Oil has had an incredible ride over the last few years, hasn’t it?
While some may argue that the increase at the pump is simply political or the dreaded “corporate greed” – the fact is – the problem is a lot more nuanced that that.
We’re paying a LOT for oil at the moment…
And it doesn’t seem like we will see it as low as it was 2020 ever again. That doesn’t mean it won’t go lower – but I doubt we’ll see sub $2 gas again… at least in this Gorilla’s lifetime.
That said…
That doesn’t mean there’s not CHEAP oil out there.
There’s been some moves happening with some of the big oil biggest players…
A shuffling if you will.
One of the biggest oil companies just agreed to buy ANOTHER major oil company – as it seems not all majors are built the same.
Which company did the buying, and which one got bought?
Keep reading to find out.
Well, well, well, the US energy industry just can’t seem to get enough of playing “Monopoly” in real life, can it?
On Wednesday, ConocoPhillips (COP) decided it didn’t want to feel left out of the party and announced an agreement to buy Marathon Oil (MRO)…
That’s right, folks, another day, another multi-billion-dollar oil deal.
If you thought last year’s $250 billion oil and gas shopping spree was wild… buckle up, because big names in the industry have been on a rampage, snatching up every valuable resource in sight and stitching together a previously fragmented sector.
Remember when Exxon (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) decided to flex their financial muscles last October with jaw-dropping deals of $60 billion and $53 billion, respectively?
Those moves lit a fire under the industry’s collective feet – prompting a flurry of acquisitions.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) and Diamondback Energy (FANG) jumped on the bandwagon – with the latter outbidding ConocoPhillips to snatch up Endeavour Energy – one of the hottest private oil producers in the US.
Not to be outdone, ConocoPhillips has now agreed to a $17 billion all-stock deal to acquire Marathon Oil…
Meaning shareholders will be getting shares instead of good old cash.
Ah, the sweet smell of corporate synergy.
But…
Before you get too excited, hold your horses.
The deal still needs a thumbs-up from regulators – who aren’t exactly thrilled about the idea of a few big players dominating the field.
Given the recent acquisition frenzy – their concern is understandable.
Currently, just TEN companies control over half of the oil and gas production in the Permian Basin – the crown jewel of US energy production.
So, while ConocoPhillips might be eager to seal the deal…
Regulators are likely to scrutinize it with a magnifying glass.
To be fair, antitrust regulators have a tricky job balancing the pros and cons of these mega-mergers.
On the one hand, consolidation can lead to improved efficiency and lower costs…
By combining nearby land, oil companies can manage vast areas instead of scattered patches – extending their horizontal underground wells and centralizing operations above ground.
Essentially, it’s the corporate equivalent of cleaning your room by shoving everything under the bed – it might look tidy – but let’s not kid ourselves about the underlying chaos.
Bottom line, ConocoPhillips’ move to buy Marathon Oil is just another chapter in the never-ending saga of the US energy industry’s consolidation.
While the potential for improved efficiency is there – don’t expect regulators to rubber-stamp this deal without a thorough investigation.
After all…
In the high-stakes game of energy Monopoly – everyone’s watching to see who ends up with Boardwalk and Park Place.
If you want to move directly to go and collect $200 (metaphorically, we’re sticking with the Monopoly jargon) – then you’ll want to consider become a member GorillaTrades today.
While you may have missed out on these deals – the fact is – there’s a time and a place for profit plays…
And AFTER the deal is made – isn’t it.
You have to scour the data to find out which companies are ripe, which are sour, and which you can pick and squeeze some juice out of.
Our trading matrix was designed to trigger off data and data ONLY. We don’t care about momentum or the rumor mill – we only care if a company has the right numbers behind it to make it a winner.
I’d love to show you how it’s done – but you really have to be a part of it to truly understand. That’s why I’m urging you to become a member today.
Or, you can continue to go it alone…
Either way, just know were here anytime you need us.
Until then, keep your eye on Big Oil…
It seems big moves are the way to go these days!
“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” – John D. Rockefeller