Mensajepor Gaston89 » Jue Mar 05, 2015 9:22 am
(DBG) Deutsche Bank : Petrobras : Weaker Reai creates policy ris ks - downgrade to Hold: Weaker Reai creates policy risks - downg rade
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Deutsche Bank : Petrobras : Weaker Reai creates policy risks - downgrade to Hold: Weaker Reai creates policy risks - downgrade
2015-03-05 12:21:57.538 GMT
Synopsis:
*Weak Reai and regulated domestic prices is a dangerous mix
A rapid devaluation of Reai (down 12.1% ytd) on the back of challenging economic conditions and an emerging political crisis in Brazil, combined with a relatively stronger international crude prices (up 9.1% ytd) has resulted in a more rapid than expected convergence of domestic gasoline and diesel prices in Brazil with the import parity. A risk that Petrobras will resume subsidizing the Brazilian economy is increasing, which simultaneously reduces the visibility of the longer-term cash flow outlook for the stock. In light of this policy threat, we downgrade Petrobras to Hold (from Buy).
*Premium pricing no more
We estimate that at today’s prices, domestic wholesale gasoline price in Brazil already represents a 5% discount to import parity, while the wholesale diesel price is still at a premium of 8%. We have estimated previously that higher domestic product prices in Brazil would have contributed an extra c.
$1bn of operating profits for Petrobras in 1Q15. The potential reversal of the pricing relationship (weaker Reai amid continuing price controls) may result in a significant change to our profit outlook for the stock, and represents a new risk to the investment thesis.
*Changes to forecasts and valuation
Our Reai-based EBITDA estimates 2015E and 2016E EBITDA have increased 13% and 24% to reflect weaker Reai (BRL/$ rate is now assumed at 3.0 for 2015 vs
2.63 previously). Our positive operational outlook for Petrobras is contrasted with greater policy risk amid seeming political stalemate and a weakening economic outlook. In light of this policy threat, we believe it is prudent to change our target price methodology focusing on near-term EV/EBITDA multiples as opposed to a DCF valuation. Our new target prices for ordinary and preferred shares at BRL 9.7 and 9.8 are based on a sector average 2015E EV/EBITDA multiple of 6.6 and represent 6% premium to the current share price but a 23% and 25% reduction to our previous price targets.
*To raise or not to raise?
There continues to be a debate on the likelihood of an equity offering by Petrobras. On our revised estimates, we continue to estimate no external funding is required for 2015. The outlook for 2016 is more uncertain: we calculate a funding gap of $16bn, but believe an equity raise can still be avoided.
*Key risks
(1) As an oil and gas producer, Petrobras is susceptible to general commodity price risks; (2) The company is exposed to risks of the on-going Lava Jato corruption probe. Our current forecasts do not include any possible financial effects of this investigation; (3) Petrobras is heavily regulated by the Brazilian government, and there is a risk that future policy decisions will be more negative than we forecast; (4) upside risks include higher than expected production growth and a more benign local pricing environment in Brazil.