Energy

Sintana Energy's Namibian affiliate Trago Energy has agreed to transfer its entire 10% participating interest in Petroleum Exploration Licence 90 to Harmattan Energy Limited, an affiliate of Chevron, for US$11 million in cash upon completion. Sintana holds an indirect 49% interest in Trago, and the agreement also provides for additional contingent consideration tied to appraisal and production milestones, including revenues from potential commercial production currently estimated at between 1.5 million and 2.5 million barrels of oil. CEO Robert Bose said the deal removes Trago from the PEL 90 joint venture, eliminating capital obligations that could reach $15 million per exploration well and as much as $500 million if the project moved into development with an uncarried 10% interest, while preserving exposure to milestones such as appraisal plan approval and first oil. Attention now turns to the Nabba 1-X exploration well on PEL 90, expected in December, which will test the prospectivity of Namibia's Orange Basin near the Mopane and Venus discoveries. Bose also noted that Total is set to begin a three-well campaign on PEL 83 in the fourth quarter, with Equinor having recently farmed into PEL 90.

Equinor ASA stands to benefit from elevated Brent crude prices as its expanding production base increases exposure to stronger crude realizations. Brent is trading above $100 per barrel amid Middle East supply disruptions and falling global inventories, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz restricting regional energy exports. Equinor's upstream portfolio is supported by production growth from assets including Johan Castberg, Eirin, Symra and Bacalhau, and its low breakeven after a dividend of about $50 per barrel supports strong cash generation even if Brent retreats. The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts Brent to average around $90 per barrel in the second half of 2026. Shell plc saw its second-quarter 2026 upstream adjusted earnings rise as its realized liquids price increased to $89 per barrel from $72 in the prior quarter, while TotalEnergies SE said an $8-per-barrel increase in Brent was enough to offset the expected 2026 cash-flow impact from affected assets in Iraq, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Equinor shares have gained 67.7% over the past year against the industry's 115.7% growth, and the stock trades at a trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA of 2.2X versus the industry average of 5.94X.

ConocoPhillips has signed a long-term agreement with Venture Global to purchase 1 million tons of liquefied natural gas per year, with deliveries beginning in 2030 and running for 20 years. Venture Global said it looks forward to supporting ConocoPhillips in expanding its global LNG portfolio. ConocoPhillips expects LNG demand to double by 2050 and is building its LNG portfolio toward a targeted 10-15 million tons per annum. In the second quarter, the company's Qatar LNG operations were affected by the conflict in the Middle East, with the Ras Laffan plant largely shut down, though ConocoPhillips said the NFE and NFS projects in Qatar were progressing well despite the conflict.

Magnolia Oil & Gas Corporation said its WildFire Energy acquisition is progressing smoothly and will support 4% to 5% annual organic growth in both oil and total production across the combined Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk portfolio. The company expects more than $100 million of annual run-rate synergies from the deal, with at least one-third realized by year-end 2026, while keeping drilling and completion capital reinvestment below 55% of adjusted EBITDAX. Magnolia has already sold non-core Dimmit and Zavala county properties for $47.5 million and received 616 net acres in Gonzales County, lifting its average operated working interest in the contiguous Karnes position to 98%. The company ended the third quarter with approximately $1.9 billion of net debt, putting leverage below 1.0x net debt to 2027E EBITDA at current strip prices, more than a year ahead of its original deleveraging timetable, and it repurchased about 2.3 million shares in the quarter, leaving roughly 267 million shares outstanding. For the fourth quarter, Magnolia guides production of 159 to 161 Mboe/d with oil at 49% to 50% of volumes and D&C capital spending of about $235 million, while for 2027 it projects oil and total production up 4% to 5% from a second-quarter 2026 pro forma base of roughly 78 Mbod of oil and 158 Mboe/d of total production, with D&C capital spending of $900 million to $950 million.

Baker Hughes said Monday it signed agreements with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA, engineering firm Lindsayca, and LNG developer Fulcrum LNG to develop natural gas infrastructure in Venezuela, with financial terms not disclosed. Under the first alliance, the three companies will combine their capabilities to develop the infrastructure needed to process, transport, commercialize, and potentially export natural gas. Baker Hughes said the agreements establish an enterprise deal framework that can connect upstream resource development, midstream infrastructure, gas monetization, and liquefied natural gas commercialization. Separately, Baker Hughes signed a memorandum of understanding with New Stratus Energy to support future oil and gas projects in the country. Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli said Venezuela holds tremendous potential to become a significant contributor to the evolving global energy landscape, and that the agreements are designed to bring world-class resource opportunities, project development, energy infrastructure and technologies, and financing expertise together to realize this.

