APA Stock (NASDAQ:APA), Trade Ideas

Apache

Based in Houston, APA is an independent exploration and production company. It operates primarily in the US, Egypt, the North Sea, and Suriname. At year-end 2023, proved reserves totaled 807 million barrels of oil equivalent, with net reported production of 405 thousand boe/day that year (64% of which was oil and natural gas liquids, with the remainder natural gas).

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Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts&#39; Views On 3 Energy Stocks With Over 3% Dividend Yields

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U.S. stocks closed higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones index surging more than 300 points during the session. However, all three indices logged losses last week, with the Dow falling 2.27% to record its worst weekly performance in 2024, while the S&amp;P 500 lost 0.95% during the week.

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APA Corp

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Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc. Class A Common Stock

Artisan Partners Asset Management Inc

<p>Wells Fargo  analyst Roger Read   reinstates APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Overweight and announces $55 price target.</p>


Initiation

Wells Fargo Reinstates Overweight on APA, Announces $55 Price Target

<p>During times of turbulence and uncertainty in the markets, many investors turn to dividend-yielding stocks. These are often companies that have high free cash flows and reward shareholders with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/yield-investments">high dividend payout.</a></p>
<p>Benzinga readers can review the latest analyst takes on their favorite stocks by visiting our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">Analyst Stock Ratings</a> page. Traders can sort through Benzinga&#8217;s extensive database of analyst ratings, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie">by analyst accuracy</a>.</p>
<p>Below are the ratings of the most accurate analysts for three high-yielding stocks in the energy sector.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>APA Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dividend Yield:</strong> 3.08%</li>
<li><strong>Piper Sandler</strong> analyst Mark Lear maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $33 to $35 on April 19, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 76%.</li>
<li><strong>JP Morgan</strong> analyst Arun Jayaram maintained a Neutral rating and boosted the price target from $38 to $40 on April 11, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News:</strong> APA is scheduled to host a conference call to discuss its first-quarter 2024 results on May 2, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>)</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dividend Yield:</strong> 3.15%</li>
<li><strong>Piper Sandler </strong>analyst Ryan Todd maintained an Overweight rating and raised the price target from $130 to $145 on April 18, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 77%.</li>
<li><strong>Wells Fargo</strong> analyst Roger Read maintained an Overweight rating and boosted the price target from $126 to $138 on April 4, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 74%.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News:</strong> Exxon Mobil said it will release its first quarter 2024 financial results on April 26, 2024.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOG#NYSE">NOG</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Dividend Yield:</strong> 3.75%</li>
<li><strong>Piper Sandler</strong> analyst Mark Lear maintained a Neutral rating and raised the price target from $38 to $42 on April 19, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 76%.</li>
<li><strong>RBC Capital</strong> analyst Scott Hanold reiterated an Outperform rating with a price target of $46 on March 6, 2024. This analyst has an accuracy rate of 80%.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News:</strong> On April 16, Northern Oil and Gas issued an update regarding first quarter hedging results and stock repurchases.</li>
</ul>
<p>Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38370585/investor-optimism-improves-but-fear-greed-index-remains-in-fear-zone">Investor Optimism Improves, But Fear &amp; Greed Index Remains In &#8216;Fear&#8217; Zone</a></p>


Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts' Views On 3 Energy Stocks With Over 3% Dividend Yields

<p><strong>APA's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>) short percent of float has fallen 25.28% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>22.09 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 6.68% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 2.31 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>APA Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713798913_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for APA has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing APA's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, APA's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.86%, which means the company has <strong>less</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into APA's Recent Short Interest

<p>Susquehanna  analyst Biju Perincheril   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Positive and raises the price target from $50 to $54.</p>


