The rating assigned reflects the following key considerations: upward trend in profitability; the company’s successful equity capital raising activities which supported business expansion; the continuous business expansion in both the retail and commercial/ industrial segments; and the expected improvements in cash flows from operations (CFO) over the long-term.
PhilRatings’ ratings are based on available information and projections at the time that the rating review is on-going. PhilRatings shall continuously monitor developments relating to Phoenix and may change the assigned rating at any time, should circumstances warrant a change.
Phoenix’s total revenues improved markedly over the period 2006-2010. Using the year 2006 as the base year, total revenues in 2010 were about nine times higher. The compounded annual growth rate for the period was a robust 77.43%. In 2011, total revenues amounted to P27.47 billion, 86% higher compared to the 2010 level.
Net income likewise registered notable growth, with a compounded annual growth rate of core net income for the five year period of 54.87%. Core net income increased from P74.26 million in 2006 to P427 million in 2010. In 2011, net income further rose by 19.5% to P5 10.50 million.
The improvement in the company’s financial performance over the last six years was primarily driven by substantial increases in sales volume of petroleum products and income from fuel service and storage. The aggressive expansion of Phoenix’s retail and distribution network (from 1 in 2005 to 220 in 2011) and its improved commercial/ industrial customer base supported the increase in sales volume.
The continuous expansion also allowed the company to increase its overall market share from 0.3% in 2009 to 3.6% as of the first half of 2011 (based on data sourced from the Department of Energy). In an industry, however, where the primary means of increasing revenues is through market share gain, the company still faces a great challenge in terms of enhancing its market position. It is still far behind the Big Three- Petron, Shell and Chevron which have well-established distribution networks. Phoenix has performed credibly though relative to the numerous independent market players.
Phoenix listed its shares in the Philippine Stock Exchange in 2007, issuing 29 million shares. Since then, the company has issued additional shares of common and preferred stocks and has received deposits for future stock subscriptions. Proceeds from the equity capital raising activities supported the company’s station roll-out, the expansion of its terminals and depots and the acquisition of property and equipment. The accompanying increase in debt levels, however, offset the higher equity and resulted in a debt to equity ratio of 1 .77x in 2011, above the 1 .39x ratio registered in 2010.
In the next two years, the company expects to sustain its growth momentum with the continued station roll-out and depot expansion in key trade areas. Correspondingly, cash flows from operations are expected to improve coming from higher income before tax and the slower rate of increase in receivables and inventory levels. In the last six years, a big portion of the company’s resources were tied up in receivables and inventory due to the aggressive expansion, as well as increasing oil prices. This has resulted in negative cash flows from operations in some years. The company needed to raise additional capital- both equity and debt to finance its operating and investing activities.
PhilRatings also took into consideration external factors which affect the performance of the oil industry but are beyond the company’s control. These expose the company to industry-wide risks. Given the company’s relatively short corporate history, it has yet to consistently demonstrate its capability to weather and handle unforeseen circumstances and developments which may significantly affect its operations and business. This, however, is party mitigated by the fact that members of Phoenix’s management team have an average of 18 years of experience in the oil industry.
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