Monday, February 4, 2019

Dodge & Cox Comments on Occidental Petroleum

A multinational oil and gas company, Occidental Petroleum (NYSE:OXY)’s stock price declined 24% in the fourth quarter along with the broader Energy sector, due to concerns about the macro environment and oil supply. While the company faces political risks in Oman and the United Arab Emirates, we believe investors overreacted in the short term, given Occidental’s solid long-term underlying business fundamentals. Occidental is considered a partner of choice for many companies and countries due to its technological capabilities, experience managing reservoirs, and global reach. The company has an attractive growth profile and low-cost assets in the Permian Basin and the Middle East. Given low operating costs and modest maintenance capital expenditures, these businesses are profitable across a broad range of oil prices. Occidental’s proven management team has created a strong corporate culture with a focus on returns, steady growth, and consistent dividends. In addition, the company has a strong balance sheet, an attractive valuation at 14 times forward earnings, and a 5% dividend yield. On December 31, Occidental comprised 1.6% of the Fund.

From Dodge & Cox Stock Fund's fourth-quarter 2018 shareholder letter.

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