Susquehanna Maintains Positive on APA, Raises Price Target to $54

<p>Analysts' ratings for APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) over the last quarter vary from bullish to bearish, as provided by 15 analysts.</p>
<p>The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $41.67, a high estimate of $59.00, and a low estimate of $28.00. Highlighting a 3.9% decrease, the current average has fallen from the previous average price target of $43.36. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713556918_0.png" alt="price target chart" /></p>
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
<p>A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive APA is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Mark Lear</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Devin McDermott</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arun Jayaram</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$38.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Betty Jiang</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scott Hanold</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leo Mariani</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$39.00</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Mehta</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$31.00</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Janela</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Lear</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biju Perincheril</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Positive</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Freeman</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Strong Buy</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Lear</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to APA. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of APA compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of APA's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Capture valuable insights into APA's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/APA/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights"><strong>Stay up to date on APA analyst ratings.</strong></a></p>
<h2>Discovering APA: A Closer Look</h2>
<p>Based in Houston, APA is an independent exploration and production company. It operates primarily in the US, Egypt, the North Sea, and Suriname. At year-end 2023, proved reserves totaled 807 million barrels of oil equivalent, with net reported production of 405 thousand boe/day that year (64% of which was oil and natural gas liquids, with the remainder natural gas).</p>
<h3>Financial Insights: APA</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.</p>
<p><strong>Revenue Challenges:</strong> APA's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 December, 2023, the company experienced a decline of approximately <strong>-12.34%</strong>. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Energy sector.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of <strong>81.82%,</strong> the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> APA's ROE stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROE of <strong>94.99%</strong>, the company demonstrates effective use of equity capital and strong financial performance.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> APA's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of <strong>12.32%</strong>, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> APA's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching <strong>2.0</strong>. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.</p>
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
<p>Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.</p>
<p>Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


The Analyst Landscape: 15 Takes On APA

<p>Piper Sandler  analyst Mark Lear   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $33 to $35.</p>


Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on APA, Raises Price Target to $35

<p>Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in APA usually suggests something big is about to happen.</p>
<p>We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 10 extraordinary options activities for APA. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.</p>
<p>The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 70% leaning bullish and 30% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $147,775, and 7 are calls, amounting to $380,612.</p>
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
<p>After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $32.5 and $40.0 for APA, spanning the last three months.</p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
<p>Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for APA's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of APA's whale trades within a strike price range from $32.5 to $40.0 in the last 30 days. </p>
<h3>APA 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713285985_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$122.0K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$2.01</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$98.5K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$55.1K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">180</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$54.4K</td>
<td>62</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">68</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>$0.95</td>
<td>$0.96</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">48</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About APA</h3>
<p>Based in Houston, APA is an independent exploration and production company. It operates primarily in the US, Egypt, the North Sea, and Suriname. At year-end 2023, proved reserves totaled 807 million barrels of oil equivalent, with net reported production of 405 thousand boe/day that year (64% of which was oil and natural gas liquids, with the remainder natural gas).</p>
<h3>Current Position of APA</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 2,281,717, the price of APA is down by -2.04%, reaching $32.48.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 15 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About APA</h3>
<p>5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $40.6.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from RBC Capital has decided to maintain their Sector Perform rating on APA, which currently sits at a price target of $45. </li>
<li>An analyst from Morgan Stanley downgraded its action to Underweight with a price target of $28. </li>
<li>An analyst from Barclays downgraded its action to Equal-Weight with a price target of $40. </li>
<li>An analyst from Truist Securities has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $59. </li>
<li>An analyst from Goldman Sachs persists with their Sell rating on APA, maintaining a target price of $31. </li>
</ul>
<p>Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for APA with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.</p>


Options

APA Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

<p>Morgan Stanley  analyst Devin McDermott   reinstates APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Underweight and announces $28 price target.</p>


