Is Gulfport Energy (GPOR) the Top Oil & Gas E&P Stock Outperforming Despite Sinking Oil Prices?
Oil prices have crashed by as much as 8.5% since the start of this month as Donald Trump reignites the tariff war. At one point, it was down as much as 18%! The broader market, as well as investors, have come to terms with a harsh reality: the tariffs are here to stay!
Inflation resulting from these tariffs threatens to send the country's economy into recession, and global oil demand is reacting accordingly. The oil prices continue to tumble, threatening the future of some of the major oil producers of the world.
Amid this uncertain environment, some oil and gas stocks are outperforming the market. We decided to take a look at these stocks to find gems that can help retail investors outperform the market in these tough times.
To come up with our list of the top 10 oil & gas stocks outperforming despite sinking oil prices, we looked at the oil & gas exploration and production industry, considering only the stocks with a market cap between $2 billion and $10 billion.
A crew of workers drilling down into the earth in search of new petroleum resources.
Gulfport Energy Corporation (NYSE:GPOR) is the producer, acquirer, and explorer of crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas. The company's primary properties consist of the SCOOP Woodford and Springer formations in central Oklahoma and the Utica and Marcellus in eastern Ohio. The company's stock is up 3.3% in the last one week of trading.
The stock has struggled so far this year, falling over 8% despite the strong performance in the last 5 trading sessions. Moreover, the stock is still trading 14% below the lowest Wall Street price target of $190, showcasing how the Wall Street targets are still well above the current share price.
In 2024, Gulfport Energy (NYSE:GPOR) recorded a net loss of approximately $261.4 million. This loss was mainly driven by a non-cash impairment on its oil and gas properties. It bought back 1.2 million shares for $184.5 million. The board also increased the share buyback program to $1 billion.
For 2025, Gulfport Energy (NYSE:GPOR) anticipates total production to be 1040 to 1065 TCFe/day, 89% of which is natural gas. Capital expenditures are expected to be between $370 to $395 million.
Overall, GPOR ranks 7th on our list of top oil & gas E&P stocks outperforming despite sinking oil prices. While we acknowledge the potential of GPOR as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. There is an AI stock that has gone up since the beginning of 2025, while popular AI stocks have lost around 25%. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GPOR but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and 30 Best Stocks to Buy Now According to Billionaires.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
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The slides and webcast that accompany the call will be available at A replay of the call will be available from 1 p.m. ET August 1 until September 1, 2025. The replay toll-free dial-in numbers are 1-877-660-6853 and 201-612-7415. The access ID for each is 13746206. ABOUT LYONDELLBASELLWe are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThe statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management of LyondellBasell which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. When used in this release, the words 'estimate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'should,' 'will,' 'expect,' and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, market conditions, the business cyclicality of the chemical and polymers industries; the availability, cost and price volatility of raw materials and utilities, particularly the cost of oil, natural gas, and associated natural gas liquids; our ability to successfully implement initiatives identified pursuant to our Value Enhancement Program and generate anticipated earnings; competitive product and pricing pressures; labor conditions; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; operating interruptions (including leaks, explosions, fires, weather-related incidents, mechanical failure, unscheduled downtime, supplier disruptions, labor shortages, strikes, work stoppages or other labor difficulties, transportation interruptions, spills and releases and other environmental risks); the supply/demand balances for our and our joint ventures' products, and the related effects of industry production capacities and operating rates; our ability to manage costs; future financial and operating results; our ability to align our assets and grow and upgrade our core, including completing the proposed sale of certain European assets; our ability to reduce our fixed costs and increase cash flow; legal and environmental proceedings; tax rulings, consequences or proceedings; the impacts of tariffs and trade disruptions; technological developments, and our ability to develop new products and process technologies; our ability to meet our sustainability goals, including the ability to operate safely, increase production of recycled and renewable-based polymers to meet our targets and forecasts, and reduce our emissions and achieve net zero emissions by the time set in our goals; our ability to procure energy from renewable sources; our ability to build a profitable Circular & Low Carbon Solutions business; potential governmental regulatory actions; political unrest and terrorist acts; risks and uncertainties posed by international operations, including foreign currency fluctuations; and our ability to comply with debt covenants and to repay our debt. