Track market-moving stories before they get noisy

Key Takeaways APA plans to maintain Forties Charlie operations despite a threatened strike involving more than 160 workers.Experienced staff will support pipeline flows even if production stops at Apache's five Forties platforms.A pay dispute threatens seven offshore installations, with another 24-hour strike scheduled for Nov. 4.
APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) plans to maintain operations at the strategically important Forties Charlie platform in the U.K. North Sea despite threatened industrial action by workers at its Apache subsidiary. The company's contingency measures are aimed at ensuring the continued transportation of third-party oil production through the Forties Pipeline System, even if its own offshore output is temporarily suspended.

More than 160 offshore workers represented by the Unite union were scheduled to stage a 24-hour strike beginning Oct. 21, 2026, following disagreements over pay and backdated wages. The planned industrial action covers seven offshore installations across the Forties and Beryl fields, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Britain's energy infrastructure.

APA's Contingency Measures to Protect Pipeline OperationsAPA intends to retain experienced personnel at the Forties Charlie platform to support its continued operation during the industrial action. This arrangement is designed to safeguard third-party production flows, even if output from all five of Apache's Forties platforms is temporarily halted.

The company has indicated that any pressure reduction in the Forties pipeline resulting from suspended production would be comparable to conditions experienced during routine maintenance outages. Consequently, APA does not anticipate the labor dispute affecting other operators' ability to transport hydrocarbons through the network.

The operational strategy highlights APA's efforts to contain the impact of the strike within its own production facilities while preserving access to essential infrastructure for other North Sea producers.

Why the Forties Pipeline System MattersThe Forties Pipeline System represents a critical component of the United Kingdom's offshore energy infrastructure. Operated by Ineos, the network receives production from more than 80 offshore oil and gas fields and is connected to the St. Fergus gas processing facility.

The system handles approximately 29% of U.K. oil and 30% of gas, based on figures cited by Unite. Forties crude also contributes to the physical North Sea oil market's pricing benchmark, making the network important beyond Britain's domestic energy requirements.

Unite has warned that a shutdown of the Forties Charlie platform could reduce pipeline pressure sufficiently to interrupt operations throughout the network. Such an event could affect numerous producers that depend on the infrastructure.

However, APA's proposed staffing arrangements and assessment of pipeline pressure conditions suggest that a broader shutdown is not inevitable, even if the planned strike proceeds.

Pay Dispute Raises Further Operational UncertaintyThe threatened industrial action follows the rejection of a compensation proposal by Apache's offshore workforce. Unite maintains that the company's offer would effectively reduce wages in real terms for many employees.

Discussions involving the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service were scheduled ahead of the walkout in an attempt to resolve the disagreement.

The union has also scheduled another 24-hour strike for Nov. 4 if the dispute remains unresolved. Prolonged negotiations or additional industrial action could therefore create uncertainty surrounding Apache's offshore production schedules.

For APA, the immediate priority remains maintaining safe operations and limiting the potential consequences for third-party producers while navigating the labor dispute.

APA's Financial Position and North Sea ExposureAPA’s strong financial resources provide context for the company's broader ability to manage operational challenges, although the financial impact of the proposed strike has not been quantified.

Any temporary suspension of Apache's production could affect near-term output, depending on the duration and scope of industrial action. Nevertheless, maintaining the Forties Charlie platform would help prevent a localized labor dispute from developing into a more extensive disruption across the North Sea energy network.

The situation also comes amid uncertainty in global oil and refined-product markets associated with the prolonged Middle East conflict, increasing the importance of maintaining reliable European energy supplies.

What Lies Ahead for APA?APA's efforts to keep Forties Charlie operational could help protect third-party production and reduce the likelihood of a wider pipeline interruption. However, the unresolved compensation dispute and possibility of further industrial action remain important operational risks.

The outcome of negotiations and the company's ability to maintain pipeline functionality will be crucial in determining the eventual impact on its North Sea operations. While the available information does not establish that a system-wide shutdown has occurred, APA's contingency planning indicates a focus on operational continuity amid ongoing labor uncertainty.

APA’s Zacks Rank & Other Key PicksHouston, TX-based APA is the parent holding company of Apache and is engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Currently, APA carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Investors interested in the energy sector may consider some other top-ranked stocks like Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ - Free Report) , Crescent Energy Company (CRGY - Free Report) and Delek US Holdings, Inc. (DK - Free Report) , each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Calgary-based Canadian Natural Resources is one of the largest independent energy companies in Canada engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CNQ’s 2026 earnings indicates 61.4% year-over-year growth.

Crescent Energy is a U.S. onshore oil and gas producer focused on three major basins: the Eagle Ford in Texas, the Permian in Texas and New Mexico, and the Uinta in Utah. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRGY’s 2026 earnings indicates 46.7% year-over-year growth.

Brentwood, TN-based Delek US Holdings is an independent refiner, transporter and marketer of petroleum products. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DK’s 2026 earnings indicates 169.4% year-over-year growth.

APA Group (ASX:APA) has committed $700 million to develop a new gas pipeline linking Queensland and New South Wales as it moves to boost supply into southern markets ahead of expected gas shortages later this decade.

The Bulloo Interlink Pipeline will be capable of transporting up to 800 terajoules of gas a day and is targeted to begin commercial operations in winter 2029.

APA’s final investment decision builds on a $220 million commitment to early works announced in February and forms part of a wider expansion program expected to lift north-to-south gas transport capacity by around 30% once completed.

Origin agreement underpins investment The project is supported by a five-year, inflation-linked gas transportation and storage agreement with Origin Energy, providing APA with a firm revenue commitment.

The agreement covers summer and winter capacity across several key east coast pipelines, including the Bulloo Interlink once commissioned, with the new services scheduled to begin on January 1, 2028.

Boosting southern gas supply APA chief executive Adam Watson said the pipeline would help unlock gas supplies from Queensland and the Northern Territory while ensuring transport infrastructure did not become a bottleneck for southern states into the early 2030s.

The investment comes as the federal government progresses plans for a domestic gas reservation scheme aimed at improving supply security on the east coast.

The Bulloo Interlink is to be funded from existing balance sheet capacity and is expected to generate returns above the company’s investment hurdle rates.

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Investors might want to bet on APA (APA - Free Report) , as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.

The upward trend in estimate revisions for this oil and natural gas producer reflects growing optimism of analysts on its earnings prospects, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.

The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.

For APA, strong agreement among the covering analysts in revising earnings estimates upward has resulted in meaningful improvement in consensus estimates for the next quarter and full year.

The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:

12 Month EPS

Current-Quarter Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $1.27 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +36.6%.

Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for APA has increased 19.02% because five estimates have moved higher while one has gone lower.

Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the company is expected to earn $6.00 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +59.2%.

The revisions trend for the current year also appears quite promising for APA, with five estimates moving higher over the past month compared to two negative revisions. The consensus estimate has also received a boost over this time frame, increasing 5.21%.

Favorable Zacks RankThanks to promising estimate revisions, APA currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.

Bottom LineAPA shares have added 9.5% over the past four weeks, suggesting that investors are betting on its impressive estimate revisions. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away to benefit from its earnings growth prospects.

Five dividend deadlines are closing fast this week, but the payouts behind those yields vary wildly in how well they are actually covered. Before you buy, find out which names could keep the cash flowing and which one already burned…

APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA | APA Price Prediction) goes ex-dividend on October 22, 2026. Four more income names follow on October 23, 2026. Markets reopen Monday. Investors who want these payments have at most four trading sessions to get on the shareholder list. The payouts are due between October 30 and November 23, and some of these dividends are much better covered than others.

How the deadline works: you have to own shares before the ex-dividend date, so the last day to buy is the trading day before it. The pay date is when the cash arrives. Buying on or after the ex-date means you won’t get this payment.

APA Corporation (APA): Last Day to Buy Is October 21 APA pays $0.25 per share with an ex-date of October 22, 2026, so the last day to buy is Wednesday, October 21. The payment date is November 23. The $1 annual rate yields about 2.03% at Friday’s close of $49.15.

Coverage looks solid. Trailing diluted EPS of $4.73 puts the payout ratio near 21%. Second-quarter adjusted EPS came in at $1.89, and free cash flow was $738 million. APA aims to return at least 60% of 2026 free cash flow to shareholders. The low yield comes from a rising price: shares are up 105.65% year to date and now trade above the $47.69 average analyst target.

