GSS Energy - RHB Invest 2018-08-16: Oil Exploration Results Unveiling Soon

GSS ENERGY LIMITED SGX:41F

GSS Energy - Oil Exploration Results Unveiling Soon

After our conference call with management, we remain positive on GSS Energy and maintain BUY. That, and our new SOP-based Target Price of SGD0.22 from SGD0.25 offering 65% upside, is based on a one-off non-cash impairment of SGD2.95m in its 2Q18 results.
The impairment was mainly on its old investment in the West Jambi block, with the focus mainly now on the Trembul operating area. Core earnings remain positive, with topline rising 12.1% y-o-y and PATMI surging 354% y-o-y for 2Q18.
We expect the Precision Engineering business to be more robust in the 2H18, while oil exploration results on its second well are anticipated to be made known soon.

GSS Energy had an investment arrangement with the joint operation scheme (KSO) operator for the West Jambi block. The outcome of the first drill and the operator’s other business priorities caused uncertainties in continuing works in the West Jambi block. As such, GSS Energy deemed it a prudent measure to book impairments for this investment.

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While its Precision Engineering (PE) unit’s topline grew 12.1% y-o-y in 1H, we expect its performance to improve in 2H. This is mainly due to a few key projects in the automotive and consumer segments that are expected to ramp up during this period.
GSS Energy also acquired a piece of land in Batam in April to relocate its existing facility operated under an extended long lease. The new facility should help meet expanded demand, as its present Batam factory is close to being fully utilised.

In 4Q17, management revealed that the drilling results of SGT-01 led to the discovery of commercially viable hydrocarbons, ie gas. It announced that discussions are ongoing with various parties to finalise the agreement for offtake of its gas, which could result in monetisation for the group in 4Q18.
In addition, it commenced exploratory activities in nearby Well P1 in 1Q18, and is currently waiting for the results. As this is a makeover well with oil found previously, we expect a higher success rate for oil discovery.
On top of that, with the existing agreement with Pertamina to offtake the oil already in place, we expect monetisation if oil is discovered by 3Q18.

We remain optimistic on GSS Energy’s prospects and expect many potential catalysts to come in the near future, both in the Precision Engineering and Oil & Gas segments. With rising oil prices, especially over the last few months, it is expected to benefit directly.
With a positive outlook ahead affirmed by its recently-implemented dividend policy, we believe the company is currently at an inflection point, and think that the current weakness represents a good opportunity to accumulate the stock.
Maintain BUY, with a lower SOP-based Target Price of SGD0.22 due to the inclusion of the SGD2.95 impairment.
RHB is the only broker covering GSS Energy.

Jarick Seet RHB Securities Research | Lee Cai Ling RHB Invest | https://www.rhbinvest.com.sg/ 2018-08-16

SGX Stock Analyst Report BUY Maintain BUY 0.22 Down 0.250