Oceaneering International announced that its Aerospace and Defense Technologies segment, known as ADTech, has secured a follow-on contract from the U.S. Navy to support the Dry Deck Shelter program. The five-year award, which includes one base year and four option years, carries a potential value of $154 million. The agreement covers maintenance, overhaul, engineering and field change services for Dry Deck Shelters, specialized systems that help enable the deployment of special operations forces and undersea vehicles. Oceaneering has supported the Navy's Dry Deck Shelter program since 2002, and the company said its ADTech segment provides engineered solutions for U.S. Navy undersea programs. The full $154 million value depends on the exercise of the four option years, with the initial base-year award providing the foundation for continued engagement with the Navy.

Chevron has drawn heavy investor search interest on Zacks.com, with the company now rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on the strength of sharply rising earnings estimates. Chevron is expected to post earnings of $4.89 per share for the current quarter, a year-over-year change of +164.3%, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has moved +22.4% over the last 30 days. For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $16.98 points to a change of +132.9% from the prior year, while the next fiscal year's consensus estimate of $15.11 indicates a change of -11%. On the revenue side, the consensus sales estimate of $59.3 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +19.3%, with the $235.36 billion and $228.55 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicating changes of +24.5% and -2.9%, respectively. In the last reported quarter, Chevron posted revenues of $70.06 billion, a year-over-year change of +56.3%, and EPS of $6.06 versus $1.77 a year ago, beating the Zacks Consensus revenue estimate of $57.53 billion by +21.78% and the EPS estimate by +4.48%.

Exxon Mobil Holdings is expected to post earnings of $3.93 per share for the current quarter, a year-over-year change of +109%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate rising +19.8% over the last 30 days. For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $12.4 indicates a year-over-year change of +77.4% and has moved +4.5% over the past month, while the next fiscal year's estimate of $12.08 reflects a -2.6% change from the prior year and a +5.7% revision over the last month. The consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $104.61 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +22.7%, with current and next fiscal year estimates of $410.03 billion and $407.47 billion representing +23.4% and -0.6% changes, respectively. Exxon reported revenues of $116.02 billion in the last reported quarter, a year-over-year change of +42.3%, with EPS of $3.52 versus $1.64 a year ago, and the revenue figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $95.8 billion by a surprise of +21.1% while the EPS surprise was -4.35%. Based on the size of the recent consensus estimate change and three other earnings-related factors, Exxon carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and a Zacks Value Style Score of B, indicating it trades at a discount to its peers.

Thoughtworks announced that Expand Energy, the largest independent natural gas producer in North America, has selected the consultancy as its strategic partner to design and build an enterprise-wide AI capability. The multi-phase engagement covers AI strategy, use case prioritization, machine learning platform implementation, and delivery of a production-ready solution aligned to Expand Energy's long-term strategic priorities. Thoughtworks will lead the work across three connected workstreams: AI strategy and opportunity prioritization, enterprise AI foundations, and solution delivery and enablement. Expand Energy aims to deploy a production solution by the end of 2026, moving beyond isolated pilots toward a coordinated, enterprise-scale approach. Josh Viets, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Expand Energy, said the company chose Thoughtworks for its ability to connect strategy, technology and delivery in a single engagement.

Cenovus Energy Inc. agreed to buy Athabasca Oil Corp. at an enterprise value of C$5.7 billion, or $4 billion, the latest in a wave of consolidation as Canada's government seeks to grow energy production. The cash and share takeover would add about 45,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day to Cenovus's output and give it significant potential for further growth, according to the statement. The per-share value represents a 13% premium to Athabasca's closing price on Oct. 2. The cash portion, accounting for 65% to 75% of the transaction, will be funded with cash on hand and certain short-term borrowings, and Cenovus's financial framework and net-debt target of $4 billion remain unchanged. The deal has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close in December, pending approvals from regulators and Athabasca shareholders, the company said. Cenovus president and chief executive officer Jon McKenzie said the transaction strengthens the company's position in one of the world's premier oil-producing regions and is a natural extension of its oil sands strategy.

Ryan Lance, chairman of U.S. oil and gas major ConocoPhillips, said on the 5th that he expects the floor for crude oil prices to rise to around $70 a barrel, and projected a mid-cycle price of $65 to $70 for U.S. crude benchmark West Texas Intermediate. Speaking at the Energy Intelligence Forum held in London, the chairman said this year's Middle East conflict dealt a major blow to the global oil system but did not cause it to collapse. He said that if crude prices hold near current levels, U.S. oil production could exceed 14 million to 14.5 million barrels per day. He said it could take until 2028 or 2029 for global oil demand to recover from the current crisis, but that after that nothing would stop demand growth. "The real strategic challenge for a company like ours is where to secure traditional production resources to meet that growing demand," the chairman said, adding that ConocoPhillips is currently focusing more on upstream investment than midstream investment in its oil business.

