OREANDA-NEWS. October 04, 2010. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on developing INTER RAO and said that he expects INTER RAO to become one of the biggest players on the Russian utilities market. Interfax also reported that INTER RAO will acquire a 40% stake in Irkutskenergo HPP [N/R], which was previously held by the state, reported the press-centre of OTKRITIE Financial Corporation.

View: We view the signing of the decree as marginally positive news for the stock as plans on consolidation were already known and this event was already expected. We view news on Irkutskenergo’s stake consolidation as positive for INTER RAO: If INTER RAO acquires it before Eurosibenergo's IPO, then it will have an opportunity to gain from any possible growth in Irkutskenergo’s capitalization. We view this news neutral for Irkutskenergo because the controlling stake remains with Eurosibenergo. We do not consider Irkutskenergo as a strategic asset for INTER RAO and expect the possible transfer of this stake to RusHydro in the future.

Valuation: INTER RAO trades at EV/installed capacity of USD202 /kW vs OGKs thermal generation average of USD262/kW.

Action: We view this news positive for INTER RAO, but reiterate our HOLD rating for the stock. We still see a dilution risk through the upcoming additional share issue since the parameters of the expected issue remain unclear.