Chevron continues its strong growth trajectory with new catalysts including an oil discovery at the Bandit prospect in the Gulf of Mexico (through partner Occidental Petroleum) and an asset swap with Venezuela's PDVSA to expand its heavy oil position. With crude prices in the $90s and completed major projects, the company is positioned to generate substantial free cash flow growth through 2030, making it an attractive buy despite its 22% year-to-date surge.

Occidental Petroleum announced the discovery of oil at the Bandit site in the Gulf of America, approximately 125 miles south of Louisiana. The company owns over 45% of the project, with Chevron holding 37% and Woodside Energy Group holding 17.5%. The Bandit well, one of the deepest in the Gulf of America at over 40,000 feet, could potentially extract 230 million barrels of oil equivalent, significantly higher than average Permian Basin wells. The discovery is strategically important as Gulf of America production accounts for roughly 15% of U.S. oil production.

With the Strait of Hormuz closure disrupting global energy and commodity flows, the article recommends 10 stocks positioned to benefit from supply chain shifts. These include U.S. oil producers, refiners benefiting from widened crack spreads, LNG exporters filling supply gaps, shipping companies handling longer routes, and fertilizer producers gaining from reduced competition.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 25% of global seaborne oil and 20% of LNG trade flows, is creating significant ripple effects across energy markets. Rising oil prices benefit U.S. exploration and production companies, while refining crack spreads have soared above $58. The disruption also benefits LNG suppliers from alternative sources, fertilizer producers, and LNG shipping companies facing longer routes.

Geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf threaten to disrupt global energy and fertilizer supply chains. The article identifies CF Industries and Woodside Energy Group as potential beneficiaries due to their positioning to supply fertilizers and LNG to Asia, respectively, as traditional supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz face disruption.

Woodside Energy Group has commenced drilling at the Trion Field, an ultra-deepwater project in the Gulf of Mexico in partnership with PEMEX. The 24-well campaign targets 100,000 barrels per day production with first oil expected in 2028. The project is expected to deliver over $10 billion in taxes and royalties to Mexico.

Woodside Energy Group announced a long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreement with Turkish state-owned energy company BOTAŞ, delivering approximately 0.5 million tons of LNG annually for nine years starting in 2030. The deal, sourced from Woodside's Louisiana LNG facility, formalizes a non-binding agreement from September and marks Woodside's first long-term LNG supply arrangement with Turkey.

Energy Transfer (ET) had a disappointing 2025 with units down over 15% due to slowed earnings growth. The analyst predicts 2026 will be more active, forecasting at least one multi-billion-dollar acquisition and the sale of the Lake Charles LNG project to a strategic buyer. The company's lack of major deals since mid-2024 has contributed to its underperformance, but its strong financial position positions it well for growth through consolidation.

BP has appointed Meg O'Neill as its first female CEO in the company's 116-year history, replacing Murray Auchincloss after less than two years. O'Neill, previously from Woodside Energy, will take over on April 1st and lead BP's renewed focus on oil and gas production.

Australia is experiencing significant challenges in finalizing major mergers and acquisitions, with multiple high-profile deals collapsing due to valuation disputes, regulatory hurdles, and unexpected complications.

Woodside Energy Group has signed LNG sale and purchase agreements with Uniper SE for up to 2 Mtpa from its Louisiana LNG project, supporting the final investment decision and boosting Woodside's Atlantic LNG footprint.

Honeywell is considering spinning off its aerospace business and selling its PPE business. Textron is restructuring its Powersports business, which Deere may acquire. DLocal, a Latin American payments provider, is up for sale. Soho House's chairman is making a $1.8 billion bid to take the company private. Chevron and Woodside Energy finalized an asset swap deal.