Cenovus Energy said Monday it agreed to acquire Athabasca Oil in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about C$5.7B, a 14% premium to Athabasca's 20-day volume-weighted average trading price. Under the terms, Cenovus will acquire all issued and outstanding common shares of Athabasca for C$12.00 per share, with each Athabasca shareholder able to elect either C$12.00 in cash or 0.264 of a Cenovus common share for each Athabasca common share held. Cenovus said the acquisition adds roughly 45K boe/day of production, including thermal assets near its Christina Lake, May River, and Thornbury operations, with the potential to accelerate thermal production to 115K bbl/day by 2032. The company expects C$85M of annual corporate and commercial synergies, with the majority captured during the first full year after closing, while also consolidating ownership of Duvernay Energy, with the option to accelerate development and grow production to a sustainable 20K boe/day. Cenovus President and CEO Jon McKenzie said the transaction strengthens the company's position in one of the world's premier oil-producing regions and is a natural extension of its oil sands strategy.

Galliford Try Holdings PLC has landed a spot on the latest £3 billion Constructing West Midlands Framework, selected for the major works lot covering projects over £10 million. Connecting Excellence Group Plc has completed its first acquisition, buying James Gray Recruitment, and has grown its Bitcoin holding to over 81 coins, worth around £5.25 million. Bradda Head Lithium Ltd has intersected visible spodumene mineralisation in all three of its first Whistlejacket holes in Arizona, with lab assays now the next key test. Tower Resources PLC has secured a one-year extension to its exploration licence at Thali in Cameroon and is now working towards a drilling campaign targeted for Q2 2027. Premier African Minerals Ltd has raised around £1.2 million to restart operations at its Zulu Lithium project in Zimbabwe, with the plan now focused on processing ore already sitting on the stockpile.

Ithaca Energy has agreed to buy Suncor Energy's offshore Canadian assets for $860 million in cash, its first acquisition outside the UK, sending shares in the North Sea oil producer up 3%. Suncor could receive a further $250 million depending on average Brent crude prices over a 27-month period starting July 1, 2026, with any additional payment funded from Ithaca's free cash flow. The deal, expected to close in the first half of 2027, gives Ithaca a 48% operated stake in Terra Nova, a 40% non-operated stake in White Rose Existing Lands and a 38.6% stake in White Rose Growth Lands, including the West White Rose development. Ithaca said the assets add 103 million barrels of oil equivalent of proven and probable reserves at an acquisition cost of about $8 per barrel of oil equivalent, and should contribute average production of about 30,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day between 2027 and 2031, rising to 35,000-40,000 barrels per day in 2029 as West White Rose ramps up. The assets generated about $235 million of adjusted EBITDAX in the 12 months to June 30, 2026, and Ithaca plans to fund the upfront payment with cash, its existing borrowing facility and secured financing in Canada, while assuming all decommissioning obligations; the transaction needs approval under Canada's Competition Act and carries a $50 million break fee in certain circumstances.

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, or OR, is pressing ahead with its budget hotel business through a joint venture, Pit Stop Hotel Company Limited, in which OR holds 49% and Centara Hotels and Resorts holds 51%. The project has total investment value of approximately 706 million baht, split between 346 million baht from Modulus Ventures within the OR group and 360 million baht from Centara. The first phase will pilot six model hotels in Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Songkhla (Hat Yai), Chonburi and Bangkok. The pilot branches will gradually open starting in the third quarter of 2027, beginning with Kanchanaburi, Rojana Industrial Park and Hat Yai Airport, which are already under construction. In the second quarter of 2028, openings will follow in Bangkok's Don Mueang area opposite Terminal 2 near the Red Line station, Phuket Airport, and the Jomtien Beach intersection in Pattaya, which are currently undergoing environmental impact assessment. Miss Rajsuda Rungsiyakull, Senior Executive Vice President of Special Business at OR, said room rates start at 800 to 1,300 baht per night. She estimated the budget hotel market will grow about 7.3% from 2023 to 2028, with an EBITDA margin of roughly 40-45% and EBIT of about 20%. The payback period is expected to be around 7-10 years, with a target occupancy rate of approximately 75-80%, and the company aims to expand to 50 locations by 2031, both inside and outside service stations. It will start with the COCO model at the first six branches before expanding into franchising and hotel management services. Mom Luang Pichthong Thongyai, Chief Executive Officer of OR, said that by 2031 service stations will increase from 2,300 to 2,800, and daily customers will rise to 5 million from 3.9 million per day at present. The business aligns with the Asset Optimization strategy, which uses vacant space within the PTT Station network to create added value, driving the OR network toward becoming A Must-stop Destination.

