Unwinding the Oil and Gas Negativity with Josh Young, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Bison Interests
Jan 30, 2024
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Josh Young, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Bison Interests, discusses the challenges faced by the Oil & Gas industry in 2023 and provides insights into the potential opportunities in 2024. Topics include the accuracy of oil inventory data, historical similarities in the industry, strategies for small cap companies, predicting oil price rise, and analyzing negative sentiment towards oil and gas investments.
Despite the struggles in the oil and gas sector in 2023, Josh Young believes there is a decent chance that oil could perform well in 2024, considering geopolitical events, potential supply disruptions, and the potential for a rebound in oil prices.
Technology, such as AI and analytics, plays a significant role in improving efficiency, cost savings, and production in the oil and gas sector, with companies like Vital Energy leading the way with its implementation and showcasing the financial benefits of utilizing such technology.
Deep dives
The challenged oil and gas sector in 2023
The oil and gas sector faced significant challenges in 2023, with the second half of the year being particularly rough. Josh Young, founder of Bison Interest, provides a post-mortem on the industry during this period, discussing the reasons behind the struggles, such as lower demand and increased supply. Despite the negative sentiment and bearish outlook, Young believes there is a decent chance that oil could perform well in 2024, considering geopolitical events, potential supply disruptions, and the potential for a rebound in oil prices.
The importance of technology in the oil and gas industry
Young highlights the role of technology in the oil and gas sector and the potential impact it can have on companies' operations. He mentions the implementation of AI and analytics by companies like Vital Energy, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and increased production. While there may be skepticism about non-tech companies utilizing AI, Young emphasizes the real financial benefits that can be achieved through its effective implementation. He also discusses the value of energy services and energy tech companies in the sector.
Macroeconomic factors impacting oil and gas
Young discusses the macro forces that could affect the oil and gas industry in 2024. He mentions the potential impact of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, upcoming elections, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While there remains a level of uncertainty, Young presents a bullish view on oil and gas, pointing out the potential for supply disruptions, the decreasing gap between demand and exploration, and the possibility of oil prices reaching $100 per barrel.
Key considerations for small cap oil and gas companies
With a focus on small cap oil and gas companies, Young highlights the importance of financial management and capital allocation. He suggests that companies should prioritize debt reduction, shareholder-friendly initiatives such as share buybacks and dividend payments, and creative acquisitions. Young also mentions the potential benefits of following a contrarian value investing approach in a market dominated by passive flows.
My guest on the show today is Josh Young, Founder and Portfolio Manager at Bison Interests. We last chatted on the podcast back in July 2023, so figured it was time for our semi-annual conversation on energy markets. It was a rough second half of 2023 for Oil & Gas, and Josh provides his post-mortem on what happened - plus, how 2024 is setting up when considering all the macro news on the horizon, geopolitical events currently happening, elections later this year, but all things considered, and why Josh thinks there is a decent chance that Oil could do well this year.
Planet MicroCap Podcast is on YouTube! All archived episodes and each new episode will be posted on the Planet MicroCap YouTube channel. I’ve provided the link in the description if you’d like to subscribe. You’ll also get the chance to watch all our Video Interviews with management teams, educational panels from the conference, as well as expert commentary from some familiar guests on the podcast.
The Planet MicroCap Podcast is brought to you by SNN Incorporated, The Official MicroCap News Source, and the Planet MicroCap Review Magazine, the leading magazine in the MicroCap market.
You can Follow the Planet MicroCap Podcast on Twitter @BobbyKKraft
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