Better buy: Santos or Woodside shares?

Which energy giant does Morgans think investors should be buying? Let's find out.

| More on:
A young man goes over his finances and investment portfolio at home.

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

When it comes to investing in the energy sector, two companies spring immediately to mind.

They are of course Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS).

Santos is a $23 billion low-cost producer of oil and gas that is committed to cleaner energy and clean fuels production across operations in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and North America.

Whereas Woodside is a $49 billion energy giant with a large collection of world class assets across the globe following its merger with the BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) energy business in 2022.

Is bigger better or should investors opt for Santos shares when looking at the energy sector? Let's see what one leading broker is saying.

Should you buy Santos or Woodside shares?

According to a note out of Morgans, its analysts think that Woodside is the energy stock to buy.

In fact, its analysts believe that the market is unfairly punishing Woodside's shares and sees scope for them to rise materially from current levels. They said:

The tide is certainly out in terms of investor sentiment on WDS. Despite Brent oil trading in line with our long-term forecast, WDS' share price implies a near cycle-low oil price level. We do not see this as capable of being explained by WDS' growth profile (comfortably funded) or risks around non-core assets such as Browse. While the share price performance has been disappointing, supported by a strong balance sheet and high margins, we see WDS investors as capable of being patient. We maintain an ADD recommendation believing WDS offers attractive long-term value.

Morgans has an add rating and $33.00 price target on its shares. This implies potential upside of approximately 27%. The broker also expects some generous dividend yields in the near term.

What about Santos?

The note reveals that the broker has put a hold rating and $7.50 price target on Santos' shares. This is just a touch below where they trade today.

It feels that its shares are less appealing than Woodside's shares at current levels. Morgans explains:

Selling pressure has pushed STO's share price modestly below our A$7.50 valuation, but this still appears within a reasonably close range to our base STO and pricing assumptions. While pleasing for shareholders, it is at odds with the discount that has appeared in STO's ASX-listed peers and leaves us viewing its investment profile as relatively less appealing as a result. This is also demonstrated by the smaller distance to its high case scenario valuation versus larger/safer peer WDS.

Though, if Santos' shares were to fall further, the broker would be tempted. It concludes:

With its investment phase progressing successfully, we maintain a HOLD rating, but a deeper selloff could present interesting value.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Woodside Energy Group. 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 happy construction worker or miner holds a fistfull of Australian money, indicating a dividends windfall
Energy Shares

Is Woodside stock a buy for its 8% dividend yield?

Woodside's dividends look fat, but proceed with caution...

Read more »

A man sits wide-eyed at a desk with a laptop open and holds one hand to his forehead with an extremely worried look on his face as he reads news of the Bitcoin price falling today on his mobile phone
Share Fallers

ASX 200 uranium stock alert: Paladin Energy shares just crashed 29%!

Paladin Energy shares are under intense selling pressure on Tuesday.

Read more »

A happy woman wearing a sweatband at the gym celebrates success or an achievement by puffing up and flexing her muscles with pride.
Energy Shares

1 ASX dividend stock down 43% I'd buy right now

Here’s a dividend stock worth getting energised about.

Read more »

A happy woman flies with arms outstretched on her boyfriend's back on the beach at dusk.
Energy Shares

2 ASX utility stocks that are smart buys for Aussies in November

These two could be standouts, according to top brokers.

Read more »

Miner looking at a tablet.
Energy Shares

Down 12% in a month! Is the Woodside share price finally back in bargain territory?

This stock has lost some investor energy. What now?

Read more »

sad looking petroleum worker standing next to oil drill
Energy Shares

Santos shares hit new lows in October. What next?

There's an interesting risk/reward calculus at play.

Read more »

a man dressed in a green superhero lycra outfit stands in a crouched pose with arms outstretched as if ready to spring into action with a blue sky and oil barrels lying in the background.
Technology Shares

The great Australian ASX Green Tech rally is starting now

The future could be bright – and green, experts say.

Read more »

A miner stands in front oh an excavator at a mine site
Broker Notes

Broker says buy the dip on ASX 200 uranium share with 69% upside

Shaw and Partners says this ASX uranium stock is trading at an attractive price point right now.

Read more »