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the 'Risk Factors' section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found at on the Investors page and on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at There is no assurance that any of the actions, events or results of the forward-looking statements will occur, or if any of them do, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they were made and are based on the estimates and opinions of management of LyondellBasell at the time the statements are made. LyondellBasell does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change, except as required by law. This release contains time sensitive information that is accurate only as of the date hereof. Information contained in this release is unaudited and is subject to change. We undertake no obligation to update the information presented herein except as required by law. INFORMATION RELATED TO FINANCIAL MEASURESThis release makes reference to certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined in Regulation G of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We report our financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, but believe that certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as EBITDA, and EBITDA, net income and diluted EPS exclusive of identified items provide useful supplemental information to investors regarding the underlying business trends and performance of the company's ongoing operations and are useful for period-over-period comparisons of such operations. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered as a supplement to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. We calculate EBITDA as net income (loss) plus interest expense (net), provision for (benefit from) income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to profit or operating profit for any period as an indicator of our performance, or as an alternative to operating cash flows as a measure of our liquidity. We also present EBITDA, net income and diluted EPS exclusive of identified items. Identified items include adjustments for 'lower of cost or market" ('LCM'), gain on sale of business, asset write-downs in excess of $10 million in aggregate for the period, Cash Improvement Plan costs, Dutch PO joint venture exit costs, European transaction costs and discontinued operations. Asset write-downs include impairments of goodwill, impairments of long-lived assets, a write-down of a related party loan receivable and a fourth quarter 2024 deferred tax valuation allowance for one of our Chinese joint ventures recognized in Income (loss) from equity investments. Our inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ('LIFO') inventory valuation methodology, which means that the most recently incurred costs are charged to cost of sales and inventories are valued at the earliest acquisition costs. Fluctuation in the prices of crude oil, natural gas and correlated products from period to period may result in the recognition of charges to adjust the value of inventory to the lower of cost or market in periods of falling prices and the reversal of those charges in subsequent interim periods, within the same fiscal year as the charge, as market prices recover. A gain or loss on sale of a business is calculated as the consideration received from the sale less its carrying value. Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical costs. If it is determined that an asset or asset group's undiscounted future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover the carrying amount, an impairment charge is recognized to write the asset down to its estimated fair value. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit with goodwill is below its carrying amount. If it is determined that the carrying value of the reporting unit including goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. We assess our equity investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. If the decline in value is considered to be other than temporary the investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In June 2025, we announced plans to sell select olefins & polyolefins assets and the associated business in Europe, resulting in selling expenses, separation costs and employee-related charges (collectively referred to as "transaction costs"). In April 2025, the Company announced the Cash Improvement Plan, focused on strengthening financial performance, which resulted in employee-related charges across all segments. In March 2025, we announced plans to permanently close our Dutch PO joint venture asset, resulting in the recognition of shutdown-related costs. In February 2025, we ceased business operations at our Houston refinery. 