JP Morgan Provides Color on Integrated Oils

JP Morgan provided color on the integrated oils sector. In a research report published today, the rating agency stressed negative short term outlook for the sector's stocks. However, ConocoPhillips COP is an exception. In the report, JP Morgan states, “We recap a largely anemic week for 2Q11 results, which saw several of the North American integrated oils and major producers guide full-year production down, lowering investor expectations for the remainder of the year. With weak results driving the stocks down an average of 6% (S&P -4%), the names are now offering 23% average potential upside to our YE2011 price targets. However, we would recommend a more defensive positioning in the near term, and highlight OW- rated COP for its lofty dividend yield and >12% cash returns to shareholders.” On Friday, COP lost 1.07% of its value to end the week at $71.99. Its shares rebounded in today's pre-market trading, rising 1.68% to stand around $73.20.