John Stephenson
Apache Corp
APA-N
TOP PICK
Oct 16, 2003
Extremely good operator. High impact properties coming on. Sees a lot of upside because of this. Likes the diversified international story and the oil focus.
The 400,000 boed oil and gas producer with production in the US Permian, Egypt, and the North Sea recently reported a 42% increase in net income. It trades at 6x earnings, under 2x book and supports a robust 79% ROE. Its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 15% of cash flow. We recommend setting a stop-loss at $22, looking to achieve $39 -- upside potential of 36%. Yield 3.7%