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Additional operating and financial information may be found on our website at Source: LyondellBasell Industries Investor Contact: David Kinney +1 713-309-7141Media Contact: Nick Facchin +1 713-309-4791 Table 2 - Reconciliations of Net Income to Net Income Excluding Identified Items and to EBITDA Including and Excluding Identified Items Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Millions of U.S. dollars June 30,2025 March 31,2025 June 30,2024 June 30,2025 June 30,2024 Net income $ 115 $ 177 $ 924 $ 292 $ 1,397 Identified items less: Gain on sale of business, pre-tax(a) — — (293 ) — (293 ) add: Asset write-downs, pre-tax(b) 32 — — 32 — add: Cash Improvement Plan costs, pre-tax(c) 20 — — 20 — add: Dutch PO joint venture exit costs, pre-tax(d) — 117 — 117 — add: European transaction costs, pre-tax(e) 10 — — 10 — less: Loss (income) from discontinued operations, pre-tax(f) 47 (196 ) 26 (149 ) (26 ) add: (Benefit from) provision for income taxes related to identified items (22 ) 12 67 (10 ) 79 Net income excluding identified items $ 202 $ 110 $ 724 $ 312 $ 1,157 Net income $ 115 $ 177 $ 924 $ 292 $ 1,397 Provision for income taxes 62 78 249 140 371 Depreciation and amortization 332 323 387 655 752 Interest expense, net 97 77 83 174 169 EBITDA 606 655 1,643 1,261 2,689 Identified items less: Gain on sale of business(a) — — (293 ) — (293 ) add: Asset write-down(b) 32 — — 32 — add: Cash Improvement Plan costs(c) 20 — — 20 — add: Dutch PO joint venture exit costs(d) — 117 . — 117 — add: European transaction costs(e) 10 — — 10 — less: EBITDA from discontinued operations(f) 47 (196 ) (20 ) (149 ) (103 ) EBITDA excluding identified items $ 715 $ 576 $ 1,330 $ 1,291 $ 2,293 (a) In 2024, we sold our U.S. Gulf Coast-based Ethylene Oxide and Derivatives ("EO&D") business, resulting in the recognition of a gain in our Intermediates & Derivatives ("I&D") segment.(b) Includes asset write-downs in excess of $10 million in aggregate for the period. The second quarter of 2025 includes a non-cash impairment of property, plant and equipment of $32 million related to the European assets classified as held for sale within our Olefins & Polyolefins – Europe, Asia & International ("O&P-EAI") segment.(c) In April 2025, the Company announced the Cash Improvement Plan, focused on strengthening financial performance, which resulted in employee-related charges across all segments.(d) In March 2025, we announced plans to permanently close our Dutch PO joint venture asset within the I&D segment, resulting in the recognition of shutdown-related costs.(e) In June 2025, we announced plans to sell select olefins & polyolefins assets and the associated business in Europe, resulting in selling expenses, separation costs and employee-related charges in our O&P-EAI segment.(f) In February 2025, we ceased business operations at our Houston refinery. 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Table 3 - Reconciliation of Diluted EPS to Diluted EPS Excluding Identified Items Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30,2025 March 31,2025 June 30,2024 June 30,2025 June 30,2024 Diluted earnings per share $ 0.34 $ 0.54 $ 2.82 $ 0.88 $ 4.25 Identified items less: Gain on sale of business — — (0.68 ) — (0.68 ) add: Asset write-downs(a) 0.07 — — 0.07 — add: Cash Improvement Plan costs 0.05 — — 0.05 — add: Dutch PO joint venture exit costs — 0.27 — 0.27 — add: European transaction costs 0.03 — — 0.03 — less: Loss (income) from discontinued operations 0.13 (0.48 ) 0.06 (0.35 ) (0.05 ) Diluted earnings per share excluding identified items $ 0.62 $ 0.33 $ 2.20 $ 0.95 $ 3.52 (a) Includes asset write-downs in excess of $10 million in aggregate for the period. Table 4 - Calculation of Cash and Liquid Investments and Total Liquidity Millions of U.S. dollars June 30, 2025 Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 1,704 Short-term investments — Cash and liquid investments 1,704 add: Availability under Senior Revolving Credit Facility 3,750 Availability under U.S. Receivables Facility 900 Total liquidity $ 6,354 Table 5 - Calculation of Dividends and Share Repurchases Three Months Ended Millions of U.S. dollars June 30, 2025 Dividends paid - common stock $ 445 Repurchase of Company ordinary shares 91 Dividends and share repurchases $ 536 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Preliminary data from Eurostat released on Friday showed that the Eurozone's annual inflation rate held steady at the European Central Bank's target in July, reinforcing the argument for policymakers to keep their key interest rate unchanged next month. Separately, a survey showed that Eurozone manufacturing edged closer to stabilization in July, as factory activity shrank at the slowest rate in three years, despite a decline in new orders and a moderation in output growth. Meanwhile, Switzerland was among the countries most affected by the latest round of tariff announcements as it now faces a 39% tariff on its exports to the U.S. The country's federal council stated it remained committed to pursuing a negotiated solution with the U.S. In corporate news, Davide Campari-Milano NV ( climbed over +8% after reporting a higher Q2 operating profit. Eurozone's Manufacturing PMI, Eurozone's CPI (preliminary), and Eurozone's Core CPI (preliminary) data were released today. Eurozone's July Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.8, in line with expectations. Eurozone's July CPI rose +2.