Pulsar Helium Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Pulsar Helium (MI) Inc., has signed a contract with Xcalibur MPH (Canada) Ltd to conduct a high-resolution airborne gravity gradiometry and magnetic survey at its Falcon project in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The FALCON System Survey will cover approximately 14,727 line kilometres over an initial priority area within the Falcon Project, which comprises an exclusive exploration option over approximately 488,090 gross acres of mineral rights, with commencement expected in mid-Q4 2026. Survey lines will be spaced 500 metres apart on a 315-degree northwest-southeast orientation, with tie lines spaced 5,000 metres apart on a 045-degree northeast-southwest orientation, flown at a nominal terrain clearance of approximately 165 metres. The program will be integrated with a newly released high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric dataset funded by the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, which covers a large portion of the Falcon Project at no acquisition cost to Pulsar. CEO Thomas Abraham-James said the contract marks an important step in advancing Falcon from district-scale land assembly into systematic target generation, applying the data-led approach developed at the company's Topaz helium project in Minnesota to comparable geology in Michigan.

Bualuang Securities said that BCP's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant, the first in Thailand, began operating in May 2026 with a production capacity of 7,000 barrels per day, or 1 million liters per day, and can switch production between SAF and renewable diesel. The main feedstock is used cooking oil, about 40% of which comes from domestic sources and 60% is imported, while the company has long-term feedstock supply contracts with major food and retail operators in Thailand. SAF demand is being driven by increasingly stringent fuel blending mandates worldwide, with the EU starting at 2% in 2025 and rising to 6% in 2030, while Thailand begins with a 1% target in 2026 before increasing to 1-2% in 2027-29 and 3-5% in 2030-32. Global SAF demand is expected to rise from 3.6 billion liters in 2026 to 4.5 billion liters in 2027, although rising supply may pressure margins somewhat going forward. The business's highlight is its profitability, with the SAF spread rising from about 1,000 US dollars per ton in 2025 to roughly 1,300 US dollars per ton in 2026 year-to-date, or about 3 times the spread of conventional jet fuel. The plant generated EBITDA of about 1 billion baht in the second quarter of 2026, and SAF EBITDA is expected at 4 billion baht in 2026 and 6 billion baht in 2027. Even in a worst case where the margin falls to 800 US dollars per ton, it would still be about 2 times the spread of conventional jet fuel and generate 2027 EBITDA of about 4 billion baht. There is also upside from a 43% capacity expansion to 10,000 barrels per day, which is not yet fully reflected in long-term estimates and would be additional upside if the company proceeds with the project. Bualuang Securities maintained its Hold recommendation with a target price of 57 baht and an equal-weight stance on the energy sector. Key issues to watch are the direction of SAF margins as new supply gradually enters the market and clarity on further capacity expansion.

Shell plc is weighing the potential sale of its U.S. chemicals operations for as much as $8 billion, part of a broader portfolio optimization push that also includes a new deep-water acquisition and a retail expansion. In September, Shell Offshore acquired a 30% interest in Conifer, an exploration prospect operated by BP in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, while subsidiary Equilon Enterprises LLC will raise its stake in Tri Star Energy from 33% to 100%, enabling supply arrangements with close to 650 dealer-owned locations and expanding Shell's Mobility & Convenience US portfolio to around 550 company-owned convenience sites. The moves follow a second quarter in which record refinery utilization and upstream production in Brazil drove adjusted earnings to $9.8 billion, with a $3.4 billion working capital inflow helping generate $21.4 billion in cash flow from operations. The recently finalized ARC Resources acquisition eases concerns about resource depletion, though it was financed largely with shares, diluting existing shareholders. Morgan Stanley recently lifted its price target on Shell to $101.30, and the stock closed at $95.61 on October 1, up 29.50% so far in 2026, with a market capitalization of $267.76 billion and a forward P/E of 9.57x.

