APA Corp. engages in oil and natural gas exploration through its subsidiary companies. The company operates in the United States, Egypt, and the United Kingdom, with offshore exploration activities in Suriname. Established in 1954, APA Corp. is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The primary rationale for recommending this stock lies in the current tense geopolitical situation, which has led to an increase in energy demand. As we approach the year-end, the energy sector is emerging as a clear choice for investors. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have directly contributed to a resurgence in oil prices. Additionally, gloomy macroeconomic prospects have intensified concerns about global demand. Furthermore, the United States has tightened sanctions on Russian crude oil exports (link), exacerbating the already strained market supply concerns. Global inventories are expected to decline in the fourth quarter, which is likely to drive energy prices even higher, benefiting a range of related companies.
From a financial perspective, APA Corp.'s Q2 2023 financial statements show an improvement in net income compared to Q1. The company's previous quarter's earnings were $0.85 per share, exceeding the estimated $0.75 per share, representing a 13.53% surprise. Although the estimated figure for Q3 is $1.74 billion USD, the company's revenue for the same period is $1.96 billion USD. The next quarter's estimated earnings are $1.19 per share, with anticipated revenue reaching $2.01 billion USD, indicating a stable financial performance. This stability aligns with the core investment philosophy of maintaining a steady course towards the end of the year, leveraging the trends resulting from the geopolitical landscape, much like the benefits accrued during the previous AI boom.
Furthermore, APA Corp. has been recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies for a fifth time, ranking fifth among international energy exploration companies, a testament to its operational excellence and reputation in the industry.
From a technical standpoint, APA Corp. is currently positioned at the breakout point of a descending wedge. On the daily chart, the RSI indicator has hit a bottom and is showing clear signs of a reversal pattern. In the MACD indicator, the $39 level marks a golden cross price point, while the Alligator indicator is beginning to contract upwards, signifying that the previous downtrend is nearing its end. The Fibonacci retracement at the 38.2% level offers significant support, and the stock is currently at the short-term resistance of 78.6%. The optimal entry point is around $40, which is also the key support level at 61.80%. The short-term first target is $55.53, with the second target at $85.40, and the third target in the vicinity of $95.12.
Trading Recommendations:
Entry Price: $34 to $44
T1: $55.53
T2: $85.40
T3: $95.12
Stop Loss: $30.70