Out Fox The $treet

ConocoPhillips reported a large Q1 loss, but the market was impressed with the earnings beat.  The independent E&P is still struggling towards reaching cash flow neutral as the debt load soars.  The company lacks a credible plan for lower oil prices with a focus on flat production and keeping a dividend.  My  last article  remained neutral on  ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP )  from a prior bearish stance throughout 2015, as the independent oil exploration firm has cut cash outlays to the point that a future cash crunch wasn't likely. Since the original neutral call in early February, oil prices and hence the stock have rallied, providing big returns for those willing to take the risk. Read the full article at Seeking Alpha.  Disclosure: No position mentioned. Please review the disclaimer page for more details. 

Summary ConocoPhillips announces small hike in the dividend. The E&P firm cancels a ultra-deepwater drillship contract with high termination fees. The stock is hitting new oils due to the company protecting the dividend while oil prices head lower.    While a lot of comments don't agree with my previous points on the dividends paid by ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP ) , the latest news again backs up my claims. The exploration and production firm made another bizarre move based on protecting the dividend at the expense of prudent financial moves.  Read the full article on Seeking Alpha .  Disclosure: No positions mentioned. Please read the disclaimer page for more details .

Halcon Resources recently refinanced and exchanged debt to reduce leverage and interest expenses. The company no longer focuses on the TMS after making a big financing deal only a year ago. The $1 stock still faces an uphill battle to consider an investment at this point. Probably no other stock in the energy exploration and production sector of its size garnered so much attention as Halcon Resources (NYSE: HK ) . Ironically though, the company has struggled mightily despite well-respected CEO Floyd Wilson. Halcon Resources has long been a lightning rod in the investor community due to the high debt position and late entry into shale drilling. Read the full article at Seeking Alpha. Disclosure: No positions mentioned. Please review the disclaimer page for more details. 

WPX Energy continues making progress towards becoming a diversified energy producer. The E&P firm is still more impacted by the price of natural gas taking a big hit from the price decline in that commodity. The company has some interesting negative implications for oil. Investors should remain focused on WPX Energy for the catalysts related to natural gas. WPX Energy (NYSE: WPX ) surprised investors with a second straight quarterly profit that substantially beat analyst estimates. As with all other E&P firms, WPX faces a tough market with the collapsing community landscape. The energy producer is making huge progress transitioning to liquids production, but it still faces a natural gas future. Read the full article on Seeking Alpha. Disclosure: Long WPX. Please review the disclaimer page for more details.