It's far from being a household name, but Stock Advisor selection Unit Corp.
A first glance would make you wonder, because Unit's first-quarter earnings report does identify several recent challenges. Nasty weather and a Valero
But the impact from all of this news was really quite minimal. Cash flow from operations dropped less than 3%, after adjusting for changes in working capital, and well completions matched the company's five-year average. Despite the suboptimal operating environment, Unit has actually held up well, and three of its attributes lead me to believe that it will outperform its peers over the full cycle.
1. The corporate structure
Because Unit operates three distinct businesses, its asset base and cash flows are diversified. In addition to drilling, the company engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas, as well as midstream gas operations. The company's reserve-replacement record is outstanding, and those reserves in tandem with Unit's numerous prospective wells represent significant long-term value.
2. The fleet
The company is in the sweet spot when it comes to rig type -- 64% of its fleet falls in the range of 800 to 1,700 horsepower, the category least resistant to demand fluctuation. In management's experience -- which stretches back decades -- size does matter, but the biggest rigs aren't necessarily the best over the full cycle.
3. The customers
The shift in Unit's customer mix away from "checkbook" operators and toward larger customers such as Chesapeake Energy
So despite some dicey appearances on the surface for Unit, I think our CAPS community is calling this one correctly. Although you could likely find a better entry price at some future moment of extreme pessimism, the shares are still pretty cheap today. Unit is trading at just a small premium to its much less diversified drilling brethren Grey Wolf
Related Foolishness:
Want to see what other stocks the brothers Gardner have recommended to Motley Fool Stock Advisor subscribers? Check out a 30-day free trial, Fool.
Fool contributor Toby Shute welcomes your feedback. He doesn't own shares in any company mentioned. Chesapeake Energy is an Inside Value pick. The Motley Fool has an immeasurably valuable disclosure policy.