Net profit of Bt1.85bn (+298% YoY, -25% QoQ) was in line with consensus and INVX, with profit dragged down by lower operating GRM and crude run on the planned shutdown of Phra Khanong refinery – its shortest ever major refinery turnaround. Key support was marketing, with EBITDA up 16% QoQ on higher marketing margin despite lower sales volume. Net profit grew 33% YoY in 1H24 to Bt4.3bn thanks to BSRC, including synergy benefit of Bt3bn in 1H24 (better than previously expected). Still, we revise down our net profit forecast by 22% to incorporate earnings forecast revision at BSRC and other adjustments following 2Q24 results. We also trim TP to Bt44/share, based on sum-of-the-parts valuation. Valuation is undemanding with 2024F PE of 5x and PBV of 0.6x (-1.5SD). Maintain OUTPERFORM. Oil refinery dragged by lower GRM and crude run. EBITDA for the oil refining segment sank 53% QoQ on a plunge in operating GRM to US$2.62/bbl in 2Q24 from US$6.08/bbl in 1Q24. This was offset partly by net inventory and hedging gain of US$1.7/bbl (up from US$0.04/bbl in 1Q24). Total GRM (including stock gain and oil hedging gain) fell 30% QoQ to US$4.27/bbl. Crude run also fell 15% QoQ to 230.4kbd in 2Q24 on a 27-day major turnaround of Phra Khanong refinery, though this was offset by a record-high crude run for BSRC. Marketing boosted by higher margin. Despite a 5% QoQ slip in volume to 3.4bn liters in 2Q24 due to lower domestic demand and intense competition, contribution from marketing grew 16% QoQ on a 12% QoQ rise in margin, reflecting a higher proportion of premium products. This also reflects the synergy from BSRC via reducing imports of gasoline to accommodate marketing.
Lower profit contribution from subsidiaries. Profit contribution (EBITDA) from other businesses fell 24% QoQ, mainly the power business (-28% QoQ) due to lower capacity. BCP booked Bt1.3bn (net tax) share of gains from the sale of BCPG’s power assets in Japan, which was offset by impairment charge of Bt257mn. Contribution from natural resources fell 23% QoQ on lower sales volume.
Earnings to improve in 3Q24F. Stronger GRM and more stable oil price will fuel profit in 3Q24F after an earnings drop QoQ in 2Q24. BCP should be able to maintain a high crude run in 3Q24 after a 27-day major refinery turnaround in 2Q24 (its shortest ever). After this shutdown, the maintenance cycle will be extended to four years vs. 2-3 years now. Synergy with BSRC, which will maximize gasoline production to accommodate BCP’s oil retail outlets, will optimize the group’s overall GRM. We also expect better contribution from the E&P segment on higher production at Statfjord area operated by Equinor (with 28% working interest) where a planned maintenance shutdown lowered output QoQ in 2Q24. We see limited downside risk from impairments on this asset.
Compelling valuation with attractive dividend yield. We maintain our Outperform on BCP in view of its solid earnings outlook and business diversification, though SOTP TP is trimmed to Bt44 from Bt46 to reflect lower forecast earnings. This implies 3.9x EV/EBITDA (2024F) vs. 10-year average of 7.4x. Valuation is still undemanding at only 5x 2024F PE; dividend yield is also attractive at 6-7.5% for the next three years.
Risks & concerns. Economic slowdown would hurt demand for refined oil products and GRM while oil price volatility may cause more stock loss. Other risks are regulatory changes on GHG emissions, asset impairments for the E&P business and government intervention in domestic retail oil price. Key ESG risk factors include the environmental impact of its business and how it adapts during the transition to clean energy.
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