Lakeland Financial (LKFN): Highest Yield on the List Lakeland Financial (NASDAQ:LKFN) pays $0.52 per share, with an ex-date of October 23, 2026, so investors must buy by Thursday, October 22. Shareholders will be paid on November 5. The $2.08 forward rate yields about 3.59% at $58.00.

For a bank, EPS is the right metric. Trailing diluted EPS of $4.36 means a payout ratio near 48%. Second-quarter EPS of $1.13 covered the quarterly dividend more than twice. Credit quality supports that: nonperforming assets fell 36% year over year, and net interest margin reached 3.49%. The quarterly payout has increased from $0.30 in 2020 to today’s level. Some of the yield comes from price weakness, since the stock is still 10.91% below where it was five years ago.

First Busey (BUSE): Fastest Cash Turnaround First Busey (NASDAQ:BUSE) pays $0.26 per share with an ex-date of October 23, 2026. Shares must be bought by October 22, and payment is due October 30, the fastest on this list. The $1.04 forward rate yields about 3.53% at $29.43.

Trailing EPS of $2.42 puts the payout ratio near 43%, and second-quarter adjusted EPS of $0.69 covered the dividend more than twice. Busey also spent $128.8 million on buybacks in the first half, a sign of surplus capital. The yield comes alongside a 27.36% gain so far this year, so price weakness has not inflated it.

Kaiser Aluminum (KALU): Strong Earnings, Uneven Cash Flow Kaiser Aluminum (NASDAQ:KALU) pays $0.77 per share with an ex-date of October 23, 2026, so buyers need to act by October 22. Shareholders will be paid on November 13. At $147.25, the $3.08 annual rate yields about 2.09%.

Measured against EPS, the dividend looks safe. Trailing EPS of $13.48 means a payout ratio near 23%. Cash flow tells a worse story. In 2025, operating cash flow of $111.4 million fell short of $136.9 million in capital spending. That left free cash flow at-$25.5 million, while dividends cost $51.3 million. The first half of 2026 was better, with free cash flow of $103.6 million against $26.4 million in dividends. The stock trades at 28x forward earnings and 11x trailing earnings, which suggests analysts expect profits to fall. The dividend has stayed at $0.77 since 2022.

Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE): Safest Coverage, Smallest Yield Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ:COKE) pays $0.25 per share with an ex-date of October 23, 2026. Investors must buy shares by October 22, and the payment date is November 6. At $210.33, the yield is only about 0.48%, so this stock is more of a total-return holding than an income play.

It has the best coverage in the group. Trailing EPS of $7.53 means a payout ratio near 13%. Second-quarter free cash flow of $131.1 million was far larger than the $16.6 million paid in dividends. The company has also paid large special dividends, including $16.50 in January 2024, but those are irregular. Investors should count only the regular quarterly rate.

One Payment Should Not Drive the Decision Share prices usually drop by about the dividend amount on the ex-date, so buying solely for a single dividend rarely adds value. The case for these stocks rests on coverage: Lakeland and First Busey combine yields above 3.5% with payouts below 50% of earnings, while Kaiser’s cash flow needs watching. Whatever you decide, the deadlines are fixed. Anyone who has not bought APA by October 21, or the other four by October 22, will miss this round of payments.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

If you are looking for a stock that has a solid history of beating earnings estimates and is in a good position to maintain the trend in its next quarterly report, you should consider APA (APA - Free Report) . This company, which is in the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, shows potential for another earnings beat.

When looking at the last two reports, this oil and natural gas producer has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 19.40%, on average, in the last two quarters.

For the most recent quarter, APA was expected to post earnings of $1.85 per share, but it reported $1.89 per share instead, representing a surprise of 2.16%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $1.01 per share, while it actually produced $1.38 per share, a surprise of 36.63%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for APA lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

APA currently has an Earnings ESP of +1.40%, which suggests that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This positive Earnings ESP when combined with the stock's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) indicates that another beat is possibly around the corner. We expect the company's next earnings report to be released on November 4, 2026.

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, but that may not be the sole basis for their stocks moving higher. On the other hand, some stocks may hold their ground even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

The Oils-Energy group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Is APA (APA - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.

APA is one of 254 individual stocks in the Oils-Energy sector. Collectively, these companies sit at #2 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.

The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. APA is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for APA's full-year earnings has moved 10% higher. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.

Our latest available data shows that APA has returned about 87.6% since the start of the calendar year. At the same time, Oils-Energy stocks have gained an average of 37.5%. This means that APA is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.

Another stock in the Oils-Energy sector, Phillips 66 (PSX - Free Report) , has outperformed the sector so far this year. The stock's year-to-date return is 115.6%.

For Phillips 66, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 51% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Breaking things down more, APA is a member of the Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - United States industry, which includes 34 individual companies and currently sits at #69 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 29% so far this year, so APA is performing better in this area.

Phillips 66, however, belongs to the Oil and Gas - Refining and Marketing industry. Currently, this 15-stock industry is ranked #5. The industry has moved +146.7% so far this year.

Investors with an interest in Oils-Energy stocks should continue to track APA and Phillips 66. These stocks will be looking to continue their solid performance.

Key Takeaways Brent crude trades near $100-$105 as Middle East tensions and Gulf of America outages disrupt oil supplies.Oil inventories have fallen by over 500 million barrels since February, while U.S. diesel stocks remain tight.APA, EQNR and DINO offer growth potential through new projects, production expansion and refining strategies. The energy sector is heading into the final months of 2026 with oil prices elevated and global supplies under pressure. The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and hurricane-related production outages in the Gulf of America have kept the market on edge. Brent crude has recently traded around $100-$105 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has stayed near $90-$95. Although talks between Washington and Tehran have raised hopes of easing tensions, uncertainty over when normal oil shipments might resume continues to support prices.

Meanwhile, efforts to ease supply shortages have had limited results. Emergency reserve releases have helped bring additional oil into the market, but global inventories continue to fall. Diesel supplies also remain tight. Goldman Sachs recently raised its December Brent forecast to $90 per barrel, citing supply risks that could take longer to ease than previously expected. These conditions could continue to support earnings and cash flows for energy companies, although high prices may eventually slow demand.

In this environment, investors looking for growth opportunities in energy may want to invest in APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) , Equinor ASA (EQNR - Free Report) and HF Sinclair Corporation (DINO - Free Report) . Each offers a different way to invest in the sector as companies deal with changing oil supplies and demand.

Tight Oil Supplies Keep Prices SupportedConcerns about excess oil supply have taken a back seat as disruptions in the Middle East continue to affect global trade. The U.S.-Iran conflict has created uncertainty around crude shipments, while attacks on tankers have raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz.

Supply problems are not limited to the Middle East. Hurricane Isaias has forced offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of America to shut down production and has threatened operations at two U.S. Gulf Coast refineries. These disruptions have added to existing supply concerns. Even if diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran make progress, restoring normal production and shipping activity could take time.

Oil inventories are also falling. According to the International Energy Agency, global stockpiles declined by 95 million barrels in August, bringing total withdrawals since February to more than 500 million barrels. The United States has also tapped its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase supplies. At the beginning of October, the reserve held around 330 million barrels, its lowest level since 1983.

The shortage extends to refined fuels. U.S. distillate inventories remain near 23-year lows despite a modest increase in supplies. Diesel prices have stayed high even after the U.S. government took steps to make more fuel available. With global supplies still tight, emergency releases and temporary measures have so far done little to ease the pressure.

What Makes Energy Growth Stocks Attractive Now?Higher oil prices can improve earnings for energy producers, but commodity prices alone do not determine how much a company can grow. Production increases, lower operating costs and better use of existing assets also matter, particularly when prices can change quickly.

For oil and gas producers, growth may come from developing new resources, increasing output from existing fields and improving drilling efficiency. Companies that keep costs under control may be better placed to generate cash even if crude prices retreat from current levels.

Refiners face different conditions. Tight diesel supplies and disruptions at competing facilities can support refining margins, especially when demand for transportation fuels remains firm. However, higher crude costs can also affect profitability. Refiners that manage operating expenses and maintain reliable production may be better positioned to benefit from favorable margins.

There are still reasons for caution. Goldman Sachs expects Brent crude to ease toward $80 per barrel in 2027 as Middle Eastern production recovers and higher prices weigh on consumption. However, continued supply disruptions or further attacks on energy infrastructure could keep prices elevated for longer.

