With options premiums still elevated due to the military conflict in the Gulf, selling puts on an energy major posting record free cash flow offers a rare opportunity.

With options premiums still elevated due to the military conflict in the Gulf, selling puts on an energy major posting record free cash flow offers a rare opportunity.
After a career spanning two decades at Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and Morgan Stanley, I gained an institutional perspective on dividend stock investing.
$12.1 billion. That was Chevron's reported net income in its latest quarter, far above the $2.5 billion it reported in the same period last year.
Today, ConocoPhillips (COP) delivered a strong second quarter driven by elevated oil prices from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Given its heavy weighting across major energy sector funds, the company's operational resilience acts as a key performance indicator for the energy ETF market.
Chevron (NYSE:CVX | CVX Price Prediction) is having a standout year heading into the second half of 2026.
KMI, CVX and CNQ pair dependable dividends with scale, resilient operations and financial strength amid volatile oil prices and elevated supply risks.
Seeking Alpha welcomed 33 new analysts in July 2026. This article showcases their top picks and investment strategies. Highlighted companies include SELLAS Life Sciences, Chevron, B2Gold, Amazon, and QXO, each with detailed investment theses. Analysts emphasize asymmetric opportunities, event-driven catalysts, balance sheet strength, market structure, and sector-specific growth or risk factors.
Volatility has been the theme of 2026. The VIX touched 31.05 in late March before settling back to a current reading of 15.86, and the 10-year Treasury yield sits at 4.70%, near the top of its 12-month range.
Energy Transfer has increased its dividend for the 19th consecutive quarter. Energy Transfer is structured as a master limited partnership, so investors will receive a Schedule K-1 form to file during tax time.
The Dow Dogs remain broadly overvalued, with none meeting the ideal 'fair price' threshold where dividends from $1K invested exceed share price. Analyst forecasts suggest the top ten Dow Dogs could deliver 18.3% to 54.76% net gains by August 2027, with an average projected return of 29.64%. Only 21 of 30 Dow stocks are considered 'safer' for dividends, supported by free cash flow; Nike is closest to 'ideal' but still has a negative safety margin.