CFRA highlights Aker BP's high-quality assets; shares initiated with buy rating

Published 16/07/2024, 13:22
CFRA highlights Aker BP's high-quality assets; shares initiated with buy rating

On Tuesday, Aker BP (NYSE:BP) (OSLO:AKERBP) (OTC: DETNF) received a Buy rating from CFRA, with a price target set at NOK330.00.

The rating reflects a positive outlook on the company's projected return on equity and asset quality. Aker BP's high-quality assets, characterized by low operational expenses and reduced carbon emission intensity, are central to this perspective. The company's development projects, Valhall PWP-Fenris and Yggdrasil, are expected to boost production significantly by 2028.

The firm's analysis supports a price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 1.5 times by 2025, which is higher than the average of 1.2 times among Aker BP's peers. This higher P/B ratio is justified by Aker BP's anticipated 15% return on equity, which surpasses the 12% average of its competitors. Aker BP's strong position is based on its strategic initiatives that are projected to increase its daily production to around 525,000 barrels of oil equivalent by 2028.

CFRA's positive stance is also influenced by the expectation that Brent crude oil prices will maintain an average above the historical range of $78 per barrel. This forecast is based on Saudi Arabia's indication of maintaining its maximum sustainable capacity at 12 million barrels per day, suggesting a tighter oil supply in the mid-term.

The analyst predicts earnings per share (EPS) of $3.25 for 2024 and $2.95 for 2025, an increase from the $2.12 EPS forecasted for 2023. The anticipated growth factors in lower impairment charges that are expected to offset the effects of natural field declines.

Furthermore, the report indicates confidence in Aker BP's ability to fulfill its dividend growth target of 5% annually. This is seen as feasible even as the company ramps up capital expenditures from 2024 to 2027, thanks to favorable tax deductions that should mitigate the financial impact of these investments.

The company's financial strategy and operational plans are aligned to support this growth trajectory while managing upcoming expenditures effectively.

InvestingPro Insights

Aker BP's financial health and market performance are reflected in its impressive InvestingPro Data metrics. With a market capitalization of $15,224.51 million and a low P/E ratio of 8.31, the company is trading at a discount relative to its near-term earnings growth potential. Additionally, Aker BP's gross profit margin stands at a robust 92.63%, highlighting its efficiency in maintaining profitability despite revenue fluctuations.

Two key InvestingPro Tips also provide a glimpse into Aker BP's investment appeal. The company has a commendable track record of raising its dividend for 3 consecutive years and has maintained dividend payments for 9 consecutive years. This consistency in rewarding shareholders is complemented by a significant dividend yield of 9.9% as of the last twelve months leading up to Q2 2024. Moreover, Aker BP's stock is known to exhibit low price volatility, which might appeal to investors seeking stability in their portfolios.

For investors intrigued by Aker BP's financials and seeking further insights, there are additional InvestingPro Tips available, which can be accessed at Investing.com Pro. Readers who wish to delve deeper into these metrics can use the coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription, unlocking a wealth of data and analysis to inform their investment decisions.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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