- Oil Prices Are Rising. Here Are the 3 Best Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now.
May 15, 2026
Crude oil has finally broken out of its sleepy price range, and the usual suspects in the energy world (the supermajors) are getting a lot of attention. Those usual suspects tend to be where investors stop looking, which is a shame, because the more interesting opportunities lie one rung below the megacaps. These are companies with smaller market caps, leaner cost structures, and direct leverage to either pricing, production growth, or service demand.
Three of these energy companies stand out right now for very different reasons.
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1. Permian Resources: An operator that keeps lowering its breakeven
Permian Resources (NYSE: PR) has turned into one of the most efficient shale operators in the country. In its first-quarter 2026 update, the company reported record oil production of roughly 192,300 barrels per day. It lowered drilling and completion costs to about $685 per lateral foot, a 6% reduction versus 2025's average. Management raised the midpoint of full-year oil production guidance by 3,500 barrels per day while keeping its capital budget intact, a rarer kind of guidance update -- more output without more spending.
For investors new to energy, the reason this matters is simple: When crude prices rise, the operator with the lowest cost per barrel captures the largest share of the increase in cash flow. The company also recently received investment-grade credit ratings from S&PGlobal and Moody's, which lowers its future borrowing costs.
The risk is the same risk every shale name carries -- Permian Resources is still a price taker on oil and gas, and weak natural gas pricing can dent realized revenue.
2. Kosmos Energy: A small LNG story most investors are missing
Kosmos Energy(NYSE: KOS) holds a 27% stake in the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project off Mauritania and Senegal, and that single asset is reshaping the company's cash flow profile.
In its first-quarter 2026 release, Kosmos reported total net production of about 74,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day, up roughly 25% year over year, with full-year liquified natural gas (LNG) cargo guidance of 32 to 36 gross cargoes. Management is also targeting more than a 50% year-over-year reduction in operating costs per barrel of oil equivalent at the project.
The appeal here is the mismatch between Kosmos's size and what it owns. LNG export capacity is difficult and expensive to expand, and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG Project is already producing above its 2.7 million tonnes per year nameplate capacity.
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The risk here is concentration: A problem at one floating LNG vessel or a renegotiation in either host country would hit results disproportionately.
3. Weatherford: A services company with rising international exposure
Weatherford International(NASDAQ: WFRD) offers a different angle on this same trend. It is an oilfield services company, which means it gets paid when operators spend more, regardless of whether oil sits at $75 or $90 per barrel.
On its first-quarter 2026 call, management flagged a $30 million to $50 million first-half profit impact tied to the Middle East conflict but pointed to a stronger second half driven by project ramps in Argentina, Brazil, and Australia.
Weatherford's international and offshore mix tends to lag U.S. shale activity by a few quarters, meaning it is just starting to see the benefits of the current oil cycle in its order book. The risk worth flagging is operational: Service companies have thinner margins and higher fixed costs than producers, so any project slip quickly flows through to earnings.
Interesting ways to benefit from energy production
If oil prices keep trending higher, the cleanest exposure usually comes from spreading bets across three different parts of the value chain. Permian Resources is the low-cost operator, Kosmos Energy is the LNG growth story, and Weatherford International is the international services rebound. None of them is without risk, but together they offer a more interesting way to play higher crude than buying the most-mentioned name on every cable segment.
Should you buy stock in Permian Resources right now?
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Micah Zimmerman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Moody's and S&P Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Oil Prices Are Rising. Here Are the 3 Best Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now. was originally published by The Motley Fool
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- Here's Why Weatherford (WFRD) is a Strong Momentum Stock
May 15, 2026 · zacks.com
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- Weatherford Releases 2025 Sustainability Report
May 14, 2026
Weatherford International, LLC
HOUSTON, May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) announced today the release of the 2025 Sustainability Report, reflecting continued sustainability progress and highlighting the impact of efforts across operations.
Girish Saligram, Weatherford’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “At Weatherford, sustainability continues to be an important factor in how we operate, innovate, and deliver value to our customers. Over the past year, we have built on our progress, strengthening our approach and advancing initiatives that support long-term performance. As the global landscape continues to shift, we remain focused on driving meaningful impact and working alongside our customers to help shape the future of the industry.”
We invite you to explore the 2025 Sustainability Report at weatherford.com/sustainability.
About Weatherford
Weatherford is a global energy services company that helps customers drill smarter, complete wells more effectively, and maximize production across the entire well lifecycle. With a differentiated portfolio of market-leading solutions, integrated technologies, and a broad global customer footprint across six continents, we blend advanced engineering, digital intelligence, and world-class field expertise to reduce risk, improve performance, and maximize the value of customer assets. Together, we elevate every operation, delivering stronger wells, sharper decisions, and better energy for the world. Visit weatherford.com for more information and connect with us on social media.
For Investors:
Luke Lemoine
Weatherford Investor Relations
+1 713-836-7777
investor.relations@weatherford.com
For Media:
Kelley Hughes
Senior Director, Communications, Marketing & Sustainability
media@weatherford.com
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- Weatherford Releases 2025 Sustainability Report
May 14, 2026 · globenewswire.com
HOUSTON, May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) announced today the release of the 2025 Sustainability Report, reflecting continued sustainability progress and highlighting the impact of efforts across operations.
