The Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) share price has faced a turbulent past 12 months. Formerly known as Caltex Australia, the company's recent change to its original name Ampol has meant the fuel convenience brand has largely flown under the radar in recent weeks.
Earlier this year, the Ampol share price nudged $36 per share as the prospects of a takeover by Canadian firm Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc appeared likely. However, the double-whammy of COVID-19 and the unprecedented oversupply of oil have put pressure on this blue-chip company in recent months. This pressure led to the Ampol share price halving in value to a low of $18.32 on 23 March.
With its shares having now rebounded to around the middle of their 52-week high/low range at $26.42, here are 3 reasons I believe Ampol may be heading back to the high 30s in the near future:
Greater fuel demand
The winding down of COVID-19 lockdowns across Australia will inevitably mean more cars on the road and domestic planes in the skies. That's a good thing for Ampol.
In his presentation to the 2020 Macquarie Conference in early May, Interim CEO Matt Halliday confirmed that retail fuel volumes had decreased by 16% in 2020 alone. At the same time, demand for jet fuel had shrunk by a staggering 80–90%. In response to these downward pressures, the company has implemented rigorous cost-cutting measures. These include a reduction of retail staff hours and executives' compensation, and limiting its capital expenditure (capex) to below $250 million in 2020.
Despite this challenging environment and the negative implications this may have for Ampol's short-term cash flow, the company will benefit from the easing of restrictions. In particular, it is likely that people will use a private vehicle in their daily activities rather than take public transport, especially due to the lingering health threats of COVID-19. Additionally, the impending resumption of domestic air travel will positively impact jet fuel demand. This will allow Ampol to claw back some of its recent losses.
Overall, the renewed demand for fuel compounded by easing COVID-19 restrictions may result in a short-term spike in the company's share price, seeing Ampol's shareholders benefit from the gains of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) more broadly.
Strong future earnings outlook
Although FY20 will likely see Ampol underperform due to the challenging economic environment, I believe the company's strong financial position makes it likely to outperform in FY21 and beyond.
In its 2019 annual report to shareholders, the company showcased its robust balance sheet, featuring $35 million in cash, $2.1 billion in inventories and $1.4 billion in receivables. This substantial liquidity pipeline was also supported by the paying of 83 cents per share in fully-franked dividends, representing a handy 3.13% yield to shareholders. Whilst this yield may be on the smaller side, investors may be comforted to know the company hasn't skipped a dividend payment since 2009.
In addition to its strong balance sheet, Ampol's proposed initial public offering (IPO) of a 49% stake in 250 of its service stations represents a significant opportunity for shareholders. By placing these sites in a real estate investment trust (REIT) and maintaining a majority interest in the sites, the company estimates that rental payments of $80–$100 million in the first year alone will notably improve returns. These rental payments, projected to be in the form of long-term lease agreements, will likely provide a consistent stream of capital to shareholders, perhaps in the form of an increased dividend.
It appears as though Ampol's management is looking to reduce its costs and provide innovative profitability opportunities – a good sign the company is heading in the right direction.
Lingering acquisition speculation
COVID-19 and the increased volatility of oil prices derailed a cash takeover of Ampol earlier this year. However, I believe re-negotiations between the company and Alimentation Couche-Tard appear likely in the coming months.
Alimentation had previously offered $35.25 per share for the company. It also assured the market on 20 April that no material issues had been revealed throughout due diligence. Despite being the wrong time and place for a major deal like the one proposed, the Canadian buyer continues to see Ampol as a "strong strategic fit" as part of its Asia-Pacific business. Consequently, I wouldn't be surprised if both parties looked to re-negotiate a deal in the coming 12 months. A buyout would facilitate a premium return for shareholders.
Foolish takeaway
I think the Ampol share price will experience tailwinds from an easing of lockdown restrictions and its property IPO in the coming months. The company has tightened its belt and effectively conserved capital during COVID-19. This may allow it to emerge from the pandemic relatively unscathed.
