Though investor appetite for new issues on the London Alternative Investment Market (AIM) started strong in 2006, it waned noticeably by year-end, according to Ernst & Young.
The firm tracks the fortunes of energy companies listed on AIM in a quarterly index, The Ernst & Young Oil & Gas EYe. Last year, 25 oil and gas companies listed on AIM, and to date, there are 108.
"2006 was a roller-coaster year for oil and gas stocks on AIM," the firm reports. "Although the (index) has grown by 84% since inception in January 2004, performance in 2006 was disappointing, as the index plunged in value by 7% from its January opening position."
The results were due to little positive news from AIM-listed energy companies, and diverse outcomes for some stocks. "Single-event share-price volatility remains an opportunity for some and a challenge for others."
Alec Carstairs, an oil and gas partner at Ernst & Young, says, "Looking to 2007, we expect investors to be more discerning, but there remains appetite to fund those companies with attractive asset portfolios and strong management teams to deliver results. Index performance will be driven by company-specific performance [and] success with the drillbit is crucial.
"The trend of consolidation will continue. Larger companies have excess cash to deploy, and institutional investors will push for portfolios to be efficiently managed. Many will face the decision to buy or be bought...."
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