- WEATHERFORD RELEASES 2025 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
May 14, 2026
HOUSTON, MAY 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL PLC (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“WEATHERFORD” OR THE “COMPANY”) ANNOUNCED TODAY THE RELEASE OF THE 2025 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT, REFLECTING CONTINUED SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS AND HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT OF EFFORTS ACROSS OPERATIONS.
- Why Weatherford (WFRD) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term
May 14, 2026 · zacks.com
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- Weatherford Contract Wins Support Offshore Growth Story And Valuation Case
May 9, 2026
Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St.
Weatherford International secured new contracts with Constellation Oil Services and Ventura Offshore Holding Ltd for offshore work and managed pressure drilling in Brazil. The company expanded its partnership with Noble Corporation through multiple managed pressure drilling contracts covering operations in Guyana and Nigeria. A global aftermarket agreement with Noble adds lifecycle support across its fleet, strengthening Weatherford's position in managed pressure drilling services.
These contract wins come as NasdaqGS:WFRD trades around $102.30, with the stock up 26.5% year to date and 127.5% over the past year. The company is now tying its managed pressure drilling expertise more closely to key offshore players in Brazil, Guyana and Nigeria, reinforcing its role in complex deepwater projects.
For investors watching offshore drilling activity, these agreements highlight how Weatherford is positioning its services across multiple regions and over the full life of equipment. The scale and geographic spread of the contracts also provide more visibility into how the company is aligning with large, established offshore partners.
Stay updated on the most important news stories for Weatherford International by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Weatherford International.NasdaqGS:WFRD Earnings & Revenue Growth as at May 2026
We've flagged 1 risk for Weatherford International. See which could impact your investment.
Quick Assessment
⚖️ Price vs Analyst Target: At US$102.30 versus a consensus target of US$117.92, WFRD trades about 13% below where analysts see it, suggesting some upside but not a huge gap. ✅ Simply Wall St Valuation: The stock is flagged as undervalued, trading 58.9% below an internal fair value estimate. ✅ Recent Momentum: A 30 day return of 6.2% shows the share price has been moving higher recently.
To assess whether it may be the right time to buy, sell or hold Weatherford International, you can review Simply Wall St's company report for the latest analysis of Weatherford International's Fair Value.
Key Considerations
📊 These Brazil deepwater and managed pressure drilling contracts tie revenue potential more tightly to offshore activity and large counterparties. 📊 It may be useful to monitor how backlog, margins in managed pressure drilling, and utilization in Brazil, Guyana and Nigeria compare with the current P/E of 15.9. ⚠️ There is 1 flagged risk, including recent insider selling, which investors may want to weigh against the contract announcements and valuation indicators.
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Dig Deeper
For a broader view of potential risks and opportunities, see the complete Weatherford International analysis. You can also visit the community page for Weatherford International to see how other investors think this latest news fits into the company's overall story.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include WFRD.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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- Penn Capital Unloads 1.13 Million RealReal Shares Following Massive Stock Run-Up
May 7, 2026
Penn Capital Management Company disclosed in a May 6, 2026, SEC filing that it sold 1,130,234 shares of The RealReal (NASDAQ:REAL), an estimated $14.30 million transaction based on quarterly average pricing.
What happened
An SEC filing dated May 6, 2026, shows Penn Capital Management Company reduced its position in The RealReal by 1,130,234 shares during the first quarter. The estimated transaction value is $14.30 million, based on the average closing price in the period. The fund’s stake at quarter-end was 206,440 shares, now valued at $1.87 million. The net position change, reflecting both trading and price movement, was a decrease of $19.24 million.
What else to know
The fund sold shares, leaving a residual stake of 0.15% of reportable AUM in The RealReal. Top holdings after the filing:
NASDAQ:MIRM: $23.78 million (1.8% of AUM) NASDAQ:CZR: $23.73 million (1.8% of AUM) NYSE:GPOR: $23.62 million (1.8% of AUM) NASDAQ:WFRD: $22.57 million (1.7% of AUM) NYSE:WTTR: $22.37 million (1.7% of AUM) As of May 6, 2026, shares were priced at $13.00, up 89.8% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 58.4 percentage points.
Company Overview
Metric Value Price (as of market close May 6, 2026) $13.00 Market Capitalization $1.57 billion Revenue (TTM) $692.85 million Net Income (TTM) ($41.80 million)
Company Snapshot
Offers an online marketplace for consigned luxury goods, including apparel, jewelry, watches, art, and home products. Targets the U.S. market by operating an online marketplace for consigned luxury goods. Employs over 3,000 people and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
The RealReal is a U.S.-based online marketplace specializing in consigned luxury goods, connecting consignors with buyers of high-end products.
What this transaction means for investors
Penn Capital Management focuses on micro- to mid-cap stocks, analyzing companies' entire capital structures to find mispriced opportunities. Their RealReal sale looks like profit-taking after a massive multiyear run. The stock more than quadrupled in one year, then added substantial gains the next, before pulling back sharply this year.