Uranium Energy Corp. reported fourth-quarter production of 82,744 pounds of U3O8, up 157% from the third quarter, as three new header houses at Christensen Ranch ran a full quarter and Burke Hollow in South Texas contributed its first full quarter. Total cost per pound across both mines dropped 33% to $36.54, and approval for four more header houses arrived on September 28, with production expected to start within weeks. The company sold 400,000 pounds from inventory at $93.13 per pound and still holds 1.256 million pounds worth about $109 million at spot prices, backed by $495 million in cash and no debt. Management declined to give formal production guidance because header house and wellfield approval timing is outside its control, and its refining subsidiary is still preparing its license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with a cost estimate not expected until mid-2027. Hedge fund interest cooled to 26 funds holding the stock from 32 in the prior quarter, short interest stands at 14.60% of the float, and the forward P/E of 178.57 as of October 2 reflects expectations for a production base far larger than today's.

Analysts at several securities firms hold a positive view on Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, or BCP, after its sustainable aviation fuel business, SAF, began contributing significantly to earnings. BCP's SAF plant started commercial operations on 21 May 2026, with an investment of about 8.5 billion baht and a production capacity of roughly 7,000 barrels per day, or about 1 million litres per day. In the second quarter of 2026, its average capacity utilisation rate was approximately 6,800 barrels per day, with product sales of about 39 million litres, generating EBITDA of roughly 1 billion baht for BCP, or nearly 4% of total EBITDA. Asia Plus Securities gives a trading view with a target price of 58 baht. Trinity Securities recommends a speculative buy with a target price of 55 baht. Yuanta Securities Thailand has upgraded its recommendation to buy with a target price of 58 baht, and Land and Houses Securities maintains a buy recommendation with a target price of 56 baht. Over the longer term, BCP plans to raise SAF production capacity from 7,000 barrels per day to about 10,000 barrels per day within five years, largely using existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, demand for SAF looks set to grow on the back of Thailand's plan to push SAF blending, which aims to start at 1% and increase in later phases. However, competition for UCO feedstock still bears watching, as it could put pressure on costs.

Banpu, or BANPU, is pressing ahead with expanding its energy trading capabilities in Japan's electricity market through Banpu Power Trading G.K., applying AI technology to support electricity trading decisions. Niti Pitakteeratham, Country Head for Japan, said the company has developed AI models that combine the knowledge and experience of traders with analysis of market data and energy price trends, to help assess trading opportunities, determine trade sizes, and manage risk, alongside upgrading energy trading expertise within its Power+ group of electricity and related businesses. Both AI models passed simulated electricity trading tests between January and March 2026, using historical data from Japan's electricity market for analysis, and delivered better results than conventional trading methods because they achieved a better balance between returns and risk management. At present, the company applies the AI models together with traders to trade electricity in Japan's energy market, accounting for more than 90% of its total electricity trading volume across six regions, while traders still review the AI's recommendations and remain the final decision-makers before any actual trade is executed. BANPU also plans to study the feasibility of extending the AI models to electricity trading markets in other countries, as well as to other business groups, to support the long-term growth of its energy business.

Banpu Public Company Limited, or BANPU, is pressing ahead with expanding its energy trading capabilities in Japan's power market through Banpu Power Trading G.K. by applying AI technology to support power trading decisions. Banpu has developed AI models that combine the knowledge and experience of traders with analysis of market data and energy price trends, to help assess trading opportunities, determine trade sizes and manage risk, alongside raising the level of energy trading expertise within its power and related businesses group, or Power+. Two models have been developed. The first analyzes data to assess energy price direction and identify trading opportunities, while also gauging the confidence level of each signal. The second assesses overall market conditions to choose an approach and set trade sizes in line with the situation. Both models passed simulated power trading tests between January and March 2026, using historical data from Japan's power market for analysis, and were able to produce better results than conventional trading methods. At present, Banpu applies its AI models alongside traders to trade power in Japan's energy market, accounting for more than 90% of the company's total power trading volume across 6 regions. Traders remain the ones who review the AI's recommendations and make the final decision before any actual trade is executed. Niti Pitakteeratham, Country Head for Japan at Banpu Public Company Limited, said that bringing AI models in to support power trading does not mean technology will replace people, but rather that AI is being used to enhance traders' capabilities, especially in analyzing large amounts of data and assessing complex situations. At the same time, Banpu also has a plan to study the feasibility of extending its AI models to power trading markets in other countries, as well as to other business groups, to strengthen the competitiveness of both the organization and its personnel and to support the long-term growth of its energy business.

