XOM Jun 2024 47.500 put

Oil: Why M&A consolidation is emerging as a trend

Mega-merger moves are shaking up the oil sector. Hess (HES) shareholders have given the green light to the company's whopping $53 billion acquisition by Chevron (CVX). Meanwhile, ConocoPhillips (COP) is gearing up to acquire Marathon Oil (MRO) in a massive $17.1 billion all-stock transaction. Joining Market Domination to discuss the outlook for the oil sector amid this consolidation wave are Alpine Saxon Woods Founding Partner Sarah Hunt and CFRA Research Energy Equity Analyst Stewart Glickman. Hunt highlights the entire industry "is under a lot of pressure" as it pivots toward alternative energy sources. "I think this is all about consolidating into a smaller number of players, in a very mature industry, that is looked at as something that is not going to last forever," Hunt tells Yahoo Finance. Glickman, however, doesn't see the Conoco deal as "transformative," suggesting the company is on the defensive. With the Permian Basin posing headwinds for oil output, Glickman argues that by acquiring Marathon, Conoco is decreasing its Permian exposure — ultimately benefiting the company. He adds, "If you're going to grow at all, you're better off growing by acquisition than you are by throwing a lot of money into new cap-ex." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Market Domination. This post was written by Angel Smith