Top Rated Stocks: Low Oil Prices Meet Venezuela Potential

Oil prices are bargain-basement low—setting up massive supply squeezes and Venezuela's untapped giant reserves for U.S. energy winners. Meanwhile, America's sleeping chip titan stirs. Discover the trio ready to surge.

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Chevron Corporation (CVX): Resilient Integrated Energy Leader

Chevron Corporation demonstrated operational excellence in Q4 2025 earnings reported January 30, 2026, with reported earnings of $2.8 billion ($1.39 per share diluted) and adjusted earnings of $3.0 billion ($1.52 per share), beating consensus estimates of $1.45. Revenues reached $46.87 billion, supported by record worldwide production up 12% for the full year and 16% in the U.S., achieving a reserve replacement ratio of 158%. Cash flow from operations hit $10.8 billion for the quarter, with adjusted free cash flow at $4.2 billion, enabling $3 billion in share repurchases and a 4% dividend increase to $1.78 per share quarterly.

Venezuela's vast untapped oil reserves, the world's largest, offer significant upside for U.S. majors like CVX, which remains the only major U.S. operator there under waivers. Potential regime shifts and investment could unlock massive development, boosting production substantially. Bernstein analysis notes current oil prices below long-term marginal costs, pressuring marginal producers to cut output and tightening future supply, while emerging Global South economies drive demand growth over the next decade.

Projections highlight strength: Record production and cost discipline position CVX for resilient cash flows; Venezuela exposure and supply discipline could catalyze re-rating as prices recover toward marginal levels, delivering mid-single-digit growth and attractive total returns through dividends and appreciation in a stabilizing energy market.

Intel Corporation (INTC): Foundry Turnaround Accelerating

Intel reported Q4 2025 results on January 22, 2026, with revenue of $13.7 billion (down 4% YoY but above guidance) and non-GAAP EPS of $0.15 (beating estimates of $0.08). Full-year revenue was $52.9 billion (flat YoY), with non-GAAP EPS at $0.42. Non-GAAP gross margin reached 37.9% (140 bps above guidance), driven by higher revenue and lower reserves, despite supply constraints limiting demand capture. Operating cash flow stood at $4.3 billion (adjusted free cash flow $2.2 billion).

CPU prices show bottoming and rebound signs, bolstered by Intel's technological progress. The 18A process, now in high-volume manufacturing for Panther Lake chips, holds strong potential for adoption by major clients like Apple for entry-level M-series variants from 2027, enhancing foundry credibility. As the sole U.S.-based integrated design-and-manufacture chipmaker, Intel benefits from favorable policy alignment and strategic partnerships.

Projections favor inflection: 18A ramp and external customer wins could drive foundry revenue growth, reversing fundamentals with margin expansion and EPS recovery. In a U.S.-centric semiconductor push, INTC offers compelling upside as a sleeping giant awakening.

ConocoPhillips (COP): Low-Cost Portfolio Poised for Rebound

ConocoPhillips prepares for Q4 2025 earnings release on February 5, 2026, with consensus expecting EPS around $1.08-$1.10 (down YoY) and revenues near $12.8-$14.0 billion amid lower prices. Recent quarters reflect disciplined capital allocation and resilient production in low-breakeven assets.

Venezuela's enormous undeveloped reserves present transformative potential for U.S. upstream players like COP, which holds historical claims and could capitalize on any access improvements. Bernstein highlights oil prices below long-term marginal costs, forcing high-cost producers to curtail and reducing supply overhang, while Global South demand surges over the coming decade as an emerging engine.

Projections are constructive: Supply discipline and low-cost inventory position COP for earnings leverage on price recovery; Venezuela opportunities and demand tailwinds could drive production growth and cash returns, yielding strong total returns in a tightening market.