Banpu Public Company Limited announced progress in applying AI technology to support power trading decisions in Japan's electricity market under Banpu Power Trading G.K. The company has developed two AI models that combine traders' knowledge and experience with analysis of market data and energy price trends to assess trading opportunities, determine trade sizes, and manage risk. The first model analyzes data to assess energy price direction and identify trading opportunities, while evaluating the confidence of each signal. If a signal remains unclear, the system can reduce trade size or choose not to act in order to control risk. The second model assesses overall market conditions to determine trading approach and size in line with the situation. Both models underwent simulated power trading tests between January and March 2026 using historical data from Japan's electricity market, and delivered better results than conventional trading methods. Banpu has applied the AI models alongside traders in power trading in Japan's energy market for more than 90% of the company's total power trading volume across 6 regions, with traders still reviewing recommendations and making final decisions. Niti Pitakteeratham, Country Head – Japan, said that bringing in AI models does not mean technology will replace people, but rather enhances traders' ability to analyze large amounts of data and assess complex situations. The company also plans to study the feasibility of extending the AI models to power trading markets in other countries, as well as to other business groups.

Suncor Energy said Sunday it agreed to sell its 48% interest in Terra Nova, 40% interest in White Rose, and 38.6% interest in West White Rose offshore assets to Ithaca Energy for C$1.2B (US$860M) of upfront cash plus an additional contingent payment of up to C$350M (US$250M) tied to future oil prices. Ithaca Energy, one of the largest independent operators in the U.K. North Sea, will also assume investment commitments and all future liabilities associated with the assets, including a C$500M regulatory well compliance program starting in 2027 at Terra Nova and C$1.4B in estimated abandonment and lease liabilities. Suncor CEO Rich Kruger said the transaction further focuses the company's efforts on opportunities that generate the greatest long-term shareholder value, aligning its portfolio around its competitive advantages and its physically integrated business, underpinned by large-scale, long-life oil sands resources. Suncor also said it increased share repurchases under its normal course issuer bid from $500M to $750M per month beginning in October 2026.

Banpu Public Company Limited, or BANPU, is pressing ahead to strengthen its energy trading business in Japan's electricity market through Banpu Power Trading G.K., using AI technology to support electricity trading decisions under its Power+ group of power and related businesses. The company has developed two AI models. The first analyzes energy price trends, identifies trading opportunities, and assesses the confidence level of signals. The second evaluates overall market conditions to select trading approaches and determine trade sizes. Banpu tested both models in simulation between January and March 2026 using historical data from the Japanese power market, and found they produced better results than conventional trading methods. At present, the company has AI working alongside human traders, covering more than 90% of its total electricity trading volume across 6 regions, with traders still making the final decisions. Niti Pitakteeratham, Country Head for Japan at BANPU, said the goal of using AI to support electricity trading is not to have technology replace people, but to enhance traders' capabilities. Banpu is meanwhile studying the feasibility of extending its AI models to electricity markets in other countries, as well as to other businesses within the group.

Francois Provost, chief executive of French automaker Renault, said on the 3rd that the company will invest more than 10 billion euros in France over the next five years in electric vehicles and more affordable cars. In an interview with radio station France Inter, Provost explained that over the past five years Renault invested 13 billion euros in France and completely transformed its production setup to focus on EVs, adding that if social and political conditions allow, it will again invest more than 10 billion euros to continue promoting EVs and working to bring vehicle prices down. In France, EVs reached a record 42 percent of new car registrations in September, with demand boosted by soaring fuel prices since the start of the Iran war. According to Provost, Renault will produce 500,000 vehicles in the country in 2025 and will raise output by at least 25 percent in 2026 thanks to EV expansion.

Refinery stocks are getting a boost from the Singapore reference refining margin, which rose to around 20.5 dollars per barrel in late September 2026 and is expected to hold at high levels. Suwat Sinsadok, managing director of Global Securities, said the fourth-quarter 2026 refining margin will be close to the 20.5 dollars per barrel seen in the third quarter and could reach as high as 30 dollars per barrel given tight global oil supply. He set a target price of 88 baht per share for Thai Oil, or TOP, the most outstanding stock in the group. Sorachai Pitayapruek, a fundamental analyst at Krungsri Securities, said the catalyst came from an attack on the East-West oil pipeline in Saudi Arabia that forced a temporary shutdown, pushing tanker freight rates from more than 10 dollars per barrel to more than 20 dollars per barrel. He expects the fourth-quarter 2026 refining margin to stay in double digits, supported by winter oil storage demand. Third-quarter 2026 earnings for the refinery group are expected to recover clearly, especially TOP, which posted a stock loss of about 7 billion baht in the second quarter of 2026 and may instead book a stock gain. Krungsri Securities maintained a positive investment weighting on refinery stocks, naming TOP the most outstanding with a target price of 83 baht, supported by its Clean Fuel Project.

