Broker tips: Capricorn Energy, RA International

(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on exploration and development company Capricorn Energy from 225.0p to 250.0p on Friday after the group announced a proposed merger with NewMed Energy. Berenberg stated the proposed merger came with an implied valuation of roughly 271.0p, a 13% premium to the stock's close price on 28 September, and "significantly improved terms" versus its previously agreed merger with Tullow.

"The combined business provides exposure to long-term gas production, generating stable cash flow and dividends," said the analysts.

However, Berenberg stated that based on previous shareholder views on valuation related to the Tullow merger, it was possible that some may still see the offer as a discount to the value in Capricorn's portfolio and that securing the required majority approval was not guaranteed.

"We make some minor adjustments to our medium-term forecasts and retain our 'hold' rating," said the German bank.

"There are no obvious operational or financial synergies as a result of the merger, in our view, although it does create a wider regional footprint for businesses. The terms are clearly significantly improved versus the previous Tullow offer; however, they still arguably leave some low-risk value on the table given the cash components of Capricorn's NAV - we believe some shareholders will continue to look for more value and that majority approval of the merger is not guaranteed."

Analysts at Canaccord Genuity reiterated their 'buy' rating on RA International shares on Friday, citing both growth and de-risking efforts.

Canaccord Genuity said RAI's first-half results were in-line with its estimates, with revenue of $29.0m, up 11% year-on-year, and a breakeven EBITDA performance, down from $5.0m a year earlier. Net debt at the half was $4.3m, excluding lease liabilities, reflecting some ongoing Mozambique outflows but otherwise in line.

The group's order book at the end of August of $95.0m was broadly flat since the beginning of the year and Canaccord highlighted that this does not reflect a £35.0m five-year UK Ministry of Defence award separately announced on Friday.

The Canadian bank also noted that government sector revenues represented 47% of last year's revenue for RAI, and said it expects this to continue to grow thanks to the "strong relationships" it has developed with the US and UK governments.

"RAI remains in a robust financial position with more than $9.0m in gross cash and the group is confident in its ability to mobilise for multiple large contracts as and when those restarts," said Canaccord.

"We base our valuation on peer-group multiples and use the range of earnings we calculate for the short and medium-term. Our price target is based on the geometric mean of the top (60.0p) and bottom (25.0p) of this range, which results in our price target of 41.0p. At our price target and using our mid-point earnings, the stock would trade at 15x/10x 23/24E EV/EBITDA, which we believe is realistic for a growing, high-visibility business"

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com