Affin Hwang upgrades Petra Energy to buy as risk-reward looks favourable

KUALA LUMPUR: Affin Hwang Capital Research says the risk-reward is looking favourable for Petra Energy and upgraded its rating to buy with a higher 12-month target price of 59 sen.

Accoding to the research house, Petronas has been issuing more contract awards and work orders while Petra Energy has also seen higher work orders for hook-up, construction and commissioning (HuCC) contract to the value of RM150mil.

Meanwhile, the maintanence, construction and modifgication contract with Petronas is also picking up momentum in terms of mor work programmes amounting to RM50mil by our estimates. 

"PENB has recently completed the production enhancement programme and is in the midst of
doing some commissioning work. Based on a back-of-envelope calculation, this will increase targeted production to approximately 5,500–5,800 barrels per day (from 4,500 barrels). 

"We are also positive that the KBM risk service contract (RSC), which is due to expire by mid-2020, stands a good chance of being extended, on the current high oil price and good production track record."

Affin Hwang also believes that Petra Energy stands a good chance of wiinning a rebid for the HuCC contract for another five years, with a total outstanding orderbook current at RM1.6bil.

With regrds to operating in Sarawak, the research house said it understands that service providers like Petra Energy are still waiting for Petros to award licences although it should not have a problem in getting the licence.