A major military conflict has closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil flows. OPEC's response to the resulting supply shock has been minimal, causing Brent crude to spike to $80. OXY has a low breakeven price (~$40/barrel) in its Permian operations, meaning the spike in oil prices will lead to a massive, immediate expansion of profit margins, causing the stock to gap up significantly. The author is long OXY calls to capitalize on the imminent oil price shock. They plan to take partial profits on the expected gap-up on Monday while holding some calls for a longer-term thesis. A rapid ceasefire could be negotiated, or OPEC could hold an emergency meeting and significantly increase supply, both of which would cause oil prices to fall and invalidate the short-term trade.
A major military conflict has closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil flows. OPEC's response to the resulting supply shock has been minimal, causing Brent crude to spike to $80. OXY has a low breakeven price (~$40/barrel) in its Permian operations, meaning the spike in oil prices will lead to a massive, immediate expansion of profit margins, causing the stock to gap up significantly. The author is long OXY calls to capitalize on the imminent oil price shock. They plan to take partial profits on the expected gap-up on Monday while holding some calls for a longer-term thesis. A rapid ceasefire could be negotiated, or OPEC could hold an emergency meeting and significantly increase supply, both of which would cause oil prices to fall and invalidate the short-term trade.