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ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips was established in 2002 following the merger of Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum, creating a major independent E&P company.
ConocoPhillips
ConocoPhillips was established in 2002 following the merger of Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum, creating a major independent E&P company. Ryan Lance has served as CEO since 2012, leading the firm through a period of portfolio rationalization and cost discipline. The company invests across upstream oil and gas, including conventional and unconventional plays in the United States, Alaska, Canada, Norway, and Qatar. It also holds stakes in liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities and midstream infrastructure. The firm has reduced its asset base over the past decade, selling off non-core properties to focus on low-cost supply. ConocoPhillips is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange and employs approximately 10,000 people globally. As of early 2025, its market capitalization exceeded $120 billion. The firm maintains a dividend policy and has returned capital to shareholders through buybacks. It does not operate as a family office or similar private investment vehicle. The firm's structural differentiator lies in its scale as an independent E&P operator, separating it from integrated majors; it lacks refining or marketing operations and focuses solely on upstream exploration and production.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
2002
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Houston
Corporate office
Houston, TX, United States
Additional offices
San Francisco, CA, United States · Naperville, IL, United States · San Ramon, CA, United States
Principals
Ryan Lance
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at ConocoPhillips?
Ryan Lance is Chairman and CEO, responsible for strategic capital allocation. The investment decisions are overseen by the board and executive committee. The firm's management team has maintained a focus on shareholder returns and operational efficiency (per the firm's 2024 annual report).
Does ConocoPhillips operate as a single family office?
No, ConocoPhillips is a publicly traded corporation, not a family office. It issues common stock listed on the NYSE under ticker COP. The firm's ownership is distributed among institutional and retail investors.
What investment stages does ConocoPhillips typically target?
ConocoPhillips invests primarily in upstream oil and gas exploration and production, including development wells and infrastructure. It does not typically invest in early-stage venture or private equity deals. The firm acquired Marathon Oil in 2024 for $7B (per Reuters, May 2024).
Which sectors does ConocoPhillips explicitly avoid?
The firm does not invest in downstream refining or petrochemicals, unlike integrated peers such as ExxonMobil. It also does not invest in renewable energy projects to a significant degree, focusing on its core oil and gas business.
How is ConocoPhillips related to its founding companies?
ConocoPhillips was formed via the 2002 merger of Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum. The brand retains the legacy of both firms, which date back to 1875 (Phillips) and 1870 (Conoco). The company is now a standalone E&P firm.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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