How Safe Is Your Money In BG Group plc?

BG Group plc (LON:BG) has delivered two profit warnings in two years. What’s next?

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

City wisdom has it that profit warnings often come in threes. BG Group (LSE:BG) (NASDAQOTH: BRGYY.US) has delivered two in the last two years, leaving its share price 26% lower than it was in March 2012.

Has the liquefied natural gas (LNG) pioneer now turned the corner, or is there a third disappointment to come for BG shareholders?

oil rigI’ve taken a look at three of BG’s key financial metrics — commonly used by debt-rating agencies — to see if I can spot any problems.

Passive income stocks: our picks

Do you like the idea of dividend income?

The prospect of investing in a company just once, then sitting back and watching as it potentially pays a dividend out over and over?

If you’re excited by the thought of regular passive income payments, as well as the potential for significant growth on your initial investment…

Then we think you’ll want to see this report inside Motley Fool Share Advisor — ‘5 Essential Stocks For Passive Income Seekers’.

What’s more, today we’re giving away one of these stock picks, absolutely free!

Get your free passive income stock pick

1. Operating profit/interest

BG’s debt has doubled since 2009, as spending on its big projects in Brazil and Australia has peaked ahead of production start-up. Operating profits have weakened over the same period, so do they still meet the critical test of covering interest payments by at least two times?

Operating profit / net finance costs

$3,667m / $560m = 6.6 times cover

BG’s operating profits fell by 40% last year, but still covered the firm’s interest costs by 6.6 times. I’m comfortable with this, given BG’s positive production outlook for 2015/16.

2. Debt/equity ratio

Commonly referred to as gearing, this is simply the ratio of debt to shareholder equity, or book value. I tend to use net debt, as companies often maintain large cash balances that can be used to reduce debt if necessary.

At the end of 2013, BG reported net debt of $11.3bn and equity of $31.9, giving net gearing of 35%.

This is higher than most of the larger oil majors, but is not a big concern for me, as new production due to come on stream over the next couple of years should boost BG’s cash flow, enabling it to repay some of this debt.

3. Operating profit/sales

This ratio is usually known as operating margin and is useful measure of a company’s profitability:

Operating profit / group revenue

$3,667m / $19,192m = 19.1%

BG’s operating profits were lower last year than at any point since 2008, and its operating margin fell to 19.1%. However, the firm did generate free cash flow of $975m, which was just enough to cover its dividend — a sign of good financial management, in my view.

Is BG Group a safe buy?

The last two years have been painful for BG shareholders, but have been a necessary part of the firm’s transition from growth company to major producer, in my view. I think the outlook for BG is beginning to look more positive, and could soon merit a buy.

AI Revolution Awaits: Uncover Top Stock Picks for Massive Potential Gains!

Buckle up because we're about to dive headfirst into the electrifying world of AI.

Imagine this: you make a single savvy investment in some cutting-edge technology, then kick back and watch as it revolutionises entire industries and potentially even lines your pockets.

If the mere thought of riding this AI wave excites you and the prospect of massive potential returns gets your pulse racing, then you’ve got to check out this Motley Fool Share Advisor report – 'AI Front Runners: 3 Surprising Stocks Riding The AI Wave’!

And here’s the kicker – we’re giving you an exclusive peek at ONE of these top AI stock picks, absolutely free! How’s that for a bit of brilliance?

Get your free AI stock pick

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

Roland does not own shares in BG Group.

More on Investing Articles

Dividend Shares

This former super stock now has a 20% dividend yield

As a result of a large share price fall, the dividend yield on this under-the-radar UK stock has soared to…

Read more »

A senior man and his wife holding hands walking up a hill on a footpath looking away from the camera at the view. The fishing village of Polperro is behind them.
Investing Articles

This 7-share ISA portfolio could generate a second income of £16,000 in retirement!

A £20,000 lump sum spread equally across these FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 shares could deliver a significant second income…

Read more »

Investing Articles

How will the Legal & General share price react to this week’s dividend?

Our writer looks at historical movements in the Legal & General share price to see how it might react after…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Down 39% from its 1-year traded high, Wizz Air’s share price now looks 68% undervalued to me overall!

Wizz Air’s share price has tumbled over the past year, which could signal a bargain to be had. I ran…

Read more »

Investing Articles

The FTSE 100 enjoys its best run in 2 years! These top UK stocks are leading the charge

Our writer considers the prospects of two leading UK stocks that have helped the FTSE 100 achieve some of its…

Read more »

Petrochemical engineer working at night with digital tablet inside oil and gas refinery plant
Investing Articles

Down 53% this year! Should I buy the dip in this FTSE 250 mining stock?

It's been a tough year for the FTSE 250 mining company Ferrexpo. Now it's half price, Mark Hartley wonders if…

Read more »

Investing Articles

£10,000 invested in a FTSE 100 tracker fund 5 years ago is now worth…

Over the last five years, the FTSE 100 has provided investors with a return of more than 10% a year…

Read more »

Passive income text with pin graph chart on business table
Investing Articles

How just £5k of savings could produce £4k a year in passive income

Building wealth isn't easy -- it takes time and effort. However, this simple investment process could turn £5k into £4k…

Read more »