Apache Corporation (APA) shares plummeted 5.56% in the intraday trading session on Monday, following the company's disappointing fourth-quarter earnings report. The energy company's stock was impacted by lower-than-expected oil production volumes and higher costs, offsetting the benefits from the Callon Petroleum acquisition.

The key factors contributing to Apache's stock plummet are:

• Apache reported adjusted earnings of $0.79 per share for Q4 2024, missing analysts' consensus estimate of $0.97 per share. The earnings miss was primarily driven by lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
• While the company's overall production averaged 488,308 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d), up 17.8% year-over-year, oil production guidance for Q1 2025 and the full year was revised lower to 193,000 Bbl/d and 191,000 Bbl/d, respectively.
• Apache's lease operating expenses surged 31.7% from the year-ago period, and total operating expenses increased by a significant 48.1% due to higher costs associated with oil/gas equipment and depreciation.

Additionally, some analysts maintained a bearish stance on Apache stock, citing concerns over the lower oil volume guidance and the company's inability to achieve its targeted cost reductions. These factors collectively impacted investor sentiment, leading to the stock's plummet on Monday.