Morgan Stanley Reinstates Underweight on APA, Announces $28 Price Target

<p>U.S. energy stocks, as tracked by the <strong>Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>), could potentially notch their ninth straight positive week, marking the longest pace of weekly gains since May 2007. </p>
<p>Oil prices surged sharply on Friday following reports suggesting that an Iranian assault on Israel could potentially occur within <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38217135/israel-prepares-for-possible-iranian-retaliation-within-48-hours-report">the next 48 hours.</a> The Times of Israel reported that &#8220;Iran attack of 100 drones, dozens of missiles could be launched at Israel today.&#8221;</p>
<p>The Israeli Minister of National Security convened a meeting with top officials from the police, civil defense, and emergency services to ensure their readiness for a potential Iranian strike, as reported by Sky News Arabia.</p>
<p>The White House confirmed on Friday that Iran&#8217;s threats to Israel are &#8220;real and credible,&#8221; emphasizing that the United States intends to do everything it can to ensure that Israel is able to defend itself.</p>
<p>Adding to the rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the Foreign Office of the United Kingdom has cautioned its citizens against traveling to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory due to the &#8220;possibility of an attack on Israeli territory from Iran." </p>
<p>The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) light crude, as tracked by the <strong>United States Oil Fund</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>) spiked 2.8% to above $87 a barrel, while Brent prices surged to $91 a barrel, reaching the highest levels in seven months. </p>
<p>Crude is up by 22% year-to-date, while shares of major U.S. energy companies have risen 16%.  </p>
<p><em>Chart: US Energy Stocks Eye 9-Week Of Gains</em></p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="495" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37-1024x495.png" alt="" class="wp-image-289826" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37-1024x495.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37-300x145.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37-768x372.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37-1536x743.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12111906/image-37.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Energy Stocks Rising Friday</h3>
<p>During a day characterized by notably heightened market volatility, with the CBOE VIX surging by more than 20%, U.S. energy stocks emerged as the sole S&amp;P 500 sector to remain in positive territory.</p>
<p>Here is a snapshot of the top 10 performers within the XLE ETF on Friday. </p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Name</strong></td>
<td><strong>1-Day %</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Occidental Petroleum Corporation</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OXY#NYSE">OXY</a>)</td>
<td>2.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Diamondback Energy, Inc.</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NYSE">FANG</a>)</td>
<td>1.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Marathon Oil Corporation</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRO#NYSE">MRO</a>)</td>
<td>1.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Devon Energy Corporation</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>)</td>
<td>1.03%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Exxon Mobil Corporation</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>)</td>
<td>0.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Pioneer Natural Resources Company</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PXD#NYSE">PXD</a>)</td>
<td>0.90%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Targa Resources Corp. </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRGP#NYSE">TRGP</a>)</td>
<td>0.72%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>EQT Corporation</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQT#NYSE">EQT</a>)</td>
<td>0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>APA Corporation </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>)</td>
<td>0.60%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>ConocoPhillips</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COP#NYSE">COP</a>)</td>
<td>0.58%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Updated at 11:30</em> a.m. ET</figcaption></p></figure></p>
<p><em>Read Now:</em> <em><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38212196/inflation-upends-feds-plans-when-do-wall-street-analysts-expect-first-interest-rate">Inflation Upends Fed&#8217;s Plans: When Do Wall Street Analysts Expect First Interest Rate Cut?</a></em></p>
<p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>


<p>JP Morgan  analyst Arun Jayaram   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $38 to $40.</p>


JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on APA, Raises Price Target to $40

