Rex International - UOB Kay Hian 2022-07-05: Dip In Production Due To Maintenance Works

REX INTERNATIONAL HOLDING LTD (SGX:5WH)

Rex International - Dip In Production Due To Maintenance Works

Oil production from the Yumna field in Oman softened in 1H22 as maintenance and upgrading work halted production intermittently. The Brage field production remains steady, in line with our expectations.
Rex International (SGX:5WH) acquired licences for two discovery assets in Norway, adding to its portfolio.

To increase shareholder value, Rex International is set to pay its maiden dividend in 2H22 and has had its proposed share buyback mandate approved.

For Oman, oil production for Feb-Apr 22 was lower than estimated due to major upgrades and repair works which temporarily halted production.
- Some of the upgrades include the replacement of a new floating storage tanker and a change-out of the Mobile Offshore Production Unit (MOPU). These new upgrades are meant to maximise oil recovery as the wells tend to naturally deplete over time. As a result, average monthly oil production for Feb-Apr 22 was at 2,237bbl/day, 4,637bbl/day and 1,271bbl/day respectively, lower than our 9,500bbl/day average estimates for 2022.
- For May 22, average monthly production has recovered back to 4,800bbl/day post-upgrades but Jun 22 is expected to see a sharp moderation due to an operational issue with a pump in the Yumna field. Production been halted since 11 Jun 22 and is expected to resume around early-Jul 22 once the issue is resolved.
- Looking forward, a targeted drilling campaign of two additional wells has been planned for Oct/Nov 22.
For the Brage field in Norway, oil production for Feb-May 22 has been steady at 2,700-3,561bbl/day, well within our 2,900bbl/day 2022 estimate.

Rex International signed an agreement to acquire 30% interests in licenses PL820 S and PL820 SB in Norway, pending approval. These licences contain the Iving and Evra discoveries which are estimated to hold around 11.5mmboe of resources.
In addition, the licence areas include several sizeable exploration prospects and are located adjacent to existing infrastructure, removing the need for further capex. Rex International intends to eventually operate these licences and mature them further.

100% of Rex International’s shareholders voted in favour of the group’s proposed renewal of its share buyback mandate, implying that Rex International is now able to purchase up to 10% of total issued ordinary shares either through market or off-market purchases, at a maximum of 105% and 120% respectively of Rex International’s average closing market price.
Rex International has also set up a regular dividend policy whereby a total annual dividend of S$0.02/share (7.7% 2023 yield) would be paid out quarterly starting 1Q23, subject to Rex International’s profitability and the board’s discretion. Rex International's first maiden dividend of S$0.005/share has been proposed, payable on 10 Oct 22.

With major oil producers Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates unable to boost output and the possibility of price caps on Russian oil, oil prices are expected to stay elevated going to 3Q22. Demand for oil is expected to pass pre-pandemic levels, according to OPEC, although the risks of a recession, China’s COVID-19 lockdowns and worsening geo-political developments may soften demand.
Supply is expected to improve as OPEC has committed to phase out production cuts and boost production in Jul-Aug 22. However, the upcoming hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico along with political unrest in Libya and Ecuador may hamper oil production.
Consensus is now forecasting 3Q22 and 4Q22 Brent prices of US$109/bbl and US$102/bbl (2022: US$107/bbl, 2023: US$95/bbl).

We have adjusted our oil price assumptions higher and lowered our bbl/day assumptions for Oman. For 2021, Rex International had an average realised oil price implies 2022-24 oil price assumptions of US$75/bbl, similar to average pre-pandemic oil prices.
See
Share price catalysts:
- Stronger-than-expected oil production volume from Oman and crude oil prices.
- Unlocking value from Norwegian discovery assets.
- Successful development and production of the Malaysian discovery assets.

Llelleythan Tan UOB Kay Hian Research | https://research.uobkayhian.com/ 2022-07-05

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