On May 15, the board of directors at Apache Corp. (NYSE: APA) upsized a buyback that was originally announced in May 2013, the company said. Now, an additional 10 million shares can be repurchased alongside the original 30 million, the company added.

Under the prior guidelines, 24.3 million shares have been repurchased for about $2.1 billion, the company noted.

"Apache's portfolio has been rebalanced for predictable and profitable growth driven by our oil- and liquids-rich onshore North America assets," said G. Steven Farris, chairman, CEO and president.

He added, "The board has increased the buyback authorization because of its confidence in Apache's ability to continue to execute our future growth plans. We continue to see our stock as a compelling investment at current levels."

Houston-based Apache Corp. explores and produces oil and natural gas around the world.