BR Distribuidora, distribution arm of Petrobras (PBR), started yesterday the process that should be the largest IPO since 2013 in Brazil. With the sale of a maximum of 33.75% of its stake in BR, the parent company Petrobras may raise up to R$ 7.5 billion (US$ 2.3 Bi), an important figure for its divestment plan. This estimate takes into account the placement of all lots for sale and the ceiling of the indicative range of price per share, which ranges from R$ 15 to R$ 19, according to the prospectus released yesterday. In the pessimistic scenario, Petrobras would raise R$ 4.4 billion by selling 25% of the shares.
Considering the stock price range disclosed, BR should arrive on the stock exchange on December 15th , with a market cap between R$ 17.5 billion and R$ 22.1 billion (US$ 5.4 bi and 6.7 bi). Despite the expressive absolute valuation, it has a discount ranging from 26% to 40% against the trading multiples of one of its main competitors, Ultrapar, owner of the Ipiranga distribution network.
According to market sources, what explains the discount is the fact that, despite the governance safeguards included in its statute – such as the requirement that half of the directors be independent – the company will remain a state-owned company and, therefore, subject to political interference.
The perception in the market is that BR’s offer will not have demand issues. The question will be the price, to be officially set on December 13. While local managers will bargain discount, but should stay out, foreign investors have already given signs of interest. Because of the discount size offered relative to its peers, BR expects to attract enough demand to close the price between the middle and the ceiling of the range.
Adding the expected market cap range to the net debt of R$ 3.86 billion in September, BR should have company valuation between R$ 21.3 billion and R$ 26 billion. This concept of company valuation assumes that the company’s future cash flow will be shared between its shareholders and creditors.
When dividing this amount by BR’s adjusted profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) in the last 12 months, which was R$ 3 billion, one arrives in multiples of 7.1 times in the floor of the prices per share, 7.9 times at the midpoint and 8.7 times at the peak.
On yesterday’s trading session, Ultrapar’s shares traded at a multiple of 11.8 times its Ebitda in the last 12 months, hence the discount. Ipiranga represents 75% of the consolidated Ebitda of Ultrapar, which is a holding company.
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