Banpu Public Company Limited has adopted AI technology to support electricity trading in Japan's power market through Banpu Power Trading G.K. The company developed AI models that combine the knowledge and experience of its traders with analysis of market data and energy price trends, in order to assess trading opportunities, determine trade sizes, and manage risk. Both AI models underwent simulated electricity trading tests between January and March 2026, using historical data from the Japanese power market, and delivered better results than conventional trading methods thanks to a better balance between returns and risk management. Currently, Banpu uses AI models alongside human traders for more than 90% of its total electricity trading volume in Japan's energy market across six regions, while traders continue to review the AI's recommendations and remain the final decision-makers. Niti Pitakteeratham, Country Head for Japan at Banpu, said AI is not replacing people but enhancing traders' ability to analyze large volumes of data and assess complex situations. Banpu also plans to study the feasibility of extending its AI models to electricity trading markets in other countries, as well as to other business groups.

The Thai stock market index on October 2, 2026 closed at 1,571.62 points, up 7.71 points or 0.49%, with trading value of 71.09 billion baht. Foreign investment flowed out toward U.S. government bonds, which offer lower risk and yields above 5%, while Thai stocks still await third-quarter 2026 earnings. PTT Oil and Retail Business, or OR, sent positive signals as it prepares for a tourism recovery that is driving growth in jet fuel sales. It has also pinned its flag in Phuket and is pressing ahead with budget hotels, gradually opening them in 2027-2028, with a target of 50 locations by 2031. The first phase will pilot six model hotels in high-potential locations: Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Songkhla (Hat Yai), Chonburi and Bangkok, to extend the business and turn PTT Station service stations into safe, standardized overnight stops nationwide. Meanwhile, ITEL won a big project from the Provincial Electricity Authority, or PEA, to organize communications cables across two regions, the central and southern regions, with a combined value of more than 266 million baht, reflecting confidence in its potential and experience in managing communications infrastructure, and positioning it to pursue future telecommunications infrastructure projects. WP completed its share buyback plan as scheduled, repurchasing the full 15,000,000 shares, or 2.94%, for an investment value of 57.08 million baht. CEO Chomkamol Poompanmoung is confident the move will build investor confidence and lift return on equity and earnings per share, while the company proceeds with this year's business plan, targeting LPG sales of 770,000 tons and focusing on expanding the domestic market alongside its rooftop solar business. BA, Bangkok Airways, is passing on something special to thank passengers on the occasion of winning the World's Best Regional Airline and Best Regional Airline in Asia awards from the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards for the 10th consecutive year, with the Lucky TEN campaign, building on the Thank You for 10 Amazing Years campaign launched last September. It invites passengers to join a draw for the right to buy tickets at a special 90% discount, or pay only 10% of the Web Promo (P-Q Class) fare, on five domestic routes, limited to just 200 entitlements, from October 5-9, 2026 only.

PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, or OR, has unveiled plans to develop a first phase of six budget hotels together with Central Plaza Hotel Public Company Limited, or CENTEL. OR will hold a 49% stake and CENTEL 51%. Five of the sites are at service stations and one is outside a service station. The first three branches, already under construction, are in Kanchanaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Songkhla, and are expected to open in the third quarter of next year. The other three, in Bangkok, Chonburi and Phuket, are undergoing environmental reports and will open in the second quarter of 2028. The six hotels use a combined investment budget of 700 million baht, with construction costs capped at no more than 1 million baht per room. Funding will be split 50% equity and 50% debt. The buildings will be five to six storeys tall, with average room sizes of 18 to 20 square metres and 79 rooms. The company targets a first-year occupancy rate of about 60%, rising to 60–70% in the second year, with a long-term goal of 75–80%. It estimates a gross profit margin of about 50%, an EBITDA margin of 40–45%, an EBIT margin of about 20%, and a net profit margin of no less than 10%. Room rates will range from 800 to 1,300 baht, with a loyalty programme linking Blue Plus Points and The ONE Points. Ratchasuda Rangsiyakul, Senior Executive Vice President of Special Business 1 at OR, said entering the hotel business will help lift traffic at its service stations from 3.9 million users per day to 5 million per day. The first six branches will serve as a pilot to test the system before expanding to a full 50 locations in 2031, and once the model proves successful the company will scale up through franchising. The joint venture will provide management services to a standard, and dealers in the group have already approached the company seeking to open hotels.

