Crude is rallying again, and the rally is expected to continue due to its strained supply and rising demand. Moreover, the rising imports of India and China should further pull up oil prices. According to a report by the International Energy Administration, crude demand is estimated to increase by 840,000 bpd in 2013. Moreover, due to rising energy demand and the need for cleaner fuels in Asia, the demand for natural gas in the region is rapidly increasing. In my opinion, this might be a good time to load up on oil and gas companies. Eni SpA (ADR) (NYSE:E) is the company in focus, and here are a few reasons why it would make a great investment choice.
Expanding Numbers?
Eni is an Italian multinational oil and gas company with a market capitalization in excess of $85 billion. The oil and gas major has its presence in over 85 countries, which somewhat hedges the risks presented by the European debt crisis. Due to the oversupply of oil in Europe, the company temporarily shut down its operations at its Gela, Venic,e and Taranto refineries, which led to annual cost savings of EUR 100 million. Yes, shutting down plants does not ascertain growth, but it protects the company from operational risks and losses.
A Strategic Alliance
Eni and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:APC) made headlines when it was announced that the two will jointly develop the world’s largest LNG export plant. The Mozambique-based plant would have an annual liquefaction capacity of 50 million tonnes, and will begin exporting in 2018. The hydrocarbon rich resources in Mozambique are estimated to contain 250 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which would be enough to meet rising Asian and African energy demand.
According to a recent report, the demand for natural gas in both India and China is estimated to double by 2017. Another report claimed that, due to rising energy demand, LNG exporting countries (Indonesia and Malaysia) could be seen importing LNG this year. Since Mozambique lies on the Eastern African shore, LNG exports to the emerging world (Asian countries) would save both shipping costs and time.
The Future of Mozambique Project
Anadarko management said that it would be selling a 10% stake in the Mozambique gas project. Its debt/equity already stands at 64% and its capital expenditures for FY13 are estimated to be around $7.6 billion. Moreover, since its cash reserves have declined by 30% over the last 4 years, I think Anadarko Petroleum is better off by divesting its stake.
However, Royal Dutch Shell plc (ADR) (NYSE:RDS.A) is interested in buying the stake, and it could be looking to buy more than just 10%. This year, Royal Dutch Shell produced more natural gas than oil and it seems eager to take advantage of the hydrocarbon rich resources in Africa. Andy Brown, exploration chief at Royal Dutch Shell said, “East Africa is going to be a big province for LNG. We think they still need a company that can develop LNG and the associated shipping and marketing.”