For investors, the question is which companies can increase earnings and cash flow through their own operations, even if oil prices move lower.

3 Energy Growth Stocks Worth Buying NowChoosing growth stocks in the energy sector can be difficult when earnings are closely tied to commodity prices. A company may report stronger profits during a period of high oil prices without making much progress in its underlying business. Investors therefore need to look at the factors that can support growth over time.

The Zacks Style Score can help narrow the choices by assessing companies using important financial measures. In particular, the Growth Score identifies companies with solid financial fundamentals and the potential to deliver sustained business expansion.

We combine a Zacks Growth Score of A with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which identifies stocks with strong earnings and revenue growth prospects and the potential to outperform the market over the next one to three months. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Our selected companies, APA Corporation, Equinor and HF Sinclair, operate in different parts of the energy business. APA focuses on oil and gas exploration and production, while Equinor has a diversified portfolio of international energy assets. HF Sinclair operates in refining and petroleum products, giving it exposure to the tight fuel market.

APA Corporation: APA Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom, alongside exploration interests in Suriname and other regions. Its core Permian and Egypt assets provide a steady cash-generating base, while management expects organic oil growth and continues working toward lower costs and debt.

The company is also building its longer-term growth pipeline through exploration. Suriname’s GranMorgu development is expected to deliver first oil in mid-2028, with production capacity of 220,000 barrels per day. APA is also pursuing opportunities in Alaska and Uruguay, giving it several potential growth avenues beyond its established producing assets.

APA beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the last four quarters, with the average being 27.8%. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 earnings has gone up more than 12%.

Equinor: Equinor is an energy company with a major oil and gas business on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). It operates across established production hubs and is developing new fields to maintain output over the coming decade. The Johan Castberg field alone has plateau production of 220,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, helping support its long-term production base.

Looking ahead, Equinor targets around 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent in daily NCS equity production by 2035. Its plans include drilling new wells, connecting smaller discoveries to existing facilities and improving recovery from producing fields. The company also aims to simplify projects, lower costs and reduce emissions.

Equinor has a market capitalization of over $100 billion. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings for the firm indicates 122.3% growth.

HF Sinclair: HF Sinclair is an integrated downstream energy company with businesses spanning oil refining, pipelines, fuel marketing and renewable diesel. Its refineries produce gasoline and diesel, while its transportation and storage network helps move products to customers. The company is also expanding its retail presence through new stores and partnerships.

HF Sinclair plans to separate its Lubricants & Specialties business into an independent publicly traded company in the second half of 2027, subject to approvals. It also intends to retire base oil refining assets in Mississauga, Canada, while retaining blending, packaging and research activities there. These changes aim to simplify operations, improve cash generation and support shareholder returns.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings of HF Sinclair indicates 258.7% growth. It beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the last four quarters, with the average being 194.9%.

 | Source: Apache Corporation

HOUSTON, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apache Corporation, a subsidiary of APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA), today announced the donation of more than 11,000 trees to 23 nonprofit organizations and government agencies through the annual Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program. The environmental stewardship initiative supports communities with connections to the company through projects that restore habitats, enhance public green spaces, and create lasting environmental benefits.

Since the program was established in 2005, Apache has donated more than 5 million trees to community partners.

“Trees have a lasting impact on the places where people live, work and gather, and the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program gives us a meaningful way to invest in those communities,” said APA CEO John J. Christmann IV. “For more than two decades, we’ve worked alongside local organizations to restore habitats, strengthen public spaces and help build healthier, more resilient landscapes. We’re proud to continue that tradition and support the people and organizations doing this important work.”

This year’s recipients represent a diverse mix of projects across Texas and Louisiana, including large-scale reforestation, wetland and habitat restoration, urban forestry, public green-space improvements and community tree planting. Grant recipients are selected based on factors including geographic location, environmental value, community impact and the organization’s ability to successfully plant and maintain the trees.

Supporting Texas communities

In the Texas Hill Country, the Native Plant Society of Texas – Kerrville Chapter will receive native trees to support conservation and community stewardship in a region that continues to recover following devastating flooding in July 2025.

In the Houston area, recipients include the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department, Harris County precincts, Trees For Houston, Houston Wilderness, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Galveston Island Tree Conservancy, Hermann Park Conservancy and Trees for Kingwood.

In the Permian Basin, grants will support projects that enhance public spaces and strengthen neighborhoods through Keep Midland Beautiful, Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity and the City of Odessa Parks & Recreation.

“At Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity, our mission is to change lives through affordable homeownership, and the Apache Tree Grant allows us to extend that impact beyond housing,” said Kelby Davis, development director for Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity. “These trees will help us make an even greater impact in the communities our homeowners call home.”

Supporting Louisiana communities

In Terrebonne Parish, the Tree Grant Program continues a community relationship spanning more than 15 years. Apache’s Houma office has long supported Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government’s annual tree giveaway, which provides native trees to residents throughout the community.

“Apache Corporation’s longstanding support has allowed us to put trees directly into the hands of Terrebonne Parish residents, empowering families to help create a greener, healthier and more beautiful community,” said Patrick Gordon, chairman of the Terrebonne Parish Tree Board. “We are grateful for Apache’s continued partnership and commitment to our community.”

Apache also continues its nearly two-decade partnership with NOLA Tree Project, supporting efforts to restore New Orleans’ tree canopy and expand access to trees across the community. This year, Apache will support the organization’s Big TREEsy Giveaway, which provides free trees to Orleans Parish residents.

Together, this year’s recipients demonstrate how trees can restore ecosystems, enhance public spaces and strengthen communities.

About Apache

Apache Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA), is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom. Apache’s parent corporation, APA Corporation, posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases at www.apacorp.com.

About the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program

Founded in 2005, the Apache Corporation Tree Grant Program donates trees to nonprofits and government entities in communities with connections to the company. The program supports conservation, wildlife and native-species habitat, reforestation and the restoration and enhancement of public green spaces.

The award-winning initiative has provided more than 5 million trees to more than 1,000 qualified partners in the United States. In 2023, the program expanded to Scotland with the donation of 3,600 trees to several nonprofit organizations.

To learn more, visit www.apachelovestrees.com.

Contacts

Media: (713) 296-7276 | [email protected]

Website: www.apacorp.com

APA-T

 | Source: APA Corporation

HOUSTON, Oct. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) today provided supplemental information regarding certain third-quarter 2026 financial and operational results. This information is intended only to provide additional information regarding current estimates management believes will affect results for the third quarter of 2026. It is provided to assist investors, analysts and others in formulating their own estimates and is not intended to be a comprehensive presentation of all factors that will affect third-quarter 2026 results. Actual results and the impact of factors identified here may vary materially and are subject to finalization of the financial reporting process for the third quarter of 2026.

Estimated Average Realized Prices – 3Q26 Oil (bbl)NGL (bbl)Natural Gas (Mcf)United States$87.50$26.00$1.45International$98.50$155.00*$5.00 Egypt tax barrels:36 MBoe/dDry hole costs (before tax):$25 millionNet gain on oil and gas purchases and sales (before tax)**:$190 million *The increase compared to prior quarters primarily reflects low volumes and the timing of revenue recognition
**Includes $8 million realized gain from commodity derivatives

Weighted-average shares outstanding

The estimated weighted-average basic common shares for the third quarter are 348 million. APA repurchased 10.5 million shares at an average price of $42.78 per share during the third quarter.

General and administrative

During the third quarter, APA incurred general and administrative expenses totaling approximately
$115 million. This includes $56 million of stock-based compensation, most of which reflects the mark-to-market impacts of APA’s share price during the quarter.

Third-quarter 2026 earnings call

APA will host a conference call to discuss its third-quarter 2026 results at 10 a.m. Central time, Thursday, Nov. 5. The conference call will be webcast from APA’s website at www.apacorp.com and investor.apacorp.com. Following the conference call, a replay will be available for one year on the “Investors” page of the company’s website.

About APA

APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “believes,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “goals,” “guidance,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possibly,” “potential,” “projects,” “prospects,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar references to future periods, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about our estimated third-quarter 2026 results. While forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results and developments will meet our expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause our actual results, performance and financial condition to differ materially from our expectations, including as a result of the completion of quarter-end closing and financial reporting procedures, final determination of realized prices, final accruals and estimates for costs and taxes, and subsequent events. See “Risk Factors” in APA’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of risk factors that affect our business. Any forward-looking statement made in this news release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. APA and its subsidiaries undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

APA-F

LONDON, Oct 5 (Reuters) - A strike by more than 160 offshore workers at US ​energy company Apache this month ‌could disrupt the UK's North Sea Forties pipeline, a major conduit for UK ​oil and gas supplies, the ​Unite labour union said on Sunday.

