Feature Article

We follow up last month’s Q&A with comments based on what we’ve seen in energy companies’ Q4 results and guidance for 2021, since the previous issue of EIA earlier this month. Save the date for our next members-only web chat on February 25 starting at 2 pm for more on individual companies and other questions.

Energy Transfer LP (NYSE: ET) is buying fellow High Yield Energy List member Enable Midstream Partners (NYSE: ENBL) in an all-stock deal valued at $7.2 billion, including assumed debt. The purchase includes the general partner interest held jointly by Centerpoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) and OG&E Energy (NYSE: OGE), both companies’ combined nearly 80 percent limited partner interest and the remaining publicly traded shares.

As the world’s premier oil services company, Schlumberger Ltd’s (NYSE: SLB) earnings often provide valuable clues about the near and long-term direction of the energy business. What stands out from the company’s Q4 numbers and guidance?

Four Model Portfolio companies have released their Q4 numbers and updated guidance for 2021 so far: Services giant Schlumberger Ltd (NYSE: SLB) highlighted in the Feature article, technology firm Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) and midstream companies Hess Midstream Corp (NYSE: HESM) and Kinder Morgan Inc (NYSE: KMI).

In the previous issue of Energy and Income Advisor, we stated our view that prospective changes in energy policy in 2021 would not be catastrophic for the oil and gas industry, regardless of who won the Georgia runoff elections for the US Senate.

Energy is arguably the most deeply cyclical industry in the S&P 500 and the downcycle that started in 2014 has been the deepest downturn the industry has faced since at least the second half of the 1980’s.

What development from 2020 will have the greatest impact on energy returns in 2021? The big oil collapse in Q2 2020 is the key development this year that’s completely reset the supply equation for 2021 and beyond.