global shipping market.
- Operational Capability Boost: Post-merger, ZIM will operate 16 vessels under the “New ZIM” entity, expanding its global network and enhancing service capabilities on key trade routes, thereby improving customer experience and market reach.
- Financial Outlook: ZIM is set to release its financial report on March 11, 2026, with an expected EPS loss of 68 cents and revenue of $1.49 billion; despite facing short-term pressures, the long-term value remains promising with a P/E ratio of 2.7, indicating investment opportunities.
See More