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Unite ⁠said workers on seven North Sea ​assets operated by Apache overwhelmingly backed ​industrial action after rejecting a pay offer it described as a real-terms pay cut.

The ​union warned that disruption could bring ​the Charlie platform to a standstill, potentially leading ‌to ⁠a shutdown of the Forties pipeline system.

Operated by Ineos, the Forties system transports crude from dozens of ​North Sea ​fields to ⁠Scotland and handles about 29% of UK oil production ​and 30% of its gas, ​Unite ⁠says.

The system exports Forties Blend, one of the crude streams underpinning the ⁠Brent ​benchmark used to ​price much of the world's oil.

Reporting by Ahmad Ghaddar Editing ​by Alex Lawler and David Goodman

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab

Key Takeaways APA's shares jumped 73.9% in a year, outperforming its sub-industry, energy sector and selected peers.APA's 2026 EPS estimate rose 17.9% in 60 days to $5.80, implying 53.9% year-over-year earnings growth.APA raised 2026 U.S. oil guidance to 123,000 barrels a day while keeping its $1.3 billion capital budget. Shares of APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) gained momentum over the last year, following a staggering rise of 73.9%. During the same period, the company’s shares outperformed the sub-industry and the broader oil and energy sector’s gains of 11.7% and 28.8%, respectively.

Peer comparison further highlights the strength, as APA conveniently outperformed its peers, Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation (MGY - Free Report) and Venture Global, Inc. (VG - Free Report) , which lost 2% and 9.3%, respectively, over the last year.

APA Outperforms Industry, Sector & Peer Companies (MGY and VG)
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

APA is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL). Its operations span the United States, Egypt and the U.K. North Sea, with U.S. activities concentrated in the Permian Basin. APA also pursues exploration and development opportunities in Suriname, Uruguay, Alaska and other international regions. Its diversified portfolio includes conventional and unconventional onshore and offshore assets, with Suriname’s offshore oil project targeted to begin production in 2028.

APA has built scale over decades, balancing growth with disciplined financial management and a strong commitment to safe and efficient operations. However, as with any investment, it is essential to take a closer look at the company’s current standing in terms of its resilience, growth trajectory and operational strength. Therefore, let us dig deeper into the prospects to determine APA’s credibility.

Factors Favoring APA StockA Positive 2026 Earnings Estimate: The Zacks Consensus Estimate for APA’s 2026 earnings is pegged at $5.80 per share, indicating 53.9% year-over-year growth. The positive earnings estimate outlook makes the stock attractive for investors. In comparison to APA, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of the above-mentioned peer companies, namely Magnolia Oil & Gas and Venture Global, also indicates year-over-year growth for 2026.

APA’s Earnings Estimate Overview
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

APA’s Upward Earnings Revision: Over the past 60 days, analysts have raised the estimate for APA’s 2026 earnings per share from $4.92 to $5.80, marking a 17.9% upward revision that reflects confidence in the company’s growth outlook.

APA’s Estimate Revisions
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Permian Efficiency Strengthens APA’s Cash-Generation Engine: APA’s Permian business is becoming materially more capital efficient, which should support stronger free cash flow even without aggressive production growth. Management now expects to sustain U.S. oil output above 120,000 barrels per day while spending roughly 40% less capital than in 2024. Drilling and completion productivity has improved, while lower well costs, centralized infrastructure and operating initiatives are reducing lease operating expenses. APA consequently raised its 2026 U.S. oil guidance to 123,000 barrels per day without increasing the $1.3-billion capital budget, demonstrating that operational improvements are translating directly into better economics.

Balance-Sheet Improvement and Shareholder-Return Framework: APA is pairing investment in future projects with a disciplined approach to shareholder returns. Net debt stood near $3.3 billion at the end of the second quarter, close to management’s $3-billion target, while liquidity totaled roughly $4.4 billion. The debt profile is also manageable, with no maturities until December 2029 and only about $590 million coming due over the next five years. At the same time, APA intends to return at least 60% of annual free cash flow through dividends and repurchases. This combination of falling leverage, lower interest expense, financial flexibility and recurring capital returns can improve resilience during commodity-price downturns while preserving upside when cash generation is strong.

Structural Cost Reductions Can Boost Free Cash Flow: APA is not relying solely on stronger commodity prices to improve financial performance. Management has increased its expected year-end 2026 run-rate controllable cost savings to $500 million from $450 million, driven by field efficiencies, lower well costs and corporate streamlining. Combined with interest savings, the company expects roughly $675 million of annualized benefit versus the 2024 exit level. APA has also repaid $2.3 billion of debt since year-end 2024, cutting annualized interest expense by more than $155 million. Lower operating costs and financing expenses should leave a greater portion of revenue available for free cash flow, debt reduction and shareholder distributions.

GranMorgu Offers a Visible Long-Term Oil and Cash-Flow Growth: APA’s 40%-owned GranMorgu development in Suriname could become one of the company’s most important growth assets. The project contains more than 750 million barrels of estimated recoverable resources and is designed for an oil-production capacity of about 220,000 barrels per day, with the first oil targeted for mid-2028. Importantly, the carry agreement reduces APA’s capital exposure while allowing it to participate materially in future production and cash generation. Management says the development remains on budget and schedule, while nearby exploration prospects could extend the production plateau or support additional developments, potentially creating another growth leg beyond APA’s mature producing assets.

Final Verdict on APA StockThis Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company has delivered a strong stock-market performance, with shares up 73.9% over the past year and comfortably ahead of its industry, sector and selected peers — Magnolia Oil & Gas and Venture Global. The investment case is supported by a 53.9% expected rise in 2026 earnings, a 17.9% upward revision in the annual EPS estimate, improving Permian capital efficiency, lower operating costs and continued balance-sheet strengthening. APA also offers long-term growth potential from GranMorgu in Suriname, while its commitment to return at least 60% of annual free cash flow adds support for its shareholders. Considering these improving earnings expectations, stronger free-cash-flow potential and disciplined financial management, APA stock is worth buying for investors seeking reliable income and long-term growth.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Shares of APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA – Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of “Hold” from the thirty-one brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, sixteen have assigned a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $43.14.

APA has been the subject of several research reports. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of APA from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a “sell” rating and set a $43.00 price objective on shares of APA in a research note on Monday, September 7th. Susquehanna upped their price objective on shares of APA from $45.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a “positive” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of APA from $38.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, August 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised APA from a “hold (c+)” rating to a “buy (b-)” rating in a research report on Thursday, September 17th.

Get Our Latest Report on APA

Hedge Funds Weigh In On APA Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of APA. Hollencrest Capital Management raised its holdings in APA by 520.8% in the first quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 596 shares of the company’s stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of APA during the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Compass Financial Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of APA during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. MidFirst Bank purchased a new position in APA in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Global Assets Advisory LLC purchased a new position in APA in the 1st quarter worth approximately $44,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.01% of the company’s stock. APA Trading Down 0.0% APA opened at $43.68 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $15.30 billion, a PE ratio of 9.23, a PEG ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 0.37. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. The business has a 50 day moving average of $40.89 and a 200-day moving average of $38.39. APA has a 52 week low of $21.63 and a 52 week high of $47.44.

APA (NASDAQ:APA – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 5th. The company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.90 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $2.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.46 billion. APA had a return on equity of 24.84% and a net margin of 19.48%.During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.87 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that APA will post 5.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

APA announced that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Wednesday, September 16th that authorizes the company to repurchase 40,000,000 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the company to repurchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually an indication that the company’s management believes its stock is undervalued.

APA Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 22nd will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 22nd. APA’s payout ratio is 21.14%.

APA Company Profile (Get Free Report)

APA Corporation (NASDAQ: APA) is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The company operates through subsidiaries and manages upstream assets spanning exploration, drilling, production and related field-development activities.

APA’s principal producing operations are in the Permian Basin of the United States and in Egypt. The company has also pursued offshore exploration opportunities in Suriname, where it has participated in drilling and appraisal activities in the country’s offshore blocks.

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While the proven Zacks Rank places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find strong stocks, we also know that investors tend to develop their own individual strategies. With this in mind, we are always looking at value, growth, and momentum trends to discover great companies.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits.

