SLB: Growth Investments Will Pay Off In Time

Company Overview - SLB is reorienting its business to adapt to depressed activity levels, particularly in the onshore US market, with a focus on long-term growth in its New Energy and Digital businesses [1] Investment Strategy - Narweena, an asset manager led by Richard Durant, seeks to identify market dislocations due to poor understanding of long-term business prospects, aiming for excess risk-adjusted returns through secular growth opportunities in markets with barriers to entry [1] - The research process emphasizes company and industry fundamentals to uncover unique insights, with a high risk appetite and long-term investment horizon targeting deeply undervalued stocks [1] Market Dynamics - An aging population with low growth and stagnating productivity is expected to create new investment opportunities, contrasting with industries facing stagnation or secular decline, which may improve business performance due to reduced competition [1] - The economy is increasingly dominated by asset-light businesses, leading to a declining need for infrastructure investments, resulting in a large pool of capital chasing limited investment opportunities, driving up asset prices and compressing risk premia over time [1] Leadership Background - Richard Durant holds undergraduate degrees in engineering and finance from the University of Adelaide and an MBA from Nanyang Technological University, along with having passed the CFA exams [1]