Energy Stocks Sink to Sixteen-Year Low on Crude’s Extended Drop

(Bloomberg) -- The worsening rout in oil prices is driving U.S. energy stocks to 16-year lows.

The S&P 500 Energy Index fell more than 10% on Thursday to its lowest since March 2004. The 27-member index has fallen almost 30% this week as crude lost about a quarter of its value. The sector has been among the hardest hit as the coronavirus pandemic reduces the demand outlook while Russia, Saudi Arabia and other Middle East nations jostle to raise production.

Thursday’s laggards include Marathon Petroleum Corp., Apache Corp., Oneok Inc, and Occidental Petroleum Corp, all down at least 15%. Apache Corp. became the latest U.S. shale oil producer to cut its dividend and slash capital spending after the huge drop in global prices this week.

“No independent E&P that we cover can sustain sub-$40 crude while seeking to generate free cash flow and support a dividend,” Bloomberg Intelligence said. Balance sheets are stronger in the current downturn versus 2014 levels, though capital markets are effectively shut.

To contact the reporter on this story: Michael Bellusci in Toronto at mbellusci2@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Courtney Dentch at cdentch1@bloomberg.net, Richard Richtmyer

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