ConocoPhillips Sees Insider Selling Amid Analyst Praise

Holocene Advisors increases stake in energy producer as Wall Street weighs in on the stock.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 10:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Holocene Advisors LP, an investment firm, has increased its stake in ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) by 2.6% in the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 1,854,684 shares of the energy producer's stock, worth approximately $175.44 million. This news comes as Wall Street analysts have been weighing in on ConocoPhillips, with Piper Sandler raising its price target on the stock to $154 and setting an "overweight" rating, while some analysts have noted the company's recent quarterly results missed estimates.

Why it matters

The increase in Holocene Advisors' stake in ConocoPhillips suggests institutional investor confidence in the energy company, even as it faces some near-term headwinds from commodity price volatility and mixed quarterly results. The analyst commentary provides insight into how Wall Street views the company's long-term prospects, with the Piper Sandler upgrade pointing to potential upside, while other analysts caution that higher oil prices need to translate into consistent operational and earnings improvement.

The details

Holocene Advisors LP lifted its position in ConocoPhillips by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm now owns 1,854,684 shares of the energy producer's stock, worth approximately $175.44 million. This represents about 0.15% of ConocoPhillips' outstanding shares. Meanwhile, Wall Street analysts have been weighing in on the stock, with Piper Sandler raising its price target to $154 and setting an "overweight" rating, implying significant upside potential. However, some analysts have noted that ConocoPhillips' recent quarterly results missed estimates on both earnings per share and revenue, reminding investors that higher oil prices need to translate into consistent operational and financial improvement to sustain the stock's valuation.

  • Holocene Advisors increased its stake in ConocoPhillips in the 3rd quarter of 2026.
  • Piper Sandler raised its price target on ConocoPhillips in March 2026.

The players

Holocene Advisors LP

An investment firm that has increased its stake in ConocoPhillips by 2.6% in the 3rd quarter of 2026, now owning 1,854,684 shares worth approximately $175.44 million.

Piper Sandler

A Wall Street research firm that raised its price target on ConocoPhillips to $154 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in March 2026.

ConocoPhillips

A Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.