Oil tops $100 amid Middle East tensions, impacting key energy stocks differently.

Brent crude oil prices surged above $100 a barrel following US strikes on Iranian tankers, escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions and disrupting global supply. This supply shock benefits upstream energy companies like ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, and Chevron with strong earnings and growth prospects, while refiners like Valero face mixed outcomes due to potential demand compression. Schlumberger, an oilfield services firm, experiences regional revenue declines but anticipates a market upcycle once disruptions ease. Investors should note that geopolitical risk premiums can fluctuate rapidly, affecting stock valuations in this volatile environment.