Heightened chances to see an overhaul of key regulations in the sector lead us to reclassify Gas Distribution companies as the next it investment opportunity. The entrance of strategic Russian investors over the last two years reached a critical mass that can force reform; the first signs of improvement could be visible as early as 2008.
Russians move in
We see conclusive signals that Gazprom has secured positions in a good third of the Ukrainian GasCos, though it has not officially confirmed this yet. Over the last two years, five other domestic gas distributors were locked up by another Russian player, GazEKS, which is related to Viktor Vekselberg. We believe the sizable Russian presence in the sector will trigger regulatory improvements.
Accelerating M&A activity to be main catalyst
Though illiquid, the market reacted positively to the sector's acquisitive action in 2007. Incitement from further takeover deals and the anticipation of regulatory improvements are likely to mature the GasCo industry over 2008-2009.
Regulatory improvements to unlock value in short-term
The industry's main value restrictions to date, low profitability and a lack of long-term network operation agreements, are expected to be removed in 2008. Up to a 45% increase in tariffs and toughening financial control by the state will force most gas distribution companies to start reporting positive profits already this year. The signing of network concession agreements, which have been extensively lobbied for by new strategic investors, should bring more positives.
Tariff reform is a long-term value driver
Shifting tariffs from cost-based to asset-based calculation, similar to the transition underway in the electricity distribution sector, will unveil value in gas distribution companies in the long run. Benchmarking to companies with RAB pricing (Ukrainian electricity distributors and Czech gas distributors) promises a xx to xx potential capitalization increase in the mid to long-term.
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