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Chevron's Future in Venezuela: Tough Choices Amid U.S. Policy

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Chevron Corporation (CVX - Free Report) is currently in conversation with the Trump administration, which is reconsidering its license to operate in Venezuela. With this new policy, Chevron is in a challenging position. It is in continuous contact with the government to understand its objectives and limitations.

The license issued to Chevron under the Biden administration in 2022 allows it to remain the only major U.S. oil producer operating in Venezuela despite Washington’s sanctions against president Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

CVX’s Contribution to Venezuela

Despite the sanctions, Chevron contributes around 20% to Venezuela’s oil output. In 2024, this contribution helped boost Venezuela’s oil exports to a five-year high, bringing the nation closer to its 1 million barrels per day production goal.

With these contributions in mind, the top Republican officials argue that Chevron’s presence in Venezuela is indirectly supporting Maduro’s government. The officials claim that CVX provides a financial lifeline that enables Maduro to enrich his administration and suppress civil rights.

Impact of Revoked License

While some Republicans are calling for the U.S. government to revoke Chevron’s license to operate in Venezuela, the company is trying to make the officials in Washington understand the ramifications of a revoked license. In addition to Chevron’s challenging position, the U.S. refiners will also be impacted badly as they depend on the heavy crude produced in Venezuela.

CVX’s Zacks Rank and Key Picks

San Ramon, CA-based Chevron is one of the largest publicly traded oil and gas companiesthat participates in every aspect related to energy —from oil production to refining and marketing. Currently, CVX has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some top-ranked stocks like SM Energy Company (SM - Free Report) , Sunoco LP (SUN - Free Report) and Gulfport Energy Corporation (GPOR - Free Report) . While SM Energy and Sunoco currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) each, Gulfport Energy carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Denver, CO-based SM Energy Company is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, exploitation, development, acquisition and production of natural gas and crude oil in North America. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SM’s 2024 earnings indicates 15.11% year-over-year growth.

Dallas, TX-based Sunoco LP is a master limited partnership that deals with the distribution of motor fuel to roughly 10,000 customers, including independent dealers, commercial customers, convenience stores and distributors. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SUN’s 2024 earnings indicates 184.11% year-over-year growth.

Gulfport Energy is an independent natural gas and oil company focused on the exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties in North America. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GPOR’s 2024 earnings indicates 108.53% year-over-year growth.

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