We recently compiled a list of the 7 Best Cheap Energy Stocks to Invest in Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) stands against the other cheap energy stocks.
The global energy landscape is going through a major transformation due to rapid technological advances, shifting market dynamics, and geopolitical factors. The energy sector used to make up about 15% of the broader U.S. stock market in the 1970s, but today it accounts for only 3.2%. Despite its diminished index weighting, energy consumption is still rising, and the sector remains a crucial part of the global economy.
An important factor driving this change is the rapid switch to renewable energy. According to IEA, the world’s renewable energy capacity increased by 50% in 2023 compared to 2022, the largest increase in three decades. While Europe continues to grow its sustainable energy projects, major players like China, the United States, and Brazil have made historic investments. This momentum is in line with international agreements to triple the renewable energy capacity by 2030, a target that was highlighted at the COP28 summit. However, there is still a significant obstacle to overcome: obtaining sufficient funding for emerging markets. This will be essential in deciding whether the world can accomplish its clean energy goals.
Although the shift to renewable energy is taking center stage, conventional energy sources still contribute significantly to the world’s energy balance. McKinsey & Company projects that the rapid industrialization of emerging economies will be a major factor in the 11%–18% increase in global energy demand by 2050. It is anticipated that up to 95% of this increase will come from ASEAN, India, and the Middle East, driven by the growing middle class and expanding manufacturing sectors. Their geopolitical significance is expected to grow as these areas redefine international influence and trade. Oil and gas are anticipated to continue to play a significant role in the energy mix despite international attempts to move away from fossil fuels, particularly in industries where the adoption of alternative energy is slow.
Additionally, supply issues and geopolitical conflicts have contributed to the ongoing volatility of the oil market. According to the UK Parliament, wholesale energy prices hit all-time highs in 2022, and though they slightly decreased in 2024, the cost of gas and electricity is still far higher than it was before the crisis.
Accordingly, in late 2024, energy stocks had substantial fluctuations, rising 6% in November and then falling 10% in December. The energy sector reported a modest 5.72% return at the end of the year, falling short of broader market gains. Several factors contributed to this instability, such as fluctuating investor sentiment, reduced demand from big economies like China and Europe, and uncertainty around OPEC+ supply plans. To maintain investor confidence in these uncertain times, many oil supermajors have responded by refocusing on providing strong returns to shareholders. Some even relied on debt to fund buybacks.
Investors are increasingly searching for energy companies that provide a balance between stability, growth potential, and strong shareholder returns during these changes. Traditional energy companies continue to be appealing because of their consistent cash flows, low valuations, and high dividend yields, even as the renewable energy sector continues to grow at an unprecedented rate. Additionally, the combination of new technologies like battery storage, hydrogen, and hybrid power solutions is opening new investment opportunities in both the clean energy and fossil fuel sectors. You can read more about the utilization of hydrogen as an energy source here. The future of energy in this dynamic setting depends on embracing the innovations that will influence tomorrow’s energy systems and striking a balance between conventional and renewable energy sources.
Methodology
To compile our list of the 7 Best Cheap Energy Stocks to Invest in Now, we used Finviz stock screener to identify the 16 largest energy companies trading below a forward P/E ratio of 15, as of writing the article. We refined our selection by ensuring that these companies had significant market capitalizations and strong fundamentals.
Next, we analyzed the number of hedge funds holding positions in these companies using Insider Monkey’s Q4 hedge fund database. We picked the seven stocks with the highest number of hedge fund holders, as we believe that stocks with strong hedge fund interest tend to perform well. The companies were then ranked in ascending order based on hedge fund sentiment.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A bird’s eye view of an industrial refinery, with petrochemical tanks and pipes in the background.
NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 18
P/E Ratio: 11.51
NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) stands as a major force in the petroleum additives field, producing lubricant and fuel additives that boost engine performance and efficiency. The company works through subsidiaries like Afton Chemical and Ethyl Corporation, meeting global needs. With roots going back to 1887, NewMarket remains a vital supplier in the energy sector, ensuring the optimization of petroleum-based products.
For the quarter ending December 31, 2024, NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) had strong financial results. Net income reached $111 million, up from $80 million in Q4 2023, translating to earnings per share (EPS) of $11.56 versus $8.38 in the same quarter last year. The full-year 2024 net income hit $462 million, marking a solid jump from $389 million in 2023.
NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU)’s stock has climbed 11.66% year-to-date, backed by strong profits and smart planning. The company has been working on cutting costs while investing in advanced tech to stay ahead of the market competitors. It also expanded its portfolio by acquiring American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC), which makes specialty materials for solid rocket motors, in early 2024, further diversifying its revenue streams.
Beyond just making operations better, NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) raised its quarterly dividend by 10% to $2.75 per share, showing faith in its cash flow and dedication to giving back to shareholders. Additionally, the company’s board gave the green light to a new $500 million share buyback plan running through 2027, pointing to strong financial health and a shareholder-friendly approach.
With a healthy balance sheet, better profit margins, and ongoing investment in tech advances, NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU) stays well-positioned in the petroleum additives market. The stock’s steadiness, backed by efficient operations and shareholders incentives, makes it an attractive pick in the energy sector. Given its strong fundamentals, the stock earns a place among the 7 Best Cheap Energy Stocks to Invest in Now.
Overall NEU ranks 7th on our list of the best cheap energy stocks to invest in now. While we acknowledge the potential of NEU as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that certain AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NEU but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: 20 Best AI Stocks To Buy Now and Complete List of 59 AI Companies Under $2 Billion in Market Cap.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.