The luxury resale marketplace is actually performing well. The RealReal beat recent earnings expectations, swung to positive cash flow, and its AI tool Athena is driving operational efficiencies while the luxury resale market keeps expanding. Analysts maintain buy ratings with meaningful upside from current levels.
This investment works if you believe this pullback is a buying opportunity in a growing market where inflation pushes consumers toward secondhand luxury. But if growth slows or competition from ThredUp, Poshmark, and traditional retailers intensifies, the stock could trade sideways for a while. Sometimes the best move after a massive run like this is simply taking profits and redeploying capital elsewhere.
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Should you buy stock in RealReal right now?
Before you buy stock in RealReal, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and RealReal wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $476,034!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,274,109!*
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Sara Appino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Penn Capital Unloads 1.13 Million RealReal Shares Following Massive Stock Run-Up was originally published by The Motley Fool
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- Weatherford Awarded Managed Pressure Drilling Contract by Ventura Offshore for Operations in Brazil
May 7, 2026
Weatherford International, LLC
HOUSTON, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) today announced that it has been selected by Ventura Offshore Holding Ltd (“Ventura Offshore”) to provide a complete managed pressure drilling (“MPD”) solution for the SSV Victoria offshore drilling rig in Brazil.
As part of the award, Weatherford will deliver its G3 Integrated Riser Joint (“IRJ”) MPD system, along with turnkey rig preparation, system integration, and a long‑term aftermarket maintenance services package for offshore operations in Brazil’s Búzios Field. The single, OEM‑led scope enables seamless execution from system delivery and installation through long‑term operation, while the aftermarket services support predictable costs, high efficiency, and system reliability over the life of the contract.
Weatherford’s MPD IRJ technology enhances safety, performance, and uptime in deepwater wells with tight pressure windows and is the most widely deployed MPD solution in Brazil, supported by proven offshore experience and strong local teams providing engineering, maintenance, and field support. Global engineering and configuration support is delivered through Weatherford’s Managed Pressure Wells Center of Excellence in Houston, Texas.
Girish Saligram, Weatherford’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We appreciate Ventura Offshore’s confidence in Weatherford and the opportunity to support the SSV Victoria as it prepares for offshore operations in Brazil. This award underscores our shared focus on reliable execution, leveraging our proven MPD experience in offshore Brazil and the strength of our local teams to deliver safe, efficient, and consistent performance alongside Ventura Offshore.”
Guilherme Coelho, CEO of Ventura Offshore, commented, “An integrated MPD solution is key to safe, predictable, and high-performance operations on SSV Victoria. Weatherford’s end-to-end scope and strong track record in Brazil align well with our focus on reducing interfaces and operational risk. We look forward to working together to enhance the operational capabilities of the SSV Victoria and deliver consistent results for our client.”
This award represents new work for Weatherford and reinforces the Company’s position as a trusted MPD partner in Brazil’s offshore market, leveraging proven technology, local expertise, and integrated execution capabilities to support complex deepwater operations.
About Weatherford
Weatherford is a global energy services company that helps customers drill smarter, complete wells more effectively, and maximize production across the entire well lifecycle. With a differentiated portfolio of market-leading solutions, integrated technologies, and a broad global customer footprint across six continents, we blend advanced engineering, digital intelligence, and world-class field expertise to reduce risk, improve performance, and maximize the value of customer assets. Together, we elevate every operation, delivering stronger wells, sharper decisions, and better energy for the world. Visit weatherford.com for more information and connect with us on social media.
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About Ventura Offshore Holding Ltd.
Ventura Offshore Holding Ltd. is a deep-water drilling contractor providing offshore drilling services to the oil and gas industry since 1998 in Brazil and worldwide. The Company owns and operates one drillship, DS Carolina, and two semisubmersible drilling rigs, SSV Victoria and SSV Catarina, and further manages one drillship, Atlantic Zonda. The drilling rigs are currently operating offshore Brazil and Indonesia. The Company is incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and was listed on Euronext Growth Oslo on June 5, 2024, under the ticker “VTURA.” Additional information about Ventura Offshore Holding can be found at https://ventura-offshore.com/en/a-ventura/
For Investors:
Luke Lemoine
Weatherford Investor Relations
+1 713-836-7777
investor.relations@weatherford.com
For Media:
Kelley Hughes
Weatherford Corporate Communications, Marketing & Sustainability
media@weatherford.com
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- Weatherford Awarded Managed Pressure Drilling Contract by Ventura Offshore for Operations in Brazil
May 7, 2026 · globenewswire.com
HOUSTON, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Weatherford International plc (NASDAQ: WFRD) (“Weatherford” or the “Company”) today announced that it has been selected by Ventura Offshore Holding Ltd (“Ventura Offshore”) to provide a complete managed pressure drilling (“MPD”) solution for the SSV Victoria offshore drilling rig in Brazil. As part of the award, Weatherford will deliver its G3 Integrated Riser Joint (“IRJ”) MPD system, along with turnkey rig preparation, system integration, and a long‑term aftermarket maintenance services package for offshore operations in Brazil's Búzios Field.
