Jefferies initiated its coverage of Saudi Basic Industries (SASE:2010), d/b/a Sabic, with a hold rating as part of its report on chemicals and fertilizers companies in the Middle East and North Africa released Tuesday.
"SABIC remains exposed to [the Strait of Hormuz] disruption given the concentration of its production assets at Al Jubail and large portfolio of liquid chemicals. If SoH opens, chemical spreads are likely to weaken due to global oversupply; if SoH closes, SABIC's export volumes come under pressure," the research firm wrote. "Divestment of European petchem (to close in Q4 26) and thermoplastics assets (completed), though long overdue, limits SABIC's ability to benefit from a cyclical recovery. SABIC is trading on a 2027e EV/EBITDA of 10.5x, close to 15% above its peers."
Analysts also noted Sabic's costs have increased due to the disruption, noting the Saudi Arabia-based company's substantial presence in the Eastern Province, where a key export port for chemicals facilities is located. This adversely affected the company's petrochemicals sales volume, which fell in the second quarter, as well as its exports of liquid chemicals.
The stock's price target was set at 54 Saudi riyals.