2025-08-08 05:01Summary of Conference Call on China Oil & Gas Equities Industry Overview - The oil and gas sector in China is facing significant challenges due to falling international crude oil prices and intense competition in refined oil and petrochemical markets [2][3][15]. Key Companies Discussed Sinopec - Issued a profit warning on July 31, projecting 1H25 net income (excluding extraordinary items) between RMB20.1-21.6 billion, indicating a year-on-year decline of 39.5% to 43.7% for 1H25 [2][15]. - Expected 2Q25 net income between RMB6.8-8.3 billion, representing a year-on-year decline of 52-61% [2][15]. - The decline is attributed to lower international crude oil prices and competitive pressures in the market [2][15]. - Cash flows are under pressure, raising concerns about dividend distribution [4][15]. PetroChina - Expected to report a net profit of RMB33.4 billion for 2Q25, down 22% year-on-year, primarily due to a 20% decline in Brent oil prices [9][13]. - The natural gas business is expected to show resilience, with profit growth from increased gas prices for downstream utilities [9][10]. - Estimated free cash flow (FCF) yield of approximately 12% for 2026, the highest among peers [4][9]. - Investment thesis remains positive, with a Buy rating maintained [3][4]. CNOOC - Projected net profit of RMB31 billion for 2Q25, a decline of 23% year-on-year, also due to the 20% drop in Brent oil prices [13][14]. - Total oil and gas production expected to increase by 6% year-on-year, with oil production up 5% and natural gas production up 10% [13][14]. - CNOOC's competitive production costs are expected to mitigate some earnings impact from lower oil prices [3][4]. Financial Metrics and Estimates - Sinopec: - Revenue estimates for 2025 are revised to RMB2,718 billion, with net income expected to be RMB39 billion [37]. - EBIT for 2025 is estimated at RMB60 billion, reflecting a 6% decline from previous estimates [37]. - PetroChina: - Revenue estimates for 2025 revised to RMB2,528 billion, with net income projected at RMB147 billion [29]. - EBIT for 2025 is estimated at RMB210 billion, a 3% increase from previous estimates [29]. - CNOOC: - Revenue estimates for 2025 revised to RMB394 billion, with net income projected at RMB126 billion [34]. - EBIT for 2025 is estimated at RMB169 billion, reflecting a slight decrease from previous estimates [34]. Investment Ratings - PetroChina: Buy rating maintained, with target prices raised to RMB11.00 for A-shares and HKD8.50 for H-shares, indicating upside potential of 29.3% and 14.6% respectively [58]. - CNOOC: Buy rating maintained, with target prices raised to RMB31.80 for A-shares and HKD21.70 for H-shares, indicating upside potential of 22.6% and 16.3% respectively [58]. - Sinopec: Hold rating maintained, with target prices set at RMB5.50 for A-shares and HKD4.40 for H-shares, indicating a slight downside risk [58]. Risks and Considerations - Risks for all companies include potential sharp declines in oil prices, competition pressures, and regulatory changes affecting the energy sector [3][4][58]. - Sinopec faces the highest risk regarding dividend distribution due to declining earnings and cash flows [4][15]. Conclusion - The Chinese oil and gas sector is currently under pressure from falling oil prices and competitive dynamics, with varying impacts on major players. PetroChina and CNOOC are expected to show resilience, while Sinopec faces significant challenges. Investment strategies should consider these dynamics and the associated risks.