Stock price when the opinion was issued
Oil/gas based in Egypt. Has been under pressure because of the quasi-nationalization of a gold company, which is subject to debate. Thinks this one is well away from any concerns about nationalization as the oil/gas patch is a huge producer of foreign exchange for Egypt. They employ locals at very good safe conditions and above average working conditions. Just won 4 blocks in Egypt’s 1st post-revolution onshore licensing round, which is significant as it gives them a great opportunity to expand over the next 2-3 years and to move towards the 40,000 barrels production target that they have.
Have built up production and concentrated for a long time in the Middle East. Have transitioned nicely into Egypt and have made some tremendous discoveries there. They find that they are getting paid very quickly. Quality of the oil and the net backs they are getting are quite handsome. Extraordinarily profitable company. Political risks scare many investors off.
An oil stock in Egypt. Clean balance sheet. Everything looks good and it screens well, but he wakes up in the morning wondering what is happening in Egypt, and are they going to get paid from the government. He doesn’t mind this one, it is just that he can buy oil stocks in Canada and not worry about the International risk. The best way to play this is through their convertible debenture, which is trading at around $.85 on the $1. The yield to maturity is 11%.
Canadian-based but most of its action is in Egypt. Company indicated they are well away from all the problems. Oil/gas industry is a large producer of earnings for the country so regardless of who is running the government, they are quite happy to have them continue. Earnings PE multiples are low. When there is more stability in the political situation, then you could look at entering the stock.