Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC –– a chemical firm owned by Chevron Corporation (CVX) and ConocoPhillips (COP) –– entered into an agreement with Neste Oil Corporation to acquire a manufacturing plant in Belgium. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The Woodlands, Texas based Chevron Phillips, which produces polyalphaolefin (a component utilized in high-performance lubricants), expects this acquisition to more than double its production capabilities.
The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to be closed within the next few months.
Post acquisition, Chevron Phillips will enjoy a greater foothold in Europe as well as cater to a larger customer base. This deal forms a part of Chevron’s strategic restructuring targeted at divesting non-core and high-cost assets, while taking over properties that enhance its asset portfolio.
San Ramon, California-based Chevron is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, refining and marketing of petroleum products, manufacturing of chemicals, and other energy-related businesses.
On the back of a rich variety of multi-year development projects across the globe Chevron is targeting to achieve a volume growth of 20% by 2017. Moreover, the company exhibits a strong financial flexibility with $13.3 billion in cash on hand and an investment-grade credit rating with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of under 10%. Management has established quite a track record of conservative capital management and cash returns to shareholders.
However, Chevron remains particularly susceptible to volatile oil and gas fundamentals, operational disturbances and international business risks. Additionally, excess capacity and weak product demand will likely continue to put pressure on Chevron’s refining margins. We are also concerned by the company’s high level of capital spending, which may result in reduced returns going forward.
As such, we see the stock performing in line with the broader market and maintain our long-term Neutral recommendation.
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CHEVRON CORP (CVX): Free Stock Analysis Report
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