<p>Investors with significant funds have taken a bullish position in APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>), a development that retail traders should be aware of.</p>
<p>This was brought to our attention today through our monitoring of publicly accessible options data at Benzinga. The exact nature of these investors remains a mystery, but such a major move in APA usually indicates foreknowledge of upcoming events.</p>
<p>Today, Benzinga's options scanner identified 9 options transactions for APA. This is an unusual occurrence. The sentiment among these large-scale traders is mixed, with 66% being bullish and 33% bearish. Of all the options we discovered, 8 are puts, valued at $340,283, and there was a single call, worth $25,567.</p>
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
<p>Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $34.0 to $42.5 for APA over the last 3 months. </p>
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
<p>Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for APA's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across APA's significant trades, within a strike price range of $34.0 to $42.5, over the past month.</p>
<h3>APA 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712762212_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$8.45</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$85.3K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$8.4</td>
<td>$42.50</td>
<td>$78.1K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>196</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/12/24</td>
<td>$0.35</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>$0.35</td>
<td>$34.50</td>
<td>$35.0K</td>
<td>537</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/19/24</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$0.53</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$30.7K</td>
<td>916</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$4.0</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$37.50</td>
<td>$29.6K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About APA</h3>
<p>Based in Houston, APA is an independent exploration and production company. It operates primarily in the US, Egypt, the North Sea, and Suriname. At year-end 2023, proved reserves totaled 807 million barrels of oil equivalent, with net reported production of 405 thousand boe/day that year (64% of which was oil and natural gas liquids, with the remainder natural gas).</p>
<p>Having examined the options trading patterns of APA, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance</p>
<h3>Present Market Standing of APA</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,436,543, the price of APA is down by -1.52%, reaching $34.36.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 21 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About APA</h3>
<p>5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $41.6.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Barclays downgraded its action to Equal-Weight with a price target of $40. </li>
<li>An analyst from Goldman Sachs has decided to maintain their Sell rating on APA, which currently sits at a price target of $31. </li>
<li>An analyst from Roth MKM has decided to maintain their Buy rating on APA, which currently sits at a price target of $39. </li>
<li>An analyst from RBC Capital has decided to maintain their Sector Perform rating on APA, which currently sits at a price target of $45. </li>
<li>An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Buy rating on APA, maintaining a target price of $53. </li>
</ul>
<p>Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest APA options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.</p>


Behind the Scenes of APA's Latest Options Trends

<p>Barclays  analyst Betty Jiang   initiates coverage on APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Equal-Weight rating and announces Price Target of $40.</p>


Barclays Initiates Coverage On APA with Equal-Weight Rating, Announces Price Target of $40

<p>Steve Riney, president and chief financial officer, will now oversee asset development functions, including the asset teams, Planning and Land in addition to continued oversight of finance functions.&nbsp;Riney was promoted to president and CFO in January 2024. Previously, he served as CFO since joining the company in 2015. Dave Pursell, executive vice president, Development, has left the company as a result of this restructuring.&nbsp;Ben Rodgers has been named senior vice president, Finance and treasurer reporting to Steve Riney.&nbsp;Castlen Kennedy has been promoted to senior vice president, Corporate Affairs and Marketing</p>


Management

APA Reports Updates To Its Executive Leadership Team To Coincide With Restructuring And Integration Of Recently Closed Acquisition Of Callon Petroleum

