Finally, forward P/E’s for both Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) and Chevron are greater than current P/E’s. As a general rule, it’s unwise to invest in companies that the market projects will either have earnings or margin issues.
BP has been stable over the last two years, and its recent consolidation provides an element of safety. As a refocused company with great future potential and attractive valuations, BP plc (ADR) (NYSE:BP) looks highly appealing at these prices. While there is still an element of speculation regarding ongoing DH litigation, BP plc (ADR) (NYSE:BP)’s long term risk/reward seems highly favorable.
You Could Use a Spa Day
Many Americans aren’t aware of Enersis S.A. (ADR) (NYSE:E). But this Italian integrated oil and gas giant has a presence in 85 nations.
What makes Eni SpA special is an industry-leading per-unit exploration cost of around $1.70/boe over the past four years. Also, between now and 2015, Eni SpA will add around 700,000 boe/d of new production through over 60 major start ups, 80% of which will come from new giant projects with long plateau periods.
This cost-effective
exploration helps Eni deliver sustainable profitability on new projects under almost any oil-price scenario, putting them at a competitive advantage during the most difficult of times.
This was reflected in the most recent year which experienced slightly depressed oil prices. The industry averaged a low net profit margin of 0.06%, while Eni SpA sported a 6.7% net profit margin, which was in line with historical averages.
Lately, this efficiency has been combined with an aggressive business plan aimed at increasing sales and consequently earnings. It seems to be working. The most recent quarter’s sales rose 35.20% year over year, while EPS was up an astonishing 62.60% for the same period.
Not only is Eni SpA efficient at discovery, but it also presents a compelling value play. Using the same comparison as earlier, with both Exxon Mobil and Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX), Eni SpA looks inexpensive.
| Valuation | Eni SpA | Chevron | Exxon Mobil |
| P/E | 8.30 | 8.90 | 9.20 |
| Forward P/E | 7.95 | 9.63 | 10.83 |
| Price/Book | 1.12 | 1.70 | 2.40 |
| Price/Sales | 0.50 | 0.98 | 0.82 |
| Yield | 4.70% | 3.00% | 2.60% |
With an attractive yield of 4.7%, competitive margins, and a long-term plan for increasing returns, Eni SpA looks attractive. Its recent decline of 8% over the last 45 days could be a solid entry point for this winning stock.
Conclusion:
When the market hands you an unjustified decline, don’t be afraid to invest in good companies. Despite their recent drops, these European oil stocks remain sound, and in most cases growing at significant rates. The value is clearly present. Nothing has changed except the price.
The article Power Your Portfolio With These Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by James Catlin.
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