Newfield Exploration Had a Bullish 2015 despite Low Energy Prices
Newfield Exploration’s moving averages
Newfield Exploration’s (NFX) stock saw mostly ups in 2015. Early in the year, it crossed both its 50- and 200-day moving averages. Later, its 50-day moving average went on to cross its 200-day moving average.
The stock has since remained higher than its 200-day moving average, except for a slight dip in October 2015, when its two moving averages were trading close to each other.
Currently, NFX’s 50-day moving average is falling, mirroring the fall in NFX’s stock. On January 8, 2016, Newfield Exploration was trading ~19% below its 50-day moving average.
NFX’s 200-day moving average has mostly been flat. The above figure notes that the company’s 50-day moving average will likely cross under its 200-day moving average soon if the stock continues on its downtrend. On January 8, 2016, NFX was trading ~18.4% below its 200-day moving average.
Newfield Exploration’s stock movements
As we saw above, NFX stock saw bullish movement for most of 2015. The stock again crossed over both its 50- and 200-day moving averages in late 2015 and remained at those high levels for almost three months.
However, as crude oil prices started dipping toward the end of the year, so did NFX’s stock. Crude oil prices fell to their lowest levels since February 2009, below $40 per barrel. Year-over-year, NFX has risen by 10%.
A quick earnings review
Newfield Exploration reported a 3Q15 adjusted net loss of $34 million. This compares to an adjusted net income of $72 million in 3Q14.
Many upstream companies were hit by weak crude and natural gas prices in 2015. In 3Q15, Chesapeake Energy (CHK) recorded an adjusted net loss of $291 million, Marathon Oil (MRO) reported an adjusted net loss of $138 million, and Cabot Oil and Gas (COG) reported an adjusted net loss of $2.2 million. These companies combined make up ~2% of the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE).
For a detailed overview of Marathon Oil, you can read Market Realist’s Marathon Oil Is Falling: How Will It Battle Low Energy Prices?
Next, we’ll take a look at Newfield Exploration’s key management objectives.
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