Venezuelan crude cuts costs, but weak demand clouds Q3
Cheaper Venezuelan crude boosts margins Resumed Venezuelan crude imports yield about 70% asphalt versus 50% from other sources, cutting costs and lifting margins. This helped drive Q2 net profit to 420 million baht and prompted brokers to raise targets to 19–20 baht.
This is the main new positive force behind the stock, directly improving profitability.
Analyst upgrades on higher profit forecasts Brokers raised their price targets to 19–20 baht and increased 2026 profit forecasts by 48–57%, reflecting confidence in the company's improved cost position and earnings outlook.
Analyst upgrades are a key new driver of investor sentiment and price targets.
Supportive demand from floods and budget Thailand's flood repairs, a weak baht, and a 3.788-trillion-baht 2027 budget are expected to support asphalt demand. Venezuela's OPEC exit also reduces supply risk, helping the company's outlook.
These factors underpin future demand and reduce supply uncertainty, supporting the stock.
Weak Q3 demand pressures profit Rainy-season rains and slow government spending are weakening domestic sales, while global prices above $700 per tonne are prompting foreign buyers to delay orders. As a result, Q3 profit expectations are weak.
This is the main new negative force that could offset the positive drivers and weigh on the stock.