APA Corp.

Argus upgraded APA to "buy" with a $48 price target after better-than-expected Q2 results (adjusted EPS $1.89). Drivers were roughly 50% higher realized crude prices, 24% higher LNG prices and significant cost cuts. APA reported free cash flow of $1.2 billion in H1 2026, used $750 million to repay debt and targets net debt of about $3 billion by year-end. The sale of North Sea assets to Aker BP is intended to slim the portfolio and free up additional funds for debt reduction. » More on de.investing.com

APA presented at EnerCom Denver a strategy based on stable free cash flow, structural cost reductions and targeted exploration investments. In H1 2026 the company generated USD 1.2 billion of free cash flow and used USD 750 million to reduce debt; leverage is expected to fall to around USD 3 billion by the end of 2026. APA reported annualized cost savings of USD 500 million, confirmed USD 2.1 billion of capex for 2026 and raised its production guidance for the Permian Basin to 123,000 barrels/day. Key growth drivers are Suriname (first oil mid‑2028, breakeven USD 30/barrel), Alaska and Uruguay; the shareholder return policy remains in place. » More on de.investing.com

Hotchkis & Wiley highlighted APA Corporation, noting quarterly results were in line with expectations but the stock declined as oil pulled back on optimism over an Iran resolution. The firm said APA generates strong free cash flow, has reinvestment opportunities in Suriname, Egypt and potentially Alaska, and trades at a valuation discount to peers with an investment-grade balance sheet. Shares have gained strongly over 52 weeks but recent weakness prompted a BofA price target increase to $30 and continued investor interest. » More on finance.yahoo.com