Bernstein analysts initiated Aramco with an "underperform" rating, estimating its value at around $1.36 trillion. This compares with U.S. energy giant Exxon Mobil's valuation of less than $300 billion.
"Saudi Aramco is the largest, most profitable oil company in the world - but size is not everything," they wrote, flagging the risk of slow net income growth if oil prices stay flat.
Bernstein's note said Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Aramco) should trade at a discount rather than premium to international oil majors, with corporate governance "the key risk for investors" as Saudi Arabia will own more than 98% of the company.
"A valuation discount to western oil majors seems warranted," Bernstein said of Aramco, whose shares gained the maximum 10% allowed by the Riyadh exchange on their Wednesday debut. They hit 38.7 riyals ($10.32) on Thursday, before easing to 37.5 riyals, putting its market value at $2 trillion.
"Saudi Aramco is the largest, most profitable oil company in the world - but size is not everything," they wrote, flagging the risk of slow net income growth if oil prices stay flat.
Bernstein's note said Saudi Arabian Oil Co (Aramco) should trade at a discount rather than premium to international oil majors, with corporate governance "the key risk for investors" as Saudi Arabia will own more than 98% of the company.
"A valuation discount to western oil majors seems warranted," Bernstein said of Aramco, whose shares gained the maximum 10% allowed by the Riyadh exchange on their Wednesday debut. They hit 38.7 riyals ($10.32) on Thursday, before easing to 37.5 riyals, putting its market value at $2 trillion.