Zacks has developed the innovative Style Scores system to highlight stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will be interested in stocks with great grades in the "Value" category. When paired with a high Zacks Rank, "A" grades in the Value category are among the strongest value stocks on the market today.

One stock to keep an eye on is APA (APA - Free Report) . APA is currently holding a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a Value grade of A. The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 8.22. This compares to its industry's average Forward P/E of 10.27. APA's Forward P/E has been as high as 8.88 and as low as 4.09, with a median of 6.45, all within the past year.

Investors should also recognize that APA has a P/B ratio of 1.23. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. This company's current P/B looks solid when compared to its industry's average P/B of 2.78. Over the past year, APA's P/B has been as high as 1.63 and as low as 0.79, with a median of 1.20.

Value investors also use the P/S ratio. The P/S ratio is calculated as price divided by sales. Some people prefer this metric because sales are harder to manipulate on an income statement. This means it could be a truer performance indicator. APA has a P/S ratio of 1.72. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 1.81.

These figures are just a handful of the metrics value investors tend to look at, but they help show that APA is likely being undervalued right now. Considering this, as well as the strength of its earnings outlook, APA feels like a great value stock at the moment.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F. The better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform; an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and many other multiples, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreIf you like to use all three kinds of investing, then the VGM Score is for you. It's a combination of all Style Scores, and is an important indicator to use with the Zacks Rank. The VGM Score rates each stock on their shared weighted styles, narrowing down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

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Stock to Watch: APA (APA - Free Report) Founded in 1954, Houston, TX-based APA Corporation is one of the world's leading independent energy companies engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Geographically, the company’s operations are in the United States, Egypt and in the North Sea of the United Kingdom. APA also holds acreage in offshore Suriname (South America) and other international locations.

APA is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. APA has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 51.2% for the current fiscal year.

For fiscal 2026, eight analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.88 to $5.70 per share. APA boasts an average earnings surprise of +27.8%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, APA should be on investors' short list.

 | Source: APA Corporation

HOUSTON, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The board of directors of APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) has declared a regular cash dividend on the company's common shares.

The dividend on common shares is payable Nov. 23, 2026, to stockholders of record on Oct. 22, 2026, at a rate of 25 cents per share on the corporation’s common stock.

The board of directors also approved a further 40 million shares of additional share repurchase authorization.

About APA
APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, www.apacorp.com.

Contacts

Investor:     (281) 302-2286 | [email protected]        

Media:        (713) 296-7276 | [email protected]                             

Website:     www.apacorp.com

APA-F

APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA – Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $47.44 and last traded at $47.41, with a volume of 6426263 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $45.03.

Trending Headlines about APA Here are the key news stories impacting APA this week:

Positive Sentiment: Zacks Research raised its APA EPS forecasts for Q4 2026 to $0.53 from $0.50, Q2 2027 to $0.93 from $0.77, and FY2027 to $3.59 from $3.16. These upward revisions suggest improved expectations for earnings momentum over the next several reporting periods. Zacks Research Analysts Raise Earnings Estimates for APA Positive Sentiment: APA was highlighted in a Zacks industry outlook covering W&T Offshore, APA and Diamondback, while a separate Zacks analysis characterized APA as a strong value stock. The company’s low valuation metrics, including a reported price-to-earnings ratio below 9, may be attracting value-oriented investors. Zacks Industry Outlook W&T Offshore, APA and Diamondback Here’s Why APA is a Strong Value Stock Neutral Sentiment: The latest revisions leave Zacks’ current full-year consensus EPS estimate at $5.71. APA’s most recent quarter showed solid profitability and year-over-year EPS growth, but revenue and EPS slightly missed analyst expectations, limiting the strength of the bullish case. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research cut its Q1 2028 EPS estimate to $0.79 from $0.99 and its Q2 2028 estimate to $0.75 from $0.82. The longer-term reductions point to potential moderation in earnings growth and may weigh on upside if investors focus beyond the near-term improvements. Analysts Set New Price Targets APA has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of APA from $41.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Monday. Argus raised APA from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $48.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 19th. KeyCorp set a $46.00 target price on APA in a report on Wednesday, August 12th. Citigroup increased their price target on APA from $38.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research report on Thursday, August 20th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised their price target on APA from $37.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 20th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $42.97.

Get Our Latest Report on APA APA Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $16.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.79 and a beta of 0.37. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $39.51 and its 200 day moving average is $37.76. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47.

APA (NASDAQ:APA – Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 5th. The company reported $1.89 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.90 by ($0.01). APA had a return on equity of 24.84% and a net margin of 19.48%.The firm had revenue of $2.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.46 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.87 EPS. Analysts anticipate that APA Corporation will post 5.7 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On APA Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. BlackRock Inc. bought a new position in shares of APA during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,173,231,000. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in APA by 6.9% in the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 16,376,952 shares of the company’s stock valued at $695,099,000 after purchasing an additional 1,055,016 shares during the last quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in APA by 1,726.2% during the first quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,834,502 shares of the company’s stock valued at $205,176,000 after purchasing an additional 4,569,779 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its position in shares of APA by 55.0% in the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 4,154,301 shares of the company’s stock valued at $176,309,000 after purchasing an additional 1,473,626 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in APA by 76.9% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,171,963 shares of the company’s stock valued at $175,426,000 after buying an additional 3,117,032 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.01% of the company’s stock.

APA Company Profile (Get Free Report)

APA Corporation (NASDAQ: APA) is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. The company operates through subsidiaries and manages upstream assets spanning exploration, drilling, production and related field-development activities.

APA’s principal producing operations are in the Permian Basin of the United States and in Egypt. The company has also pursued offshore exploration opportunities in Suriname, where it has participated in drilling and appraisal activities in the country’s offshore blocks.

Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than APA Running on Empty: 3 Energy Plays for Europe’s Deep Freeze 3 Healthcare Stocks for 3 Stages of Life Curaleaf Tries To Roll Up Aurora In a Hostile Cannabis Bid MarketBeat’s Most Downgraded Stocks in Q3: 2 Look Cheap, 1 Looks Risky Receive News & Ratings for APA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.

9.9.2026 17:18

Index Dow Jones -0,78 % na 52374,21 b. S&P 500 -0,56 % na 7630,36 b. Nasdaq Composite -0,78 % na 26216,41 b.

Ve středeční seanci americké indexy otevírají v červených úrovních, když hlavní příčinou poklesu je eskalující konflikt mezi USA a Iránem, včetně uzavřeného Hormůzského průlivu. K dalšímu bombardování ze strany Iránu došlo poté, co USA zaútočily a zničily pět íránských ropných tankerů, čímž zintenzivnily konflikt s Teheránem, který se táhne již šest měsíců. Vzhledem k tomu, že si obě strany vyměňují další útoky, naděje na brzké vyřešení bojů se vytratily. Během návštěvy Kolumbie americký ministr zahraničí Marco Rubio naznačil, že odvetné útoky pravděpodobně brzy neustanou, a varoval Írán, že „ztratí tankery“, když se pokusí „zasáhnout americké válečné lodě“. Investory  a celý svět tak nyní trápí nárůst cen ropy, který oživil obavy, že vyšší náklady na energie by mohly udržet inflaci na vysoké úrovni a přesvědčit centrální banky k zpřísnění politiky. Výnosy amerických státních dluhopisů se v této souvislosti zvýšily. Referenční výnos 10letých amerických státních dluhopisů se v úterý krátce dostal nad 4,8 %, což je blízko nejvyšší úrovně od listopadu 2023, což zvýšilo relativní atraktivitu dluhopisů a zvýšilo náklady na půjčky pro firmy a spotřebitele. Trhy a investoři se nyní  zaměřují na údaje o inflaci v USA, které mají být zveřejněny koncem tohoto týdne, přičemž se očekává, že index spotřebitelských cen v pátek poskytne nové vodítka o směru politiky Fedu. Podle názoru analytiků rostou sázky na zvýšení úrokových sazeb ze strany FEDu v příštím týdnu a to v souvislosti s obnovenými obavami z inflace. Podle CME FedWatch trhy odhadovaly pravděpodobnost nárůstu o čtvrtinu bazického bodu zhruba na 60 %, oproti zhruba 40 % před týdnem.

