GSS ENERGY: Oil & Gas Unit No Longer A Drag on Profitability

Excerpts from RHB report

Analyst: Jarick Seet & Lee Cai Ling

♦ GSS has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Oakhurst Investment Ptd Ltd and PT Kharisma Agri Indo NUSA regarding a 80% stake in GSS Energy Trembul Ltd (GETL) for USD1.

The purchaser will settle all liabilities and obligations of PT Sarana GSS Trembul (SGT, the JV company between GETL and a third party to monetise the oil wells)), and fund and complete the work programme for GETL.

GSS is entitled to recover the sunk cost in GETL and hold a 20% stake in the entity, without needing to inject more cash – which we deem as positive.

♦ Oil & gas segment set to stop dragging on profitability. This division has suffered many setbacks and delays throughout the year.

It is at an advanced stage of getting regulatory approvals to monetise the two proven wells, but may see further delays due to the uncertain timeline of getting the green light.

“It (GSS Energy) will also not have to incur more costs, while the stewardship of the oil & gas segment will be handed to the purchaser. With this, oil & gas losses should no longer weigh on GSS’ profitability ahead.” -- Jarick Seet (photo) & Lee Cai Ling, RHB analysts

As a result, the business will likely continue to drag on group earnings, until approvals are in hand and monetisation has been done.

In this asset disposal, management has effectively farmed out 80% of its oil & gas segment and retained a 20% stake to ride on future incoming profits without having to inject more cash into the business.

♦ Key downside risks are a decrease in oil prices, the trade war worsening, and a slowdown in customer orders. The opposite situation would present upside risks.

Full report here.