We are discontinuing research coverage of Spartan Energy, as the stock has been delisted following its recently approved acquisition by Vermilion Energy. All prior production and financial estimates, as well as research ratings and target prices, must no longer be relied upon.
Companies: Spartan Energy
Management reported annual production of 22,200 boe/d, which is largely in line with our estimates of 22,125 boe/d and represents y/y PPS growth of 17%. This results in 4Q17 production of 22,636 boe/d, which is relatively flat QoQ but slightly ahead of our estimates of 22,340 boe/d. The company reported quarterly adjusted funds flow from operations of $65 mm ($0.35/sh dil), which was significantly ahead of our estimates of $57 mm ($0.31/sh dil) and consensus at ~$0.31/share. We don’t have the full financials yet leaving us to speculate on the reason for the large cash flow beat. Our guess at this juncture is better than forecasted realized light oil pricing and operating costs but we await the release of the audited statements in the middle of March. Reserves increased 2% on a PDP basis to 45.3 mmboe, 5% on a 1P basis to 73 mmboe and 4% on a 2P basis to 113.5 mmboe. PDP reserves made up 62% of 1P and 40% of 2P reserves, which is relatively flat y/y. Based on 2017 production, this represents a 2P RLI of 13.9 years. We have updated our model to reflect 2017YE results and reserves. With our current 2018 estimates in line with management’s 2018 guidance, we have not made any changes to our forecasts. With an implied return of 72%, we are maintaining our BUY rating.
Spartan plans for 2018 E&D spending of $183 million plus $22 million for discretionary spending on waterflood and seismic initiatives. The 2018 drilling program calls for 140 net development oil wells including 64 net open-hole wells, 29 net Ratcliffe wells, 30 net frac’d Midale, and the remaining to the Viking light oil play. Management expects this to result in average annual production of 23,400 boe/d and an exit rate of 25,000 boe/d, representing growth of 6% YoY and 11% exit to exit. Average production was below our prior estimate of 24,270 boe/d and consensus of 24,470 boe/d. However, 2018 exit rate guidance aligned with our prior 4Q18 forecast of 25,100 boe/d. Based on US$60/b WTI, management forecasts cash flow of $267 million ($1.51/sh), which is higher than our prior estimates of $1.35/sh ($1.40/sh on strip) and consensus of $1.28/sh. We attribute this largely to 2018e production expense guided at $16.65/boe vs. GMP FE at $17.35/boe. We have updated our estimates to reflect the 2018 guidance. With an implied projected return of 42%, we are maintaining our BUY rating.
The stocks on the GMP FirstEnergy Best Ideas List represent our highest conviction BUY recommendations with an expected return of 20% or more over the next 12 months. The investment thesis for each name on the list is laid out in this report.
Companies: CNQ 0UG9 ATU PXX KEL RRX SPE WCP PXT SES PPL
3Q17 production of 22,630 boe/d was slightly ahead of our GMP FEestimate of 21,750 boe/d and the street estimate of 21,730 boe/d. Quarterly cash flow of $41.1 mm ($0.22/sh dil) was in line with ourestimates of $40.1 mm ($0.22/share dil) and consensus of $0.21/share. Production costs in the quarter were down 6% QoQ and were 5% belowour estimates ($17.28/boe vs GMPFE estimates of $18.15/boe). This is due to the fact that production costs were elevated in 2Q17 so it was positive to see the reduction to more normalized levels. Reported realized pricing look like it came in a bit light at $46.98/boe vs. GMP FE at $48.12/boe. The company spent $35.1 mm on E&D, which included drilling 39 (28 net) wells and bringing on-stream 37 (27.2 net) wells. SPE exited the quarter with net debt (ex. financial lease) of $205.1 mm (1.3x annualized 3Q CF) and $193.3 mm drawn on its $350 mm credit facility. We have updated our estimates to reflect quarterly results. With an implied projected return of 37%, we are maintaining our BUY rating.
Impact: Neutral. Spartan's 2Q16 financial results were consistent with our outlook on all key figures and inline with consensus cash flow estimates.
Impact: Neutral. Spartan's most recent acquisition continues to consolidate its land position at its key properties and build inventory in SE Saskatchewan at reasonable metrics. The Company's updated 2016e capital budget of $68 mm is cautiously below our prior view (FCC was $80 mm) and is expected to generate annual production of 10,700 boe/d (FCC was 11,000 boe/d) which will likely result in a minor reduction to our proforma production and cