Daily Brief Credit: China Oil & Gas – Earnings Flash – FY 2022 Results – Lucror Analytics and more

COG’s FY 2022 results were in line with our expectations. The credit profile remains satisfactory, supported by a decrease in borrowings. We view positively that long-term debt and time deposits were lower.

We agree with management that the operating environment is likely to be favourable in 2023. According to the company, volume growth was 15% y-o-y in January and February 2023. COG is keen to reduce financing costs and extend its maturity profile by refinancing a portion of bank borrowings with a syndicated loan. Management said that COG is currently in talks with banks over a syndicated loan.

Management confirmed that the company is not keen on increasing indebtedness for expansions or acquisitions.

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.

• Indika Energy
• Meituan

China Jinmao’s FY 2022 results were slightly weak, but in line with expectations. The company reported a slight top-line decline, while the gross margin contracted further to 16%. In addition, net debt continued to climb, due to acquisitions. For FY 2023, we expect revenue recognition to improve, although margins could remain weighed down by lower profitability at Jinmao’s city operations projects.

Positively, the company’s access to financing remains strong, as it was able to issue onshore bonds at low interest costs without having to provide credit enhancements. According to Jinmao, its average interest cost fell to a record low of 3.9%, despite the generally poor financing environment for the industry.

In other news, there were onshore rumours over the past week that the company may be merged with China Resources Land, with the energy businesses of China Resources Group to be integrated into Sinochem. All of the companies involved have denied the rumours. Still, we note that the business combination (if it materialises) will be positive for the CHJMAO notes, as China Resources Land is a stronger entity than Jinmao. That said, the merger is unlikely to trigger the Change of Control put, as the put option can only be triggered with a ratings downgrade.