International oil companies (IOCs) have underperformed the S&P 500 in total shareholder returns (TSR) for more than a decade. COVID-19 added to the sector’s challenges, as a pandemic-induced demand shock sent oil and stock prices tum-bling. Even after rallying late in 2020, oil and gas is in last place among tracked industry sectors for TSR. Investors expect demand to recover in the second half of 2021, but most predict that oil and gas companies will not fully capture this upside.
Differing Responses
During the pandemic, IOCs have accelerated their transformation plans for a radically altered energy system. European players are becoming broad-based energy companies. North American IOCs are keying on hydrocarbons and increasing efficiencies. Despite these different strategies, US-based Chevron and France-based Total were TSR winners thanks to balance sheet strength and payout sustainability.
Preparing for the Future
IOCs must be proactive if they are to create value and win back investor confidence. European companies must prove the business case for low-carbon investments, and North American players will need to future-proof their portfolios. Both groups must improve their operational returns to continue their transformation journey.