Utilities Sector

Brief Utlilities: SPCG: Laying Foundations for Next Stage of Growth and more

In this briefing:

  1. SPCG: Laying Foundations for Next Stage of Growth
  2. PG&E: Turnaround; A Mission Impossible Task
  3. GLOW’s Done Deal As SPA (Almost) Completes
  4. TTW: Cut 2019-2023 Earnings on the Rise of Depreciation Expenses
  5. China Gas Placement – Larger Deals Traded Flat but Good Track Record Should Help

1. SPCG: Laying Foundations for Next Stage of Growth

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We initiate coverage of SPCG with a BUY rating and a 2019E target price of Bt22.80, derived from a discounted cash flow valuation (WACC 7.0% and terminal growth of 1.0%). This is equivalent to 8.4x PE’19E.

The story:

  • Promising industry outlook
  • Striding toward overseas opportunities
  • Expiring adder should have been priced in already
  • Expected stable earnings in 2019-21E

Risks:   Single source supplier

                Forex fluctuation

                Uncertainty about sunlight

2. PG&E: Turnaround; A Mission Impossible Task

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We write this note to provide P G & E Corp (PCG US) current state of affairs. First and foremost, we believe that the equity value is zero as the company restructures under chapter 11 bankruptcy code. Most companies that enter chapter 11 bankruptcy either face operational or financial headwinds. PG&E problems are compounded by complications of litigation and regulatory risk along with operational and financial risks.

3. GLOW’s Done Deal As SPA (Almost) Completes

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The revised SPA between Engie SA (ENGI FP) and Global Power Synergy Company Ltd (GPSC TB) is expected to the close this week, triggering a mandatory Tender offer for Glow Energy Pcl (GLOW TB).

The revision was a remedial requirement (announced on the 27 Dec) after the Office of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) resolved to approve, in principle, the proposed merger of GSPC and GLOW, provided GLOW sells Glow SPP1 before or at the same time as the merger. The ERC had previously rejected the merger on the 11 October.

The divestment of SPP1 to B Grimm Power (BGRIM TB) for Bt3.3bn (~2.5% of GLOW’s market cap at the time) was announced on the 22 February and was completed yesterday

Subsequent to the SPP1 sale, the purchase price under the SPA was adjusted to Bt91.9906/share, a ~3% decline from the initial Bt94.892/share price under the original SPA.

My discussions with GLOW indicate the SPA is expected to complete this week – i.e. Engie crosses its 69.11% holding in GLOW to GPSC – and that the 247-3 and 247-4 forms will be submitted by GPSC in “around” 1-2 weeks after the close of the main transaction. The ERC signed off on the SPA last Friday.

Assuming late-May payment, this is currently trading at a gross/annualised spread of 1.6%/8.8%.

4. TTW: Cut 2019-2023 Earnings on the Rise of Depreciation Expenses

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We maintain our positive view toward its long-term outlook on the backs of potential growth from its location and secured contract with government agency. Maintain a BUY rating with a new target price of Bt16.8 (SOTP).

The story:

  • We cut our 2019-2021 earnings forecast by 12-13% to factor in rising depreciation expenses caused by its shortening depreciated years of PTW’s assets.
  • Our new target price of Bt16.8 is derived from Some-of-the-parts (SOTP) which comprises (1) Bt13.8 from core business (tap water supply under both TTW and PTW) based on DCF(6.7%WACC, 0%TG) and (2) Bt3.0 from CKP based on IFA report.

5. China Gas Placement – Larger Deals Traded Flat but Good Track Record Should Help

Overall

A shareholder of China Gas Holdings (384 HK) is looking to sell about 142m shares worth approximatel US$443m. This is a clean-up trade.

The deal scores well on our framework owing to its pristine track record of outperformance and decent earnings momentum. It is also a clean-up trade, hence, no overhang on its share price.

However, the performance of prev deals show that placements larger than HK$3bn tend to perform flat over one-month period whereas placements with smaller deal size did well. 

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