PETALING JAYA: Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd
(PetChem) continues to face a challenging outlook due to weaker global demand, with issues related to Pengerang Refining Company Sdn Bhd (PRC) also weighing on Pengerang Petrochemical Company Sdn Bhd’s (PPC) performance.
CIMB Research, which has reiterated a “hold” rating on the stock with an unchanged target price of RM3.53, projected a softer second quarter ended June 30, 2025 (2Q25) financial results, which would be released in mid-August.
It has not made changes to the financial year ending Dec 31, 2025 (FY25) to FY27 earnings forecasts pending the release of the results.
“While we anticipate an earnings turnaround in the second half of 2025, this prospect is offset by the subdued global demand environment, which may limit near-term earnings upside.
:In addition, ongoing structural issues at PRC continue to impair PPC’s performance,” it said.
Petroliam Nasional Bhd and Saudi Aramco have a 50:50 joint venture in PRC, with PPC a 50:50 between PetChem and Saudi Aramco.
The research house noted that key earnings risks stemmed from recurring operational challenges, including unplanned shutdowns, supply disruptions, and extended downtimes, all against a weakening demand backdrop.
“Although crude oil prices have softened, the downstream demand recovery remains muted.
“Additionally, increased Chinese capacity is likely to cap near-term petrochemical price upside potential,” it said.
CIMB Research projected the company’s plant utilisation rates of 85% to 90% in 2Q25 from 94% in 1Q25 supported by long-standing contractual arrangements with key clients, underpinned by its strong track record as a reliable supplier in South-East Asia.
