Petrobras Eyeing An Uptake In Production, So Why Should You Avoid It?

From Seeking Alpha

The Brazilian energy giant Petroleo Brasileiro S.A (PBR), more commonly known as Petrobras, has been eyeing a turnaround but so far, it has fallen short of expectations. It managed to deliver a decent performance in its last quarter, but its ADR has fallen by 21.45% this year. The company is controlled by the Brazilian government through its 63% voting power. Petrobras has struggled with profitability because the business has been used as a tool to curb inflation. The company is eyeing an uptake in production in H2-2013, but I believe that, for now, investors should avoid this stock.

Asset Sale

Nearly two weeks ago, Petrobras announced the approval of a $2.1 billion asset sale. The company has a $9 billion divestment program outlined in its five-year business plan. The current sale was disappointing for investors as Petrobras sold its assets below market expectations. The company sold its 35% stake in block BC-10 for $1.54 billion to China's Sinochem, nearly $160 million below analysts' estimates. Nonetheless, the company has been operating under a pile of debt, and the current sale will lend Petrobras a hand to support its massive $236.7 billion capital expenditure plan.

Sinochem's investment in Brazil highlights the increasing footprint of Chinese energy firms in the emerging markets. China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (SNP), otherwise known as Sinopec, is aiming to construct a $20 billion 300,000 bpd refinery in Brazil through a possible joint venture with … Read More

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This Brazilian Energy Play Is Still Looking Good

From The Motley Fool
By Sarfaraz A. Khan
Research Assistant: G. Yousuf

Millions of Brazilians are currently protesting in their country, demanding better public services. The country’s economy has been performing poorly, missing analysts’ growth estimates in the last five quarters. In first quarter of 2013, the economy registered growth of just 0.5%, while analysts were expecting 0.9%. The markets are now looking for modest growth at best due to weak fiscal policy and increasing inflation. The country has finally moved to increase its benchmark interest rates to offset inflation, but Standard & Poor’s has already cut Brazil’s sovereign credit rating to BBB, which is dangerously close to “junk."

Meanwhile, two of the leading US-listed Brazilian firms, Petroleo Brasileiro (ADR) (NYSE:PBR), also known as Petrobras, and Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras (NYSE: EBR), also known as Eletrobras, have also had their ratings cut by the S&P to BBB with a negative outlook. The former is a leading semi-public energy firm, while the latter is an electric power generation, transmission and distribution company.