TC Energy Corporation has confirmed that Coastal GasLink Phase 2 will proceed following LNG Canada's expansion decision, nearly doubling capacity along the existing 670-kilometre route in British Columbia through new compressor stations and facility upgrades. Construction on the expansion is expected to start in early 2027, with service targeted for the early 2030s. The company also declared a continued quarterly dividend of C$0.8775 per share, or C$3.51 annualized. TC Energy's narrative projects CA$18.2 billion in revenue and CA$5.3 billion in earnings by 2029, with a fair value estimate of CA$98.78 implying 17% upside to the current price. Two fair value estimates from the Simply Wall St Community span from C$33.89 to C$98.78.

Halliburton confirmed to Argentine authorities in early October 2026 that it and its subsidiaries will not work on the Malvinas Islands' Sea Lion project or conduct any hydrocarbon activities in the surrounding area, while separately signing memoranda of understanding with Eneva S.A. and WESCA to support oil and gas development opportunities in Venezuela. The two moves together reframe Halliburton's regional exposure, regulatory risk profile and future contract pipeline across Latin America, with the Venezuela agreements offsetting some perceived lost optionality around Malvinas through a different Latin American pathway for international revenue, offshore and unconventional exposure. Those agreements sit alongside recent multi-year wins in Suriname, Brazil and Cyprus, reinforcing that the key short-term catalyst remains Halliburton's ability to execute on higher-complexity international contracts at acceptable margins and with controlled start-up costs. Halliburton's narrative projects $25.1 billion in revenue and $2.7 billion in earnings by 2029, requiring 3.9% yearly revenue growth and an earnings increase of about $1.1 billion from $1.6 billion today, and yields a $43.44 fair value, a 36% upside to its current price. More optimistic analysts had already assumed revenues of about US$26.8 billion and earnings near US$3.4 billion before the Venezuela and Malvinas news, while other fair value estimates put the stock as low as $34.03.

Canadian Natural Resources and four other oil sands producers, together with the federal and Alberta governments, committed in late September 2026 via a trilateral MOU to advance the Pathways CCS project, targeting up to 16 million tonnes of CO2 capture annually by 2045, with final binding terms still pending. The conditional framework directly links potential future oil sands expansion to large-scale emissions management, which could reshape long-term cost structures, policy risk and capital allocation for Canadian Natural Resources. The company's key short-term catalyst remains operational and cash flow delivery against 2026 guidance, while the biggest current risk centers on future carbon costs and long-term policy exposure should the framework move from conditional to binding terms. Recent announcements also include substantial share buybacks alongside a CAD 0.625 quarterly dividend, highlighting a tension between returning cash today and preserving flexibility for potentially large CCS and growth commitments. The company's narrative projects CA$40.8 billion in revenue and CA$8.9 billion in earnings by 2029, with a CA$72.71 fair value estimate, while the lowest-estimate analysts assume revenues could fall to about CA$38.0 billion and earnings to CA$5.5 billion.

The U.S. Supreme Court opened its new term Monday with arguments in a case that could determine whether ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy can be held liable under state law for costs attributed to climate change. The dispute stems from a lawsuit filed by the city and county of Boulder, Colorado, accusing the oil producers of contributing to climate change and misleading the public about the risks of fossil fuels, and seeking compensation for infrastructure repairs, emergency management, environmental damage and public health effects. Exxon and Suncor appealed after the Colorado Supreme Court allowed the case to proceed, arguing that federal law including the Clean Air Act bars state and local governments from pursuing claims that effectively regulate greenhouse-gas emissions, a position backed by the Trump administration. The stakes extend well beyond Colorado, as nearly 60 state and local governments have filed similar lawsuits seeking billions of dollars from fossil-fuel producers, and a broad ruling for the companies could provide grounds for dismissing many of those cases. The court has a 6-3 conservative majority, though Justice Samuel Alito has recused himself, and a decision is expected by the end of June.

CIBC raised its price target on Enerflex to CA$30 from CA$27.50 after updating its model for a 450 MW behind-the-meter power generation award tied to a North American data center developer, while keeping a Neutral rating on the stock. The firm had already lifted its target to CA$30 in July 2026, and it cited strong Engineered Systems bookings and a modest EBITDA beat in the second quarter as positives supporting execution on the core business. CIBC noted that earlier weakness in the shares followed a lack of secured data center power generation bookings, which it believes pushed potential catalysts into later quarters. On the updated assumptions, Simply Wall St's fair value for Enerflex rose to CA$46.94 from CA$44.50, with revenue growth now 6.72% versus 3.39% previously, net profit margin at 8.64% versus 9.01%, a future P/E of 18.29x versus 17.87x, and a discount rate of 6.83% versus 6.68%.