Origin share price dips amid fresh climate pressure from shareholders

Shareholders are asking the company to put climate sensitivity analysis front and centre.

| More on:
boy dressed as an eco warrior and holding a globe.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • The Origin share price is slipping lower today, falling 1.32% to trade at $5.99
  • It comes as the ACCR files a resolution that, if supported by the majority of shareholders, will see Origin include climate sensitivity analysis in audited financial statements
  • Origin will release its board's recommendation on the resolution in September before it goes to a vote in October

The Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) share price is in the red alongside the broader market as a shareholder advocacy organisation calls for the company to include climate risks in its financial statements.

The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) has filed to put such disclosures to a shareholder vote at the company's October annual general meeting (AGM).

The Origin share price is currently trading 1.32% lower than its previous close at $5.99.

Meanwhile, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has slipped 0.7%. The S&P/ASX 200 Utilities Index (ASX: XUJ) has also fallen 0.7%.

Let's take a closer look at what the shareholder organisation is asking of the energy producer and retailer.

Shareholders ask Origin to put climate front and centre

The Origin share price is sliding amid news the ACCR is fighting to force the company to put climate sensitivity analysis front and centre from the financial year 2023.

ACCR lead analyst Alex Hillman said climate change presented a "material risk" to the company and therefore "firmly belongs in audited financial statements".

"This is not a radical request," Hillman said. "Australian regulators have been expecting this since 2018."

Origin has already suffered significant impairments due to climate transition risks at Eraring, which has led to the early closure of the asset.

In a 1.5°C scenario, which Origin states that it supports unequivocally, its exploration assets in the Beetaloo, Canning, and Cooper basins would likely be rendered worthless.

ACCR lead analyst Alex Hillman

Origin announced it intends to close the Eraring coal-fired power station in 2025 earlier this year. That's seven years earlier than previously planned.

The station supplies around a fifth of New South Wales' power, my Fool colleague Mitch reported at the time.

Similar actions to those proposed by the ACCR were asked of oil giants Chevron and Exxon earlier this year. They received support from 38.7% and 51% of their respective shareholders.

Origin acknowledged the ACCR's filing today. It said it would release its board's recommendation on the resolution in September.

The activist organisation represents around 0.01% of Origin's share registry.

Origin share price snapshot

Despite today's slip, the Origin share price has outperformed in 2022 so far.

The stock has gained 12% since the start of the year. It's also trading 39% higher than it was this time last year.

Meanwhile, the ASX 200 has slipped around 7% year to date and the same amount over the last 12 months.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Energy Shares

A young boy sits on his father's shoulders as they flex their muscles at sunrise on a beach
Energy Shares

1 ASX penny stock I'd buy now while it's only 5 cents

I think this ASX penny stock has outsized growth potential.

Read more »

A woman in jeans and a casual jumper leans on her car and looks seriously at her mobile phone while her vehicle is charged at an electic vehicle recharging station.
Energy Shares

This ASX 200 energy giant just signed an EV charging station deal with Stockland

Investors are feeling electrified by this deal.

Read more »

Smiling woman holding Australian dollar notes in each hand, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

2 ASX passive income shares paying 8% and 13% yields

I think both these high yielding ASX dividend stocks offer long-term passive income potential.

Read more »

A coal miner wearing a red hard hat holds a piece of coal up and gives the thumbs up sign in his other hand
Energy Shares

Whitehaven share price up 20% in 5 weeks. Should you buy?

Are you missing the boat amid the rest of the market re-rating this ASX coal share?

Read more »

Woman refuelling the gas tank at fuel pump, symbolising the Ampol share price.
Energy Shares

What a US$100 oil price would mean for ASX shares and petrol prices

AMP chief economist Shane Oliver explains the impact on petrol prices.

Read more »

nextdc share price
Energy Shares

The surprising reason why Santos shares could benefit from data centres

One fund manager is bullish about Santos for an unexpected reason.

Read more »

Worker inspecting oil and gas pipeline.
Energy Shares

Own Woodside shares? Here's why tomorrow is shaping up to be a big day

Why is Wednesday so important for Woodside shareholders?

Read more »

A female coal miner wearing a white hardhat and orange high-vis vest holds a lump of coal and smiles as the Whitehaven Coal share price rises today
Dividend Investing

Invest $10,000 in New Hope shares and get $1,006 in passive income

Many ASX investors buy New Hope shares for their high yielding, fully franked dividends.

Read more »