Schlumberger (SLB, Financial)—the world’s leading diversified oilfield services company—provides a variety of technology-based services that enable companies to identify hydrocarbon reservoirs, drill complex wells, manage production, and maximize recovery over the life of the well. The company is most dominant in international markets, where it is often larger than its next two biggest competitors combined. This leading scale contributes to its superior profitability and free cash flow generation. As a result, Schlumberger has historically traded at a premium valuation compared to its peers. That said, valuations for the Oil Services industry are low relative to historical averages; and, when compared to other leading global industrial companies, Schlumberger’s valuation at 2.3 times sales looks reasonable.
Although the near-term outlook for oil prices is uncertain, we believe Schlumberger’s long-term growth prospects are attractive. Through its research and development (R&D) program and targeted acquisition strategy, Schlumberger is able to offer advanced and integrated services that are differentiated and improve a customer’s productivity per well. Furthermore, Schlumberger is in the midst of a restructuring program to increase efficiency and reduce capital intensity. Management has proactively adjusted its cost structure to deal with reduced activity levels in the current environment. These efforts have enabled the company to continue generating attractive levels of free cash flow, which provide strategic options for reinvesting in the business or for returning capital to shareholders. Continued industry consolidation should improve the competitive and pricing environment. Halliburton’s proposed acquisition of Baker Hughes would combine the second- and third-largest industry competitors. While weaker demand and a low oil price environment have weighed on Schlumberger’s share price, we believe its valuation, solid balance sheet, cash flow generation, and prospects make it an attractive long-term investment opportunity. We recently added to the position (a 3.1% holding on June 30).
The upcoming challenge for Express Scripts is in specialty drugs, which are used to treat chronic, complex diseases, including cancer, hepatitis, and multiple sclerosis. In the United States, this segment accounts for only 1% of volume, yet 25 to 30% of all drug spending. Biotech companies have maintained pricing power in this segment as disease complexity necessitates innovative and unique therapies. At over ten times the price of the average prescription, however, a need exists to manage the costs of these drugs, which we view as an attractive long-term growth opportunity. Express Scripts, with 30% market share in specialty drugs, is best positioned to help patients receive needed treatments cost effectively. Given the emergence of biosimilars and substitute treatments for older biotech drugs, Express Scripts’ strategy has the potential to influence prices in this segment.
During the second quarter, we increased the Fund’s position in Express Scripts after weighing the company’s fundamental outlook against its valuation. We believe Express Scripts’ strong business franchise, significant scale advantage, financial stability, growth opportunities, and reasonable valuation at 15.5 times forward earnings present an attractive investment opportunity. On June 30, Express Scripts was a 2.1% position in the Fund.
From Dodge & Cox International Stock Fund second quarter 2015 commentary.
