Reheating the energy sector

Reece Birtles

Martin Currie

Returns for the Australian energy sector since 2020 had reflecting weakness in the oil price, driven by a material drop in global demand as economic growth slowed and international travel came to a grinding halt.

This trend has started to show signs of sharp reversal, with the sector having outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation Index by 25% since its index-relative low in August 2021, and the global price of oil also rising at a rapid pace(1).

The energy thematic tailwind, and our significant overweight allocation to Energy, has added significant alpha (net of fees) to our Martin Currie Select Opportunities Fund since sector’s August 2021 low(2).

Drivers behind the recent strength

The Energy sector is highly correlated with the pace of economic expansion, as production and growth are typically associated with higher consumption of energy and base commodities.

Global COVID-19 restrictions have continued to ease, and economic data points to clear strength in the pace of economic reopening across major economies. The data suggest strong momentum behind the recovery which will likely persist for some time.

The oil price has also been particularly strong so far through 2022 as the reflation thesis has continued to gain traction. Brent Crude is up 25.8% for the year-to-date(3); the notable strength can be attributed to several factors:

  • Strengthening demand for oil on the back of solid industrial production expectations as global economic reopening gathers momentum.
  • Weaker supply with many OPEC+ countries (and Russia) missing agreed output targets in conjunction with declining inventories.
  • Accelerating pressure to decommission coal-based power generation plants to drive carbon reduction means supply-side investment is lagging the required replacement rate.
  • Geopolitical risk premiums having an impact – e.g., the current tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
  • Colder than normal weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere in particular, resulting in higher gas prices, which have subsequently placed upward pressure on the price of oil due to fuel switching by consumers.

Why tailwinds for the sector remain

Even considering the strength so far this year, we believe that there will be continued tailwinds for the sector over the short to medium term.

While we are not in the business of calling a price target on highly volatile commodities, we have conviction in our view that pricing can remain above “normal” in the current environment. Inventory levels are low across the spectrum of energy commodities – gasoline and diesel are well below normal, so even if more oil was to come into supply there will be a significant restocking event required to move back to normalised supply levels.

Compounding the impact of supply shortages is the accelerating push to decarbonise the energy supply chain, specifically seeking to replace traditional coal-fired power generation plants to reduce carbon emissions. Increasing market and community pressures mean that current investment levels in coal-fired power generation are insufficient to meet growing energy requirements, contributing to ESG-driven inflation in power pricing as prices are adjusted upward. While the ultimate goal is clearly to achieve complete production from renewable sources, we see meaningful upside from gas as a key transition fuel to a greener future, in particular given its lower carbon intensity relative to coal.

Energy is an important part of the total value chain. Given its underlying linkage with increasing inflation, as well as a lack of global investment in supply as noted above and continuing geopolitical tensions, the current deficit will not be easily filled. In combination with the strength of global demand, fuelled by economic recovery and strengthening industrial production, this supply deficit will continue to support higher prices for energy commodities and energy related stocks over the short to medium term.

A key overweight for our value portfolios

The Martin Currie Select Opportunities Fund maintains a high conviction overweight exposure to the Energy sector, with a portfolio allocation of 12%, an 8% overweight relative to the S&P/ASX 200 Index(4).

Our portfolio overweight to the Energy sector is implemented through high conviction overweight allocations to high-quality stocks such as oil & gas producer Woodside Petroleum (ASX: WDS) and global engineering company Worley(ASX: WOR)(5).

We see meaningful valuation upside in each of these stocks, as well as notable leverage to the future decarbonisation pipeline for the energy sector going forward. Not all energy stocks are created equal, and we see more supply and demand tailwinds for natural gas producers than coal and oil players due to their important participation in the carbon transition toward net zero.

Investing for the long term

Our stock-focused approach is driven by in-depth fundamental research and skilled portfolio construction. We invest for the long term to capture equity growth, but only when high-quality opportunities are identified at sensible valuations. Learn more here


........
ENDNOTES (1) Source: Bloomberg; 31 August 2021 through 24 February 2022 (2) Source: Martin Currie Australia (MCA), FactSet; as of 24 February 2022. Data calculated for a representative Martin Currie Select Opportunities Fund, in A$ Net of management fee. Index: S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation. (3) Source: Bloomberg; as of 24 February 2022 (4) Source: MCA, FactSet; as of 31 January 2022. Data calculated for a representative Martin Currie Select Opportunities Fund, in A$ Net of management fee. Index: S&P/ASX 200 Accumulation. Index: S&P/ASX 200 (5) The information provided should not be considered a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security. It should not be assumed that any of the security transactions discussed here were, or will prove to be, profitable. This publication is issued for information purposes only and does not constitute investment or financial product advice. It expresses no views as to the suitability of the services or other matters described in this document as to the individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation, or needs of any recipient. You should assess whether the information is appropriate for you and consider obtaining independent taxation, legal, financial or other professional advice before making an investment decision. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements (PDSs) and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. In accordance with the Design and Distribution Obligations and Product Interventions Powers requirements, we maintain Target Market Determinations (TMD) for each of our Funds. All documents can be found via www.franklintempleton.com.au or by calling 1800 673 776. Issued by Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849, AFSL 240827). Franklin Templeton Australia Limited as Responsible Entity has appointed Martin Currie Australia as the fund manager of the Martin Currie Select Opportunities Fund (ARSN 122 100 207).

2 stocks mentioned

Reece Birtles
Chief Investment Officer
Martin Currie

Reece has held the role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Martin Currie Australia (MCA) since 2006, and is also the lead portfolio manager for MCA’s Value Equity, Equity Income and Diversified Income & Growth strategies. In his time as CIO, the...

I would like to

Only to be used for sending genuine email enquiries to the Contributor. Livewire Markets Pty Ltd reserves its right to take any legal or other appropriate action in relation to misuse of this service.

Personal Information Collection Statement
Your personal information will be passed to the Contributor and/or its authorised service provider to assist the Contributor to contact you about your investment enquiry. They are required not to use your information for any other purpose. Our privacy policy explains how we store personal information and how you may access, correct or complain about the handling of personal information.

Comments

Sign In or Join Free to comment