KGHM CEO Mr. Skora reiterated that he is interested in purchasing a 40% stake in power generating plant PAK from Elektrim, on the back of company diversification strategy, and investing more in PAK modernisation program, worth EUR 3bn over the coming years. He added that KGHM considers other diversification projects as well, such as salt production, waste management, etc. With regard to its core business, KGHM is contemplating putting back in operation its old copper mines near Boleslawiec, as well as modernising its ongoing production process via refurbishing its smelter in Glogow and introduction of copper ore hydro-transportation.
Our view: We would view the prospect of potential reopening of old pits positively, assuming that the copper price scenario of ‘soft landing’ materialises. However, we remain sceptical with regard to KGHM’s diversification plans. Even allowing for the fact, that most part of PAK modernization would be debt-financed, KGHM lacks any expertise in the capital-intensive power generating business, in which it would compete against pan European giants such as Vattenfall. While we would expect a negative market impact from the news on controversial investment projects, the prospect for a high dividend payout from 2006 earnings remains intact, in our view. We reiterate our Buy rating for the stock.