value and opportunity

TGS Nopec is one of my larger position which I bought back in November 2013 when oil (WTI) was still trading at ~100 US and the world looked great for oil and oil service companies.

In the meantime, as we all now, the oil price fell substantially since 2014 and especially oil service companies were hit hard. In contrast to other oil service companies however, TGS share price has decoupled from oil to a large extent as we can see in the chart:

This is especially interesting as 2008/2009 for instance, TGS lost almost -70% when oil crashed back then. Almost always when I discussed TGS with other investors, the argument was like this: TGS is a great company but the price has to fall at least -50% or more as it did in the past. Well, for now they are holding up pretty well.

2014 annual report

Anyway, the 2014 annual report can be found here

I would recommend anyone to read the annual report, at least the one page letter of the CEO, which in very clear words describes how TGS operates.

The highlights from my side:

– EPS dropped significantly from 2,59 USD to 2,09 USD per share
– however there were several negative one time effects included (around 65 mn USD or 60-65 cents per share).
– interestingly they make no effort to adjust those one time effects. You won’t find adjusted numbers anywhere in the report. I like this VERY MUCH.
– Operating cashflow actually increased by 10%
– Operationally, the Americas were doing very well in 2014. Asia was growing strongly but deeply negative
– payroll costs increased by ~10% in 2014
– they are still committed to invest counter-cyclical into new data by taking advantage of low charter rates for ships

Overall, they way TGS operates, 2015 will not look good from a P&L perspective, as they expense a lot of their investments and sales might take a little bit longer than usual. However if the past is any guidance for the future, in 2-3 years time the investments will then turn into nice profits down the road.

Q1 2015 update

A few days ago, even before the official Q1 report, TGS issued a Q1 update press release. They reduced significantly the expected net revenues for 2015 as E&P companeis are delaying their projects. Additionally, they announced a significant cost cutting program:

The Cost Reduction Program will position the company for the more challenging seismic market caused by the significant drop in oil price. A key element of this program is a reduction of more than 10% of TGS’ global workforce effective from April. Restructuring charges of approximately USD 4 million will be booked in Q2 as a result of this Program. The company expects annual cost savings of approximately USD 10 million as a result of the Cost Reduction Program.

Interestingly, this 10% reduction seems to off set the salary increase in 2014. At first, the market seemed to be shocked and the stock lost around -20% intraday but since then things have recovered. Maybe the recommendation change from Goldman has lifted the stock. This is what Goldman wrote last week (via Bloomberg):

(Bloomberg) — Offshore seismic market set for structural changes as oil producers rationalize costs, optimize upstream portfolios and concentrate on efficiency, Goldman says in note dated yday.
Goldman: multi-client segment has strongest outlook; data acquisition will continue to face challenges with at least six vessels needed to leave market to achieve balance
TGS raised to buy vs sell, is best-positioned in new oil order; co.’s library has highest N. America exposure which should remain most attractive onshore area
Strong financial position can sustain div.; selloff post 1Q creates buying opportunity

So it seems that this time, TGS does get better credit for their countercyclical business model than in 2008/2009. Maybe investors have learned actually a little bit since then ?.

In any case, from my side, TGS is a clear long-term core investment. Although the industry is very difficult, TGS is very good company with strong competitive advantages. Oil companies must replace their reserves,the demand for seismic data is not going away. Maybe it gets postponed a little bit ut they don’t have a choice. Without replacing reserves, atraditional E&P will not valued as going concern but as a run-off which much lower multiples.

Even with the reduced forecasts, TGS is still very profitable and who know what opportunities show up if some of the competitors get deeper into problems.