Occidental (OXY) Up 0.9% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Occidental Petroleum (OXY) shares have risen 0.9% since its last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500, and consensus estimates have since declined by 35.03%, leading to a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and expectations of in-line returns in the near term. Within the same industry, National Fuel Gas (NFG) reported a 15.9% increase in revenue and a rise in EPS to $2.39, but its consensus estimate has also decreased by 7.1% over the last 30 days, also resulting in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Analysis

Occidental Petroleum (OXY) shares have risen a marginal 0.9% since its last earnings report, underperforming the S&P 500. A significant development post-earnings is the sharp downward revision in consensus estimates by 35.03%, contributing to a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and an expectation of in-line returns in the near term. While OXY exhibits a B grade for both Growth and Value in its VGM Scores, it scores an F for Momentum, indicating potential headwinds despite an overall VGM Score of B. In comparison, National Fuel Gas (NFG), operating within the same Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - United States industry, gained 0.2% over the past month. NFG reported robust results for its quarter ended March 2025, with revenues of $729.95 million (a 15.9% year-over-year increase) and EPS of $2.39, up from $1.79 a year ago. Despite an expected year-over-year EPS growth of 45.5% to $1.44 for the current quarter, NFG's consensus estimate has also seen a downward revision of 7.1% over the last 30 days, resulting in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and a VGM Score of C. The general sentiment surrounding OXY is moderately negative, primarily driven by these estimate revisions.

Key Decisions for Investors

• Given Occidental Petroleum's significant downward earnings estimate revisions and poor Momentum Score (F), investors should exercise caution and monitor for any stabilization or reversal in estimate trends before considering new long positions, despite its 'Hold' rating.
• For National Fuel Gas, while past earnings growth was strong and future EPS growth is projected, the recent negative revision in consensus estimates suggests investors should maintain a watchful stance, aligning with its 'Hold' rating.
• Investors holding or considering positions in either OXY or NFG should pay close attention to upcoming earnings releases and subsequent analyst estimate revisions, as these will be key catalysts influencing share price performance given the current downward pressure on estimates.