MRO Jan 2025 45.000 call

Oil industry consolidations will create stable prices: Analyst

The oil industry is seeing major consolidations at play as Hess (HES) shareholders approved a $53 billion merger with Chevron (CVX), and ConocoPhillips (COP) will acquire Marathon Oil (MRO) in a $17.1 billion all-stock deal. TD Cowen Analyst Jason Gabelman joins Morning Brief to discuss how these M&A moves should be viewed from a shareholder perspective. "We think it creates a more healthy environment for our shareholders," Gabelman explains. He says that the mergers will lead larger companies to have more control of the oil (CL=F, BZ=F) in the US, which will ultimately allow them to execute "moderate, low-to-mid single-digit oil production growth that should result in a healthier commodity backdrop where there will be less responsive to spikes in oil prices and support higher and more stable oil prices." He adds that more stable oil prices will be a relief to consumers as they grapple with tighter budgets amid high inflation. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Melanie Riehl