V centru dění je dnes ropa a proražení ceny Brentu nad 100 USD/barel je pro trhy významným psychologickým milníkem, ale větší obavou je, co to znamená pro inflaci. Dlouhodobý ropný šok by mohl udržet vysoký cenový tlak a zkomplikovat cestu centrálním bankám, které se již tak potýkají s obtížným politickým prostředím. Dnes byly také reportovány od EIA surové zásoby ropy ke dni 2.9., které klesly o 4,5 mil. barelů, když trh očekával menší pokles o 2,5 mil. barelů. Lehká ropa WTI v reakci na situaci roste o 3,1% a dostává se k úrovni 95,8 USD/barel. tato situace je příznivě nakloněna akciím v těžebním sektoru černého zlata a tak akcie těžaře APA ( APA ) dnes posilují o 1,9% a také akcie těžebního obra Exxon Mobil ( XOM ) se posunují výše na tržní ceně o cca 2%. V kladných úrovních se drží také akcie britské skupiny BP ( BP ), jež rostou o 1,6% a také akcie brazilského těžaře Petrobrasu ( PBR ) obchodují výš o cca 1,5%. a ještě lépe jsou na tom akcie Occidentalu Petroleum ( OXY ) se ziskem cca 2,5% a daří se také akciím Shellu ( SHEL ), které přidávají cca 1%. Za zmínku stojí také akcie amerického výrobce a dodavatele těžního zařízení Halliburtonu ( HAL ), které přidávají na tržní ceně více než 2% a také akcie francouzského konkurenta Schlumbergeru ( SLB ) přidávají na tržní ceně více než 3,5%.

Poměrně slušně dnes  za přispění geopolitického rizika a  oslabujícího dolaru profituje žlutý kov, který přidává cca 0,5% a dostává se k úrovni 4 460 USD/Troy. unci. Tato situace hraje do karet akciím v těžebním sektoru zlata a tak akcie největšího kanadského těžaře posilují na tržní ceně o cca 1,5% a také akcie jeho amerického konkurenta Newmontu ( NEM ) jsou na tom podobně se ziskem necelých 1,5%. Za pozornost stojí také akcie známého těžaře Eldorado Gold ( EGO ), které posilují na tržní ceně o cca 2,9%.

Z indexu S&P 500 zaznamenávají největší pokles akcie amerického řetězce obchodů se smíšeným zbožím Casey's General Stores který reportoval výsledky hospodaření za první kvartál fiskálního roku 2027, jeho porovnatelné tržby zaostaly za očekáváním. Akcie Casey's General Stores ( CASY ) se ocitají pod tlakem investorů a ztrácí -16%. 

Index S&P 500 -0,56 % na 7630,36 b. Nejsilnější sektory S&P Změna Nejslabší sektory S&P Změna Energie +0,8 % Zbytná spotřeba -1,6 % Finanční sektor -0,3 % Utility -1,2 % Zdravotní péče -0,3 % Průmysl -1,2 % Nejsilnější akcie S&P Změna Nejslabší akcie S&P Změna Meta Platforms (META) +7,0 % Casey's General Stores (CASY) -16 % Datadog (DDOG) +5,4 % Vertiv Holdings (VRT) -6,9 % Marvell Technology (MRVL) +4,8 % Booking Holdings (BKNG) -4,8 % Lumentum Holdings (LITE) +3,5 % Tractor Supply (TSCO) -4,5 % F5 (FFIV) +3,3 % Kimberly-Clark Corp (KMB) -4,4 %
Luboš Bedrník
Fio banka, a.s.
Prohlášení

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

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Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

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As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

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Stock to Watch: APA (APA - Free Report) Founded in 1954, Houston, TX-based APA Corporation is one of the world's leading independent energy companies engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Geographically, the company’s operations are in the United States, Egypt and in the North Sea of the United Kingdom. APA also holds acreage in offshore Suriname (South America) and other international locations.

APA is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Momentum investors should take note of this Oils-Energy stock. APA has a Momentum Style Score of B, and shares are up 14% over the past four weeks.

Six analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for fiscal 2026, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.19 to $5.54 per share. APA also boasts an average earnings surprise of +27.8%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Momentum and VGM Style Scores, APA should be on investors' short list.

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.

Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreGrowth investors, on the other hand, are more concerned with a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score examines things like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will experience sustainable growth over time.

Momentum ScoreMomentum investors, who live by the saying "the trend is your friend," are most interested in taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Utilizing one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, among other factors, the Momentum Style Score can help determine favorable times to buy high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank The Zacks Rank, which is a proprietary stock-rating model, employs earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to make building a winning portfolio easier.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.8% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

You want to make sure you're buying stocks with the highest likelihood of success, and to do that, you'll need to pick stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you like a stock that only has a #3 (Hold) rank, it should also have Scores of A or B to guarantee as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

A stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, for instance, even one with Scores of A and B, will still have a declining earnings forecast, and a greater chance its share price will fall too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: APA (APA - Free Report) Founded in 1954, Houston, TX-based APA Corporation is one of the world's leading independent energy companies engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids. Geographically, the company’s operations are in the United States, Egypt and in the North Sea of the United Kingdom. APA also holds acreage in offshore Suriname (South America) and other international locations.

APA is a #3 (Hold) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

Additionally, the company could be a top pick for growth investors. APA has a Growth Style Score of A, forecasting year-over-year earnings growth of 47% for the current fiscal year.

For fiscal 2026, six analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.19 to $5.54 per share. APA boasts an average earnings surprise of +27.8%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Growth and VGM Style Scores, APA should be on investors' short list.

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced nearly $1.2 million in grants to restore and sustain healthy rivers and streams, improve grassland ecosystems, and support the recovery of native aquatic species across the Pecos River watershed of southeastern New Mexico and West Texas. 

The grants were awarded through the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative (PWCI), an innovative public-private partnership that leverages resources from corporate partners including Occidental, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, ExxonMobil and Apache Corporation, as well as from federal agencies including the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 

The four grants announced today will generate nearly $1.5 million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more than $2.6 million. Implementation partners include soil and water conservation districts, nonprofit organizations and universities.

“Through the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative, our grantees and funding partners are collaborating to protect species of conservation concern at a landscape scale in the Pecos River watershed,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “The Initiative, now in its ninth year, demonstrates the far-reaching impacts of public-private conservation partnerships, supporting native fish and grassland species from upland habitat restoration to instream recovery efforts.”

The projects supported by the four grants will advance the following long-term goals of the Initiative:

Improve the management and function of native grasslands, many of which have been negatively impacted by past management and fragmentationIncrease grassland connectivity to allow for the seasonal movements of resident pronghorn within the species’ range that are important for their survivalResearch data gaps for species and their conservation needsStrengthen the health of habitat along the Pecos River and its tributaries in West Texas and southern New Mexico, including some of the last remaining populations of fish and other aquatic species found only in the Chihuahuan DesertIdentify opportunities to re-establish species in areas of their range where they have been lost or bolster small remnant populations In a joint statement, the five corporate partners of the Initiative said: “The Pecos Watershed is an extraordinary resource that is home to iconic grassland species such as pronghorn and endemic fish species like the Pecos gambusia, which is found nowhere else in the world. We are proud to support local organizations in their commitment to restoring habitat and protecting populations of these unique and remarkable species. By improving ecosystem function through brush management, increased grassland connectivity, protection of native fish, and assessment of habitat data to inform conservation efforts, we are preserving this ecosystem for future wildlife and communities.”

The funded projects will address key conservation opportunities across both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Grassland restoration work will improve the quality and connectivity of native habitat for pronghorn and migratory grassland birds. 

“We are honored to continue our restoration efforts with NFWF and other partners in support of grassland restoration in the Pecos River Watershed. As we approach nearly a decade of partnership we are seeing how our collaborative efforts build over time, creating positive impacts and greater benefit for both the land and wildlife while also continuing to support our agency’s mission,” said Shannon Gentry, state rangeland management specialist for the Bureau of Land Management’s New Mexico State Office.

River and stream restoration projects will also help safeguard imperiled aquatic species including the Pecos gambusia and Texas hornshell mussel. These projects will address critical knowledge gaps by collecting data needed to inform future habitat restoration and species recovery strategies throughout the watershed. 

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proud to partner with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and local stakeholders to advance conservation throughout the Pecos watershed,” said Seth Willey, ecological services assistant regional director for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “Through collaborative conservation, we are restoring habitats, supporting native species, and working to support the long-term health of this unique ecosystem for future generations.”