<p>U.S. stocks closed higher on Friday, with the Dow Jones index surging more than 300 points during the session. However, all three indices logged losses last week, with the Dow falling 2.27% to record its worst weekly performance in 2024, while the S&amp;P 500 lost 0.95% during the week.</p>
<p>Wall Street analysts make new stock picks on a daily basis. Unfortunately for investors, not all analysts have particularly impressive track records at predicting market movements. Even when it comes to one single stock, analyst ratings and price targets can vary widely, leaving investors confused about which analyst&#39;s opinion to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/setting-up-a-trust/">trust</a>.</p>
<p>Benzinga&#39;s Analyst Ratings API is a collection of the highest-quality stock ratings curated by the Benzinga news desk via direct partnerships with major sell-side banks. Benzinga displays overnight ratings changes on a daily basis three hours prior to the U.S. equity market opening. Data specialists at investment dashboard provider Toggle.ai recently uncovered that the analyst insights Benzinga Pro subscribers and Benzinga readers regularly receive can successfully be used as trading indicators to outperform the stock market.</p>
<p><strong>Top Analyst Picks:</strong> Fortunately, any Benzinga reader can access the latest analyst ratings on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/09/28888638/exclusive-study-finds-benzinga-analyst-ratings-data-yields-market-beating-strategie"><em> Analyst Stock Ratings </em></a> page. One of the ways traders can sort through Benzinga&#39;s extensive database of analyst ratings is by analyst accuracy. Here&#39;s a look at the most recent stock picks from each of the five most accurate Wall Street analysts, according to Benzinga <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings"><em> Analyst Stock </em></a> Ratings.</p>
<p><strong>Analyst:</strong> Richard Davis</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Analyst Firm: </strong> Canaccord Genuity</li>
<li><strong>Ratings Accuracy: </strong> 89%</li>
<li><strong>Latest Rating: </strong> Maintained a Buy rating on <strong> HubSpot, Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hubs#NYSE">HUBS</a>) and boosted the price target from $700 to $750 on April 5, 2024. This analyst sees around 12% increase in the stock.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News: </strong> Google is in talks with advisors about making a potential offer to acquire HubSpot, per Reuters.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Analyst: </strong> Leo Mariani</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Analyst Firm: </strong> Roth MKM</li>
<li><strong>Ratings Accuracy: </strong> 89%</li>
<li><strong>Latest Rating: </strong> Maintained a Buy rating on <strong> APA Corporation</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/apa#NASDAQ">APA</a>) and raised the price target from $37 to $39 on April 2, 2024. This analyst sees around 9% upside in the stock.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News: </strong> On April 1, APA announced the appointment of Matthew Bob and Anya Weaving to its board of directors.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Analyst: </strong> Jay McCanless</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Analyst Firm: </strong> Wedbush</li>
<li><strong>Ratings Accuracy: </strong> 87%</li>
<li><strong>Latest Rating: </strong> Downgraded rating on <strong> D.R. Horton, Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dhi#NYSE">DHI</a>) from Neutral to Underperform with a price target of $130 on April 2, 2024. This analyst sees around 18% downside in the stock.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News: </strong> D.R. Horton said it will release financial results for its second quarter on April 18, 2024 before the opening bell.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Analyst: </strong> Philip Gibbs</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Analyst Firm: </strong> Keybanc</li>
<li><strong>Ratings Accuracy: </strong> 86%</li>
<li><strong>Latest Rating: </strong> Maintained an Overweight rating on <strong> Worthington Steel, Inc. </strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ws#NYSE">WS</a>) and increased the price target from $39 to $40 on April 3, 2024. This analyst sees around 12% surge in the stock.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News: </strong> On March 21, Worthington Steel reported better-than-expected third-quarter financial results.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Analyst: </strong> William Stein</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Analyst Firm: </strong> Truist Securities</li>
<li><strong>Ratings Accuracy: </strong> 86%</li>
<li><strong>Latest Rating: </strong> Maintained a Hold rating on <strong> Intel Corporation</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/intc#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) with a price target of $45 on April 3, 2024. This analyst sees more than 16% upside in the stock.</li>
<li><strong>Recent News: </strong> On April 2, Intel outlined a new financial framework for its foundry business.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/04/38105111/jim-cramer-nothing-terrific-about-gitlab-but-rocket-time-to-ka-ching-ka-ching"><em> Jim Cramer: &#39;Nothing Terrific&#39; About GitLab, But Rocket? Time To &#39;Ka-Ching, Ka-Ching&#39;</em></a></p>


This Analyst With 86% Accuracy Rate Sees More Than 16% Upside In Intel - Here Are 5 Stock Picks For Last Week From Wall Street's Most Accurate Analysts

<p>Truist Securities  analyst Neal Dingmann   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $59 to $53.</p>


