Determined Companies Stand Strong
The volatile nature of upstream business in the integrated energy sector often means susceptibility to oil and gas price fluctuations. Additionally, rising input costs are adding pressure to the refining activities, clouding the outlook for the Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry.
About the Industry
The Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry encompasses companies primarily involved in upstream and midstream energy activities, including exploration, production, transportation, and storage. These businesses are intricately linked and heavily reliant on the fluctuating prices of oil and gas.
Trends Reshaping the Future of the Industry
Inflation Challenge: Persistent high inflation levels and increasing market volatility add complexity to energy demand, potentially affecting integrated energy firms.
Refining Struggles: The high cost of oil is squeezing refining profits for integrated companies in the United States.
Rise of Renewables: The global shift towards renewable energy sources is creating a decline in demand for traditional fossil fuels, impacting integrated energy players.
Volatility in Upstream Business: The fate of exploration and production activities is closely tied to oil and gas price fluctuations, making the upstream business extremely volatile.
Low Dividend Yields: Industry stocks have shown relatively lower dividend yields compared to the broader energy sector.
Unpromising Industry Rank
The Zacks Oil & Gas US Integrated industry is ranked at a dismal #237 among more than 250 Zacks industries, positioning it in the bottom 5%. The average of the Zacks Rank of all member stocks within this industry indicates dim near-term prospects.
Stock Performance and Valuations
The industry has exhibited a 3% growth over the past year, outperforming the broader energy sector but trailing the S&P 500 composite, which surged by 24.9%.
Valuation Analysis
The industry’s current trailing 12-month EV/EBITDA ratio stands at 4.54X, lower than the S&P 500’s 13.64X but higher than the energy sector’s 3.63X. Over the past five years, the industry’s EV/EBITDA ratio has fluctuated between 3.29X and 13.38X, with a median of 4.80X.
Resilient US Integrated Energy Stocks
Equitrans Midstream With a focus on gas transmission, storage, and gathering systems, Equitrans Midstream generates stable cashflows. The company’s midstream assets support the production and development of natural gas across the region. Equitrans Midstream holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. A leader in the proppant and innovative logistics services space, providing services to oil and gas players in the prolific Permian Basin, Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) and is projected to see earnings growth of 58.3% this year.
DT Midstream Inc. As a leading operator of natural gas pipeline systems, DT Midstream Inc. influences the transportation of natural gas across various regions.