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +1.9% y/y. Eurozone's July Core CPI rose +2.3% y/y, in line with expectations. Asian stock markets today settled in the red. China's Shanghai Composite Index (SHCOMP) closed down -0.37%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index (NIK) closed down -0.66%. China's Shanghai Composite Index closed lower today as weak economic data from the country and concerns over global trade following U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs weighed on sentiment. The benchmark index notched its first weekly loss in six weeks. A private sector survey released on Friday showed that China's manufacturing activity unexpectedly slipped back into contractionary territory in July, as weakening new business growth prompted factories to cut back production. The reading, coupled with Thursday's official survey, signals weak growth momentum at the start of the third quarter, following solid growth in the first half of the year. Chinese leaders at the much-anticipated Politburo meeting signaled on Wednesday that they would hold off on introducing major stimulus for now, but vowed to more effectively implement existing pro-growth measures. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump announced higher tariffs on dozens of trading partners. ANZ economists said in a note on Friday that 'the U.S. deals with other economies will also affect China's trade outlook.' Investor focus is now on whether the U.S.-China tariff truce will be extended after U.S. and Chinese officials wrapped up their latest round of trade talks in Stockholm earlier this week, with U.S. President Donald Trump set to make the final decision. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday that the U.S. sees the framework of a trade deal with China taking shape, but it is 'not 100% done.' In corporate news, Sinopec slumped over -5% after the nation's largest oil refiner projected a 40% to 44% drop in first-half profit. The Chinese July Caixin Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.5, weaker than expectations of 50.2. Japan's Nikkei 225 Stock Index closed lower today, dragged down by weakness in the technology sector. Chip stocks led the declines on Friday, with Tokyo Electron plunging over -18% after the chip equipment maker reported disappointing Q1 results and cut its full-year guidance. The benchmark index ended the week lower. Also, shortly before Asian markets opened, U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariff rates on dozens of trading partners, further dampening sentiment. In addition, investors digested weak economic data. A private sector survey released on Friday showed that Japan's manufacturing activity contracted in July after stabilizing in the prior month, as subdued demand dragged production back into contraction. However, the majority of the survey data was gathered prior to last week's announcement of the U.S.-Japan trade deal. As the trade agreement with Washington takes effect, 'it will be important to see if this will translate into greater client confidence and improved sales in the months ahead,' said Annabel Fiddes, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Meanwhile, Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Friday that the country will continue to push the U.S. to implement the agreed reduction in automobile and auto parts tariffs to 15% from 25%. In other news, the Kyodo news agency reported on Friday that a Japanese labor ministry panel plans to propose a roughly 6% increase in the national average minimum wage for this fiscal year, marking the largest such rise since at least 2002. The Nikkei Volatility Index, which takes into account the implied volatility of Nikkei 225 options, closed up +3.74% to 23.29. The Japanese July au Jibun Bank Manufacturing PMI stood at 48.9, stronger than expectations of 48.8. The Japanese June Unemployment Rate was 2.5%, in line with expectations. Pre-Market U.S. Stock Movers (AMZN) slumped over -7% in pre-market trading after the tech and online retailing giant projected weaker-than-expected Q3 operating income. Apple (AAPL) rose more than +1% in pre-market trading after the iPhone maker posted its fastest quarterly revenue growth in more than three years, easily beating analysts' estimates. Reddit (RDDT) surged over +16% in pre-market trading after the social media company posted upbeat Q2 results and issued above-consensus Q3 revenue guidance. You can see more pre-market stock movers here Today's U.S. Earnings Spotlight: Friday - August 1st Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Enbridge (ENB), Colgate-Palmolive (CL), Ares Management (ARES), Mitsui & Company (MITSY), Regeneron Pharma (REGN), WW Grainger (GWW), Dominion Energy (D), Imperial Oil (IMO), Kimberly-Clark (KMB), Cboe Global (CBOE), TELUS (TU), Fortis Inc (FTS), Church&Dwight (CHD), T Rowe (TROW), LyondellBasell Industries (LYB), Brookfield Renewable (BEP), nVent Electric (NVT), Franklin Resources (BEN), RBC Bearings (RBC), Magna Intl (MGA), EchoStar (SATS), Avantor (AVTR), Fluor (FLR), Ingredion (INGR), Oshkosh (OSK), IES Holdings (IESC), Piper Sandler (PIPR), Brookfield Business (BBU), Brightspring Health Services (BTSG), TransAlta Corp (TAC), Cinemark (CNK), Avient Corp (AVNT), Newell Brands (NWL), Arbor (ABR), Insperity (NSP), Patria Investments (PAX), WisdomTree (WT), Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP), Xenia Hotels & Resorts Inc (XHR), Dorian LPG Ltd (LPG), Interface (TILE), TELUS International (TIXT), Iradimed Co (IRMD), AdvanSix (ASIX), Fulgent Genetics (FLGT), Marcus (MCS), Butterfly Network (BFLY), Airsculpt Technologies (AIRS), Johnson Outdoors (JOUT), Ocugen (OCGN), AG Mortgage Investment (MITT), Escalade (ESCA). On the date of publication, Oleksandr Pylypenko did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