Truist Securities Maintains Buy on APA, Lowers Price Target to $53

<p>13 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.</p>
<p>The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Analysts have recently evaluated APA and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $43.54, accompanied by a high estimate of $61.00 and a low estimate of $31.00. This current average represents a 6.08% decrease from the previous average price target of $46.36. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1712073642_0.png" alt="price target chart" /></p>
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
<p>An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive APA. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Leo Mariani</td>
<td>Roth MKM</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$39.00</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Mehta</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sell</td>
<td>$31.00</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>William Janela</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Lear</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$33.00</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Biju Perincheril</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Positive</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Freeman</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Strong Buy</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Lear</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Paul Cheng</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$37.00</td>
<td>$43.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Freeman</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Strong Buy</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neal Dingmann</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Meade</td>
<td>Johnson Rice</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to APA. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of APA compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of APA's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Capture valuable insights into APA's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/APA/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights"><strong>Stay up to date on APA analyst ratings.</strong></a></p>
<h2>About APA</h2>
<p>Based in Houston, APA is an independent exploration and production company. It operates primarily in the US, Egypt, the North Sea, and Suriname. At year-end 2023, proved reserves totaled 807 million barrels of oil equivalent, with net reported production of 405 thousand boe/day that year (64% of which was oil and natural gas liquids, with the remainder natural gas).</p>
<h3>Key Indicators: APA's Financial Health</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization:</strong> Indicating a reduced size compared to industry averages, the company's market capitalization poses unique challenges.</p>
<p><strong>Decline in Revenue:</strong> Over the 3 months period, APA faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately <strong>-12.34%</strong> in revenue growth as of 31 December, 2023. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Energy sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of <strong>81.82%,</strong> the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> APA's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching <strong>94.99%</strong>. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of <strong>12.32%,</strong> the company showcases effective utilization of assets.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> APA's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at <strong>2.0</strong>. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.</p>
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
<p>Within the domain of banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their work involves attending company conference calls and meetings, researching company financial statements, and communicating with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically assess and rate each stock once per quarter.</p>
<p>Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


A Glimpse Into The Expert Outlook On APA Through 13 Analysts

<p>Roth MKM  analyst Leo Mariani   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $37 to $39.</p>


Roth MKM Maintains Buy on APA, Raises Price Target to $39

<p><strong>APA's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NYSE">APA</a>) short percent of float has risen 19.52% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>23.31 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 8.94% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 3.16 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>APA Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1711981822_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for APA has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing APA's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, APA's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.55%, which means the company has <strong>more</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


How Is The Market Feeling About APA?

WIIM

APA shares are trading lower after Goldman Sachs maintained a Sell rating on the stock and lowered its price target from $35 to $31.

<p>Goldman Sachs  analyst Neil Mehta   maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Sell and lowers the price target from $35 to $31.</p>


Goldman Sachs Maintains Sell on APA, Lowers Price Target to $31

Analysts fell to the sidelines weighing in on PBF Energy (PBF – Research Report), APA (APA – Research Report) and Suncor Energy (SU – Research Repo...

Analysts Offer Insights on Energy Companies: PBF Energy (PBF), APA (APA) and Suncor Energy (SU)

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<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Jamie Dimon, the CEO of <strong>JPMorgan </strong>(NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/jpm-stock-quote/"><strong>JPM</strong></a></span>), criticized President Joe Biden&rsquo;s decision to pause new approvals for liquefied natural gas (<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lng-stock-quote/"><strong>LNG</strong></a>) exports, describing the move as <a href="https://www.upstreamonline.com/lng/-enormously-naive-major-us-bank-leader-hits-out-at-biden-s-lng-pause/2-1-1623973">&ldquo;enormously naive&rdquo;</a> and politically motivated. In a shareholder letter, Dimon argued that LNG is vital for reducing global carbon dioxide emissions. Smart money is still clearly bullish on LNG, which forms the backdrop of this list of <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/natural-gas/">natural gas stocks</a> to buy.</p>



<p>Furthermore, the ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions have heightened the need for secure and reliable energy sources. LNG, with its ability to be transported globally, has emerged as an attractive option for countries looking to diversify their energy mix and enhance energy security.</p>



<p>Investors interested in capitalizing on the potential of the LNG market may want to consider this list of natural gas stocks. I feel these companies represent the best value for money for investors and should not be overlooked.</p>



<h2>Cheniere Energy (LNG)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cheniere_energy_lng1600-300x169.jpg" alt="LNG stock: the Cheniere logo displayed on a phone"><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Cheniere</strong> <strong>Energy </strong>(NYSEAMERICAN:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lng-stock-quote/"><strong>LNG</strong></a>) is a major LNG exporter in the U.S., owning several pipelines and storage facilities, which positions it as a significant player in the natural gas industry.<br><br>LNG set a <a href="https://lngir.cheniere.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/293/cheniere-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-results">financial guidance</a> anticipating a Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $5.5 to $6 billion and a distributable cash flow of $2.9 to $3.4 billion. That guidance reflects their projections of continuing robust performance in the LNG market despite the short-term headwinds offered by Biden.</p>



