
TSE:IMO
They have a tremendous record over the last 15 years. They have very low costs (about $10) and so generate great profits. They have one of the best production profiles coming on over the next 10-15 years. They are very patient with their capital allocation. Probably one of the best managed oil companies in the world.
This is a company that he has been Short in the past. He tends to use this as a proxy for hedging out his Canadian crude oil exposure. About 3 months ago he decided to cover his position because they seem to be getting their act together. As a long-term holding, he has no objection and is largely indifferent to it.
Have a lot of things going for them in terms of production that is coming on. Although it has had a good run, it may have some distance left to go. Extremely well managed. Not sure that Keystone will be built but thinks oil will move out of Alberta so increased production should commence with reasonably good prices going forward.
A massive conundrum. If it gets cheap enough, he will try to own it. Its rate of return on its oil projects is extraordinary. The problem is the last project that was built in the inflated cost environment of the oil sands. It could make IMO a 30% overvalued stock. He prefers to sit on the sidelines.
Would prefer Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ-T), which is much larger and more diversified.