Houston, Texas-based Phillips 66 (PSX) is a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company. With a market cap of $51.2 billion, the company offers its integrated operations across chemicals, midstream, renewable fuels, and refining.
Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as “large-cap stocks,” and PSX fits right into that category with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its substantial size, influence, and dominance in the oil & gas refining & marketing industry. The global leader has built a solid reputation and competitive edge in the industry through operational excellence and environment-friendly initiatives to increase energy efficiency. PSX’s focus on providing high-quality petrochemical products is apparent through its innovative products and operational efficiency, establishing the company as a frontrunner in the sector.
Despite its notable strength, PSX slipped 28.8% from its 52-week high of $174.08, on April 16. Over the past three months, PSX stock dipped 1.4%, underperforming the Dow Jones Industrials Average’s ($DOWI) 6.9% gain during the same time frame.
In the longer term, shares of PSX dipped 7% on a YTD basis and marginally over the past 52 weeks, underperforming DOWI’s YTD gains of 16.5% and 20.1% returns over the last year.
PSX has been trading below its 200-day moving average since early August to confirm the bearish trend. The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since late April, with slight fluctuations.
PSX's lackluster performance can be attributed to significant fluctuations in commodity prices and increased depreciation charges, which are anticipated to increase by $230 million every quarter until the planned shutdown of its Los Angeles refinery by the end of 2025. On Oct. 29, PSX shares slipped more than 4% after reporting its Q3 results on Oct. 29 due to a significant decline in earnings and margins despite beating consensus estimates. Adjusted earnings per share fell sharply to $2.04 from $4.63 a year ago, and refining margins plummeted to $8.31 per barrel from $19.06, contributing to a $67 million pre-tax loss in the Refining segment. Additionally, weaker cash flow and higher-than-expected losses in the Renewable Fuels segment raised concerns about the company's profitability and operational challenges.
In the competitive arena of the oil & refining & marketing industry, Valero Energy Corporation (VLO) has taken the lead over PSX, showing a marginal loss on a YTD basis and a 7.3% gain over the past 52 weeks.
Wall Street analysts are moderately bullish on PSX’s prospects. The stock has a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating from the 19 analysts covering it, and the mean price target of $145 suggests a potential upside of 16.9% from current price levels.