<p>Furthermore, in 2023, <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cheniere-energy-inc-amex-lng-153255044.html">LNG reported</a> substantial financial improvements, with revenues hitting approximately $20.4 billion and a net income of $9.9 billion. That marked significant year-over-year growth.</p>



<p>The average stock price target for LNG in 2024 is $201.08, with a potential high of $225 and a low of $178. That sets a consensus upside of 15% to 46%, which makes it one of those natural gas stocks to buy.</p>



<h2>Chesapeake Energy (CHK)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/chk1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of an internet browser with Chesapeake Energy's (CHK) homepage on it. The Chesapeake Energy logo on the page is amplified by a magnifying glass."><div>Source: Casimiro PT / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Chesapeake Energy</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/chk-stock-quote/"><strong>CHK</strong></a></span>) has successfully restructured post-bankruptcy, aiming to capitalize on the increasing demand for natural gas.</p>



<p>CHK experienced a <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chesapeake-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-financial-and-operating-results-and-issues-2024-outlook-302066581.html">significant increase in net income</a> last year, reaching $2.4 billion for the year, accompanied by a healthy free cash flow&#8203;. It also aims to balance its capital expenditures and drilling activities in response to market conditions, projecting to drill between 95 and 115 wells in 2024.</p>



<p>More exciting developments could be in the cards for CHK, notably its <a href="https://rextag.com/blog/Chesapeake-Dominates-with-7-4B-Southwestern-Buy">ongoing merger</a> with <strong>Southwestern Energy</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/swn-stock-quote/"><strong>SWN</strong></a></span>), which is expected to significantly enhance its scale and operational capabilities. That merger is positioned to make CHK the largest natural gas producer in the U.S. The combined value of the merged companies is expected to be around $24 billion and is anticipated to conclude this quarter.</p>



<p>These factors make CHK one to watch, as it would create a solid blue chip option in the LNG space that&rsquo;s currently missing from investors&rsquo; perception.</p>



<h2>APA Corporation (APA)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="165" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/GLNGmsn-compressed-300x165.jpg" alt="liqui"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p><strong>APA Corporation</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/apa-stock-quote/"><strong>APA</strong></a></span>) is an exploration and production company with significant natural gas reserves in the U.S., Egypt and the North Sea.</p>



<p>The company anticipates <a href="https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/earnings-call-apa-corporation-outlines-robust-q4-performance-2024-focus-93CH-3313244">strong growth in the U.S.,</a> projecting an 8% year-over-year increase and over 10% growth from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024. Meanwhile, for Q4 2023, APA reported a robust financial performance with an adjusted net income of $352 million and significant free cash flow. They continue to focus on shareholder returns, planning to redirect a large portion of their free cash flow back to shareholders&#8203;.<br><br>APA is suitable for income investors, but I believe it&rsquo;s better for those with a long time horizon. The <a href="https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/apa/dividend/">company&rsquo;s dividend yield of 3.10%</a> is robust, but its dividend growth rate of 14.29% and its total shareholder yield of 10.30% makes it a strong contender as one of those natural gas stocks to buy now.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Matthew Farley did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Matthew started writing coverage of the financial markets during the crypto boom of 2017 and was also a team member of several fintech startups. He then started writing about Australian and U.S. equities for various publications. His work has appeared in MarketBeat, FXStreet, Cryptoslate, Seeking Alpha, and the New Scientist magazine, among others.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/dimons-lng-rant-3-natural-gas-stocks-to-buy-despite-bidens-export-pause/">Dimon&#8217;s LNG Rant: 3 Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Despite Biden&#8217;s Export Pause</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Dimon's LNG Rant: 3 Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Despite Biden's Export Pause

Piper Sandler analyst Mark Lear maintained a Hold rating on APA (APA – Research Report) today and set a price target of $35.00. The company's share...

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