Gas prices have surged to $3.98/gallon, nearly double Trump's $2 promise, due to the Iran war. Diesel has jumped 43% to $5.38 nationally and over $7 in California. Consumer sentiment has declined sharply as inflation expectations rise. Energy companies and refiners are posting strong gains, with SM Energy up 44% and PBF Energy up 40% month-to-date, benefiting from wider profit margins.

EnerCom announced the initial list of presenting companies for its 31st annual Energy Investment Conference scheduled for August 17-19, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. The conference will feature over 70 companies from the oil and gas and energy transition sectors, attracting more than 1,000 attendees including institutional investors, analysts, and industry professionals. The event includes presentations, one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunities for investment professionals.

The article identifies five under-followed stocks positioned to benefit from current market conditions: QXO (building products distributor), SM Energy (oil and gas producer), Mach Natural Resources (energy company), Century Aluminum (aluminum producer), and Rush Street Interactive (online gaming platform). These stocks combine sector tailwinds, growth potential, and attractive valuations with analyst upside targets ranging from 14.6% to 32.4%.

SM Energy Company announced its 2026 outlook focused on maximizing free cash flow through disciplined capital investments following its merger with Civitas Resources. The company increased its quarterly dividend by 10% to $0.88 per share annually, plans $2.65-$2.85 billion in capital expenditures with 14% lower spending, and targets $950 million in asset divestitures. The strategy balances debt reduction with shareholder returns through increased buybacks and dividend payments.

Law firm investigating potential securities law violations and fiduciary duty breaches for several companies involved in mergers and acquisitions.

Law firm Brodsky & Smith is investigating potential breaches of fiduciary duties by boards of several companies during merger and acquisition processes, focusing on whether shareholders are receiving fair value.

Law firm Monteverde & Associates is investigating the merger between SM Energy Company and Civitas Resources, Inc., where SM Energy shareholders will own approximately 48% of the combined company.

Civitas Resources and SM Energy announced a $12.8 billion merger that will create a leading oil and gas company with 823,000 net acres in top U.S. shale basins, primarily in the Permian Basin, with expected annual synergies of $200-300 million.

SM Energy Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on November 3, 2025, to stockholders of record as of October 17, 2025.

SM Energy Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on August 4, 2025, to stockholders of record as of July 18, 2025.

EnerCom, Inc. has opened registration for its 30th annual EnerCom Denver - The Energy Investment Conference, which will be held from August 17-20, 2025. The conference will feature presentations and networking opportunities for energy industry professionals, investors, and analysts.

EnerCom, Inc. announced the initial list of companies presenting at the 30th annual EnerCom Denver - The Energy Investment Conference to be held in August 2025. The conference will feature public and private companies across the energy sector, including E&P, midstream, OFS, minerals, and energy transition companies.