Since its inception in 2018, the PWCI has invested a total of nearly $14.9 million in 66 projects across the Pecos River watershed.

A complete list of the 2026 grants made through the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative is available here.

About the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works with partners to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions so that people and nature thrive together. Chartered by Congress in 1984, NFWF has grown to become the nation’s conservation foundation. NFWF works with the public and private sectors to sustain, restore and enhance the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants and habitats for current and future generations. Since its founding, NFWF has supported more than 7,200 grantee organizations and funded more than 23,900 projects that have generated a total conservation impact of more than $12 billion. Learn more at nfwf.org.

About Occidental
Occidental is an international energy company that produces, markets and transports oil and natural gas to maximize value and provide resources fundamental to life. The company leverages its global leadership in carbon management to advance lower-carbon technologies and products. Headquartered in Houston, Occidental primarily operates in the United States, the Middle East and North Africa. To learn more, visit oxy.com.

About the Bureau of Land Management 
The BLM manages approximately 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The agency’s mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

About ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips is an independent exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company explores for, produces, transports and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, natural gas liquids and liquefied natural gas worldwide. For more information, visit conocophillips.com. 

About Chevron
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies and one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the Permian Basin, where it has been operating for more than 100 years. The company’s purpose is to develop the affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress. Chevron works to protect the environment through responsible operations and proudly supports partners like the Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative who share that commitment in the Permian Basin. For more information, visit https://www.chevron.com/permian. 

About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy and petrochemical companies, creates solutions that improve quality of life and meet society’s evolving needs. The corporation’s primary businesses – Upstream, Product Solutions and Low Carbon Solutions – provide products that enable modern life, including energy, chemicals, lubricants, and lower emissions technologies. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading portfolio of resources, and is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. ExxonMobil also owns and operates the largest CO2 pipeline network in the United States. In 2021, ExxonMobil announced Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emission-reduction plans for 2030 for operated assets, compared to 2016 levels. The plans are to achieve a 20-30% reduction in corporate-wide greenhouse gas intensity; a 40-50% reduction in greenhouse gas intensity of upstream operations; a 70-80% reduction in corporate-wide methane intensity; and a 60-70% reduction in corporate-wide flaring intensity. With advancements in technology and the support of clear and consistent government policies, ExxonMobil aims to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from its operated assets by 2050. To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and ExxonMobil’s Advancing Climate Solutions.

About Apache Corporation
Apache Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA), is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom. Apache’s parent corporation, APA Corporation, posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website www.apacorp.com.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube.

On June 30, 2026, Hotchkis & Wiley filed a 13DG report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, disclosing a reduction of 319,811 shares in APA Corp (NASDAQ:APA). The transaction was executed at a price of $32.57 per share, representing a total position change impact of -0.03% on the firm's portfolio. Following the sale, Hotchkis & Wiley retains 31,695,303 shares of APA, which accounts for 3.19% of the firm's total equity portfolio and 8.97% of the outstanding shares of the company.

This move comes at a time when APA's stock has appreciated significantly since the transaction date. The current trading price of $42.37 represents a 30.09% gain from the June 30 transaction price, suggesting that the firm may have locked in profits on a portion of its position while maintaining a substantial stake in the energy producer.

Profile of the Reporting Firm: Hotchkis & Wiley Founded in Los Angeles in 1980, Hotchkis & Wiley is a dedicated value investment firm with a focus on identifying undervalued companies with significant appreciation potential. The firm's investment philosophy centers on key parameters such as tangible assets, sustainable cash flow, and the potential for improved business performance. With total equity of $34.31 billion, the firm holds positions in 463 stocks, with top holdings including F5 Inc
FFIV -0.49% 87

, American International Group Inc
AIG +0.41% 61

, APA Corp
APA +1.88% 63

, Workday Inc
WDAY -0.29% 79

, and GE HealthCare Technologies Inc
GEHC +0.36% 72

.

The firm's portfolio is predominantly weighted toward the technology and financial services sectors, reflecting a diversified approach to value investing across multiple industries. Hotchkis & Wiley's long-standing reputation as a disciplined value manager has attracted institutional investors seeking exposure to fundamentally sound companies trading at reasonable valuations.

Company Overview: APA Corp APA Corp is an independent exploration and production company that develops and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company operates through four primary segments: Egypt, the North Sea, Suriname, and the U.S., with the U.S. segment generating the majority of revenue. APA also holds exploration interests in Uruguay, Alaska, and other international locations, providing additional growth optionality.

Listed on the U.S. stock exchange since May 27, 1969, APA has a current market capitalization of $14.84 billion. The company's diversified asset base across multiple geographic regions helps mitigate operational risks while offering exposure to various energy markets. The stock's long trading history spanning more than five decades demonstrates its resilience through multiple commodity cycles.

Valuation and Market Performance Analysis At the time of this report, APA's stock trades at $42.37, representing a 30.09% gain since the transaction date of June 30, 2026. The stock has a price-to-GF Value ratio of 1.62, indicating that it is significantly overvalued relative to its intrinsic value of $26.13 as calculated by GuruFocus's proprietary method. This valuation metric suggests that the market has priced in substantial optimism regarding the company's future prospects.

APA's year-to-date performance shows a substantial increase of 67.07%, while the stock has appreciated 5,039.47% since its initial public offering. The current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 8.96, suggesting the company is profitable but trading at a premium to its fundamental valuation. The significant divergence between market price and GF Value raises questions about the sustainability of recent gains, particularly for value-oriented investors who prioritize margin of safety.

Fundamental Health and Growth Indicators APA Corp demonstrates solid profitability with a Profitability Rank of 8/10, supported by a return on equity of 26.67% and a return on assets of 9.36%. The company's balance sheet is rated 6/10, with a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.11 and an interest coverage ratio of 15.83, indicating manageable leverage. The Altman Z score of 2.00 places the company in the grey zone, suggesting some financial stability concerns.

Growth metrics are less favorable, with a Growth Rank of 3/10, reflecting a three-year revenue decline of 9.30%, EBITDA contraction of 11.90%, and earnings reduction of 21.10%. The GF Score of 63/100 suggests poor future performance potential, while the Piotroski F-Score of 8 indicates strong financial health in the current period. The Operating Margin growth of 33.60% provides some optimism regarding operational efficiency improvements.

Technical Indicators and Market Sentiment APA's stock exhibits strong short-term momentum, with RSI readings of 82.26 (5-day), 75.16 (9-day), and 70.19 (14-day), all indicating overbought conditions. The 6-1 month momentum index stands at 23.10, while the 12-1 month momentum index is significantly higher at 72.56, reflecting sustained upward price movement. The stock's Momentum Rank of 2/10 and RSI 14-day rank of 957 suggest that the recent price surge may be stretched relative to historical norms.

These technical indicators align with the GF Valuation assessment, reinforcing the notion that APA is currently trading above its intrinsic worth. The GF Value Rank of 3/10 further supports this view, indicating that the stock's current price significantly exceeds its fair value estimate. For value investors, these signals may warrant caution despite the company's solid profitability metrics.

Broader Ownership Context and Peer Activity Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC remains the largest institutional holder of APA Corp, with the firm's stake representing a significant portion of the company's outstanding shares. Other notable investors holding APA include Smead Value Fund (Trades, Portfolio), Joel Greenblatt (Trades, Portfolio), and Ken Fisher (Trades, Portfolio), indicating continued interest from value-oriented managers. According to GuruFocus's premium ownership data, 13 gurus currently hold the stock, with 6 adding and 8 trimming positions in recent quarters.

The reduction by Hotchkis & Wiley, combined with the stock's overvaluation signal, may suggest a cautious stance among value investors regarding APA's near-term prospects. Despite the sale, the firm's retained position of 8.97% of APA's shares underscores a continued long-term commitment to the company's underlying asset value. The net trimming activity among tracked gurus provides an additional data point that distinguishes GuruFocus's ownership analysis from other financial platforms.

Transaction Analysis and Implications The reduction of 319,811 shares by Hotchkis & Wiley represents a modest portfolio adjustment rather than a significant strategic shift. The -0.03% portfolio impact indicates that this transaction was relatively small in the context of the firm's $34.31 billion equity portfolio. However, the timing of the sale, occurring before the stock's subsequent 30.09% appreciation, may initially appear premature from a short-term trading perspective.

From a value investing standpoint, the transaction aligns with prudent portfolio management principles. With the stock trading at 1.62 times its GF Value, the risk-reward profile has become less attractive for disciplined value investors. The firm's decision to trim while maintaining a substantial 8.97% ownership stake reflects a balanced approach that acknowledges both the company's fundamental strengths and its current valuation concerns. This nuanced positioning demonstrates Hotchkis & Wiley's commitment to its value discipline while recognizing the need for portfolio rebalancing in response to changing market conditions.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

APA Corporation remains a Strong Buy, driven by robust free cash flow, upsized cost savings, and upside from the Suriname project. APA beat top- and bottom-line estimates again, raised 2026 Permian oil guidance, and maintained capital discipline, with net leverage at a solid ~0.6x. Debt reduction and cost savings are on track, with $752 million in bond repayments in H1 2026 and $675 million in annualized cost/interest benefits.

APA's lower costs, stronger Permian efficiency and discounted valuation support the case, but commodity sensitivity and long project timelines temper upside.

Key Takeaways APA's Q2 earnings beat estimates, fueled by higher oil prices and lower year-over-year expenses.APA's realized oil price surged nearly 50%, while natural gas prices fell sharply from a year ago.APA raised 2026 U.S. oil output guidance and cut lease operating expense guidance by $25 million. U.S. energy operator APA Corporation (APA - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of $1.89 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.85. The bottom line rose from the year-ago adjusted profit of 87 cents. The outperformance was primarily driven by higher realized oil prices and lower year-over-year expenses.

Revenues of $2.4 billion were down 8.2% from the year-ago quarter’s sales and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.5%, caused by a decrease in natural gas revenues.

Meanwhile, APA continues to reward its shareholders, having paid out $189 million through dividends and share repurchases during the second quarter of 2026.

APA’s Q2 Production & Selling PricesProduction of oil and natural gas averaged 409,959 BOE/d, which comprised 69% liquids. The figure was down 11.8% from the year-ago quarter but surpassed our expectation of 404,982 BOE/d.

U.S. output (accounting for 64% of the total) fell 9.2% year over year to 263,187 BOE/d, but production from the company’s international operations decreased 16.2% to 146,772 BOE/d. APA’s oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs) production was 284,605 barrels per day (Bbl/d). Natural gas output totaled 752,125 thousand cubic feet per day (Mcf/d).

The average realized crude oil price during the second quarter was $98.24 per barrel, up almost 50% from the year-ago realization of $65.58. The number also significantly surpassed our projection of $76.35. The average realized natural gas price fell to 60 cents per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) from $2.28 in the year-ago period and missed our estimate of $2.03.

Costs & Financial PositionAPA’s second-quarter lease operating expenses totaled $353 million, down 3.8% from $367 million in the year-ago period. Moreover, proceeds from purchased oil/gas of $122 million meant that total operating expenses decreased nearly 29.2% from the corresponding period of 2025 to $1.1 billion. The number was below our model projection of $1.4 billion.

During the quarter under review, APA generated $1.7 billion of cash from operating activities while it incurred $546 million in upstream capital expenditures. The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company registered a free cash flow of $738 million compared to $134 million a year ago.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

As of June 30, APA had $444 million in cash and cash equivalents and $3.7 billion in long-term debt, representing a debt-to-capitalization of 34.8%.

2026 Guidance by APAFor full-year 2026, APA has raised its U.S. oil production guidance to 123,000 barrels per day while keeping its U.S. capital spending plan unchanged at $1.3 billion. Total upstream capital investment is projected at $2.07 billion, with exploration spending slightly lower due to the timing shift of exploration activities at Suriname Block 58. Meanwhile, lease operating expense guidance has been reduced by $25 million to $1.5 billion, reflecting continued cost-saving initiatives.

Important Earnings at a GlanceWhile we have discussed APA’s second-quarter results in detail, let us take a look at three other key reports in this space.

Expand Energy Corporation (EXE - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of $1.33, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22. The company’s bottom line increased from the year-ago adjusted profit of $1.10 per share, fueled by strong production and lower operating expenses.

Expand Energy’s ‘natural gas, oil and NGL’ revenues of $1.8 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2 billion. The top line was also below the year-ago figure of $2 billion.

As of June 30, 2026, the company had $663 million in cash and cash equivalents. Expand Energy had a long-term debt of $3.7 billion, reflecting a debt-to-capitalization of 16%.

NOV Inc. (NOV - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings of 31 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 16 cents. The bottom line also increased 6.9% from the year-ago quarter’s 29 cents, driven by outperformance of the Energy Equipment segment.

The oil and gas equipment and services company’s total revenues of $2.1 billion beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $39 million. However, NOV’s revenues fell 2.5% from the year-ago quarter’s figure of $2.2 billion due to lower year-over-year revenues from the Energy Products and Services segment.

As of June 30, 2026, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $1.2 billion and long-term debt of $1.7 billion with a debt-to-capitalization of 21.3%.

The Williams Companies, Inc. (WMB - Free Report) reported second-quarter 2026 adjusted earnings per share of 50 cents, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 52 cents. However, the bottom line increased from the year-ago period’s level of 46 cents, driven by better-than-expected performance of its Transmission, Power & Gulf, Northeast G&P and West segments.

The Tulsa, OK-based oil and gas storage and transportation company’s revenues of $3 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $2 million. The figure increased by 9.8% from the year-ago quarter’s reported revenues. This can be attributed to higher service revenues and increased product sales.

As of June 30, 2026, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $203 million and long-term debt of $28.1 billion, with a debt-to-capitalization of 64.7%.

Posted by Defense World Staff on Aug 11th, 2026

Bank of America Corp DE lessened its holdings in shares of APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA – Free Report) by 39.1% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,497,464 shares of the company’s stock after selling 962,062 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE owned approximately 0.42% of APA worth $63,552,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in APA. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in APA by 1,726.2% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 4,834,502 shares of the company’s stock worth $205,176,000 after buying an additional 4,569,779 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in APA by 76.9% during the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 7,171,963 shares of the company’s stock valued at $175,426,000 after buying an additional 3,117,032 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in APA by 157.1% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,060,135 shares of the company’s stock valued at $55,970,000 after buying an additional 1,869,891 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in APA by 21.8% in the fourth quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 10,425,586 shares of the company’s stock valued at $255,010,000 after buying an additional 1,864,900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in APA by 55.0% in the first quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 4,154,301 shares of the company’s stock worth $176,309,000 after acquiring an additional 1,473,626 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.01% of the company’s stock.

Insider Activity at APA In related news, VP Mark D. Maddox sold 9,800 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, May 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.04, for a total transaction of $392,392.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 66,810 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $2,675,072.40. This trade represents a 12.79% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.73% of the company’s stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have weighed in on APA shares. Stephens upped their price objective on shares of APA from $43.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 10th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on APA from $45.00 to $41.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 15th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of APA from a “buy (b-)” rating to a “hold (c+)” rating in a research note on Tuesday, June 23rd. Raymond James Financial lowered their price target on shares of APA from $57.00 to $50.00 and set an “outperform” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of APA from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, July 4th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $40.42.

Read Our Latest Report on APA

APA Stock Up 9.0% Shares of APA opened at $41.02 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $14.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.67 and a beta of 0.35. APA Corporation has a 12-month low of $19.77 and a 12-month high of $45.66. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $35.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $34.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47.

APA (NASDAQ:APA – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 5th. The company reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.90 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $2.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.46 billion. APA had a net margin of 19.48% and a return on equity of 24.84%. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.87 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that APA Corporation will post 4.91 earnings per share for the current year.

APA Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, August 21st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, July 22nd will be issued a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, July 22nd. APA’s dividend payout ratio is currently 21.14%.

APA Company Profile (Free Report)

APA Corporation (NASDAQ: APA) is an independent exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas resources. The company operates through three core regions: the United States, Egypt and the North Sea. Through its integrated approach, APA combines geological and geophysical expertise with technical innovation to identify and develop hydrocarbons in both onshore and offshore settings.

In the United States, APA’s largest position is in the Permian Basin of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, where it holds substantial acreage dedicated to oil-focused drilling and production.

Read More Five stocks we like better than APA SoundHound AI Sends a Loud Signal After Its Q2 Earnings Beat 3 Dividend Champion Utilities for a Market That Can’t Sit Still These 3 Most-Upgraded Stocks Have Almost Nothing to Do With AI First Solar’s Profit Engine Faces a New Policy Test in Washington Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for APA Corporation (NASDAQ:APA – Free Report).

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