Zacks stock strategist Tracey Ryniec highlights five stocks breaking out to new highs despite October market volatility. The picks span growth and value categories: Palantir Technologies (strong revenue growth but expensive valuation), BP (cheap energy play with high dividend yield), Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity leader with consistent earnings), Visa (payments leader with perfect earnings track record), and AbbVie (pharma company with growth potential but recent estimate cuts).

Amid rising inflation and interest rate uncertainty, four dividend-paying stocks are highlighted as compelling income opportunities: Best Buy (4.37% yield, 15% EPS growth), BP (4.24% yield, strong cash flow), Enel Chile (5.88% yield, 87.98% five-year dividend growth), and Enterprise Products Partners (6.22% yield, 2.8% distribution increase). These stocks offer a mix of income, dividend growth potential, and resilient business models to support distributions.

BP projects third-quarter 2026 net debt of $13.5-$14.5 billion, down sharply from $22.3 billion in Q2, driven by a $9-$10 billion reduction in combined liabilities. The company expects stronger refining margins to add $1.9-$2.1 billion to products segment performance, while gas realizations are forecast to improve by $100-$300 million. However, lower oil prices averaging $96.99/barrel compared to $103.85 in Q2 are expected to weigh on upstream results by $200-$400 million, and the company anticipates post-tax impairment charges of $3-$4.5 billion related to transition businesses.

The article highlights two oil and energy stocks with positive Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) metrics that could beat their upcoming quarterly earnings estimates. Petrobras (PBR) has a +9.09% ESP with a Hold rating ahead of its November 10, 2026 earnings report, while BP has a +7.29% ESP with a Strong Buy rating before reporting on October 30, 2026. Both stocks show potential for positive earnings surprises based on analyst estimate revisions.

Amid elevated market volatility and high oil prices driven by Middle East tensions, investors are advised to increase allocation to low-beta stocks. Four energy companies—BP, PBF Energy, Valero Energy, and Marathon Petroleum—are highlighted as strong candidates due to their low volatility relative to the market and positive fundamentals including upcoming production projects, high refinery utilization, diverse crude sourcing, and strong cash flow generation.

Major U.S. oil producers Chevron, Shell, and BP are resuming offshore operations in the Gulf following Hurricane Isaias. The companies had shut in 1.3 million barrels per day (63% of regional production) before the storm. All three reported no significant damage to key facilities and are redeploying workers to restore full production, easing supply concerns for the U.S. energy market.

Kinder Morgan (KMI) has resumed natural gas deliveries to Mexico through its Tennessee Gas Pipeline following infrastructure repairs. The company lifted its force majeure declaration after resolving operational issues affecting cross-border shipments. Mexico's heavy reliance on U.S. natural gas imports for electricity generation and industrial use supports steady demand for KMI's transportation services.

BP ended trading at $46.73, up 1.04% from the previous day. The oil and gas company has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating with expected Q3 2026 EPS of $1.91 (up 124.71% YoY) and full-year earnings projected at $7.28 per share (up 152.78% YoY). BP trades at a Forward P/E of 6.35, below its industry average of 7.92, and has seen consensus EPS estimates rise 10.58% over the last 30 days.

BP p.l.c. has recovered significantly since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster and now holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating with a VGM Score of A. Nine analysts revised earnings estimates higher in the last 60 days, with the consensus estimate increasing to $7.28 per share. The stock shows positive momentum with a B Momentum Style Score and shares up 0.3% over the past four weeks, making it a candidate for investors' watchlists.

BP plc trades at a significantly lower EV/EBITDA multiple (2.97x) compared to industry peers, supported by strong oil prices around $90/barrel, promising upstream projects launching 2028-2030, and improved refining margins. Despite positive fundamentals, BP's 38.4% annual stock gain has lagged the broader energy sector's 46.5% growth, suggesting potential upside opportunity.

Equinor ASA (EQNR) shares have surged 75.7% over the past year and are trading near 52-week highs. The Norwegian energy company is positioned for 3% production growth in 2026 driven by new Norwegian Continental Shelf fields and international developments. Elevated oil and gas prices, strong refining margins, and a discounted valuation (2.15X EV/EBITDA vs. industry average 5.88X) support a constructive outlook. As Europe's leading piped gas supplier, EQNR benefits from tight LNG supplies and robust demand. The stock carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) rating.

BP has been among the most searched stocks on Zacks.com. The company shows strong earnings growth expectations with current year EPS projected at $7.28 (up 152.8% YoY) and positive earnings estimate revisions of 12.8% over the past month. BP received a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating based on earnings estimate revisions and is trading at a valuation discount to peers with an A grade on the Value Style Score. However, next fiscal year earnings are expected to decline 23.3% YoY.