BP Profit Doubles on Mideast War; Southern Raises $2.4B

British energy major BP reported net profit more than doubled in the second quarter as the Middle East war roiled oil and gas markets, reaching a four-year high. Energy majors globally are benefiting from soaring profits as oil and gas futures swing between large gains and losses tied to the conflict. Campaigners have accused BP of being 'price shock profiteers' during the conflict.

ExxonMobil ($XOM) CEO Darren Woods delivered commentary on gas price trends, with industry executives from Chevron ($CVX) CEO Mike Wirth warning about depleting buffers and Shell's CEO describing a diesel and gasoline squeeze as refineries pivoted to jet fuel. ConocoPhillips ($COP) is preparing to report Q2 earnings, with higher oil prices lifting prospects, though volatility, unhedged output and operational disruptions pose risks.

Refining margins have tightened due to war-related supply disruptions, with one analysis noting that Chevron's quarterly performance leaned in part on war-tightened refining margins that management will not put a date on. Par Pacific heads into Q2 earnings with surging estimates and refinery demand support, though high crude costs and premium valuation temper the outlook.

First Solar ($FSLR) led the S&P 500 following a delayed positive reaction to its strong second-quarter earnings beat and growing investor expectations surrounding Section 232 tariff decisions by the Trump administration. Wall Street appears to be betting an upcoming government tariff decision will support the solar company's business.

SolarEdge Technologies heads into Q2 earnings with storage expansion, U.S. manufacturing growth and cost controls set to support shipments, revenues and earnings. The renewable energy sector faces policy uncertainty as regulatory decisions approach that could materially impact domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

Southern Company ($SO) announced the pricing of $725 million in aggregate principal amount of its Series 2026A 2.125% Convertible Senior Notes due December 15, 2027 and $1.65 billion in aggregate principal amount of its Series 2026B 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due September 15, 2029 in private placements. The combined $2.375 billion in convertible debt issuance signals continued capital requirements for grid infrastructure investment.

Atmos Energy heads into fiscal Q3 with double-digit earnings and revenue growth expected, supported by customer gains, rate actions and infrastructure spending. Evergy enters Q2 earnings with demand growth, data center activity and infrastructure investments poised to support results, while higher costs may have weighed on margins.

The Middle East war continues to roil oil and gas markets, with energy majors around the globe enjoying elevated profits from trading operations as oil and gas futures experience significant volatility tied to conflict headlines. The ongoing Iran conflict has driven BP profits to a four-year high, underscoring the sustained supply risk premium in global energy markets.

Industry executives have referenced the evolution through the Iran-Iraq War period, with current supply buffer depletion raising concerns about sustained price volatility. The geopolitical risk premium remains embedded in crude pricing as the conflict persists without clear resolution timeline.

SLB ($SLB) gained 13.71% in Q2 2026 according to Ariel Investments' Appreciation Fund letter, slightly outperforming the Russell Midcap Value Index's 13.40% return but trailing the Russell Midcap Index's 13.83% gain. The oilfield services provider contributed strongly to portfolio performance despite recent share price pressure.

Atlas Energy Solutions reported Q2 results with earnings missing estimates by 50.00% while revenue topped forecasts by 6.39% for the quarter ended June 2026. Several oil stocks are preparing to report earnings this week, with five energy names expected to potentially double or triple earnings per share, while one small-cap stock broke out bullishly.

Energy sector earnings season continues with $COP and multiple other producers set to report Q2 results this week. Investors will be focused on production guidance, capital allocation decisions, and management commentary on commodity price outlooks amid ongoing Middle East conflict volatility.

The Trump administration's Section 232 tariff decision on solar imports remains a key catalyst for the renewables sector, with $FSLR and other domestic manufacturers awaiting clarity on trade policy. Utility earnings will provide insight into data center-driven electricity demand growth and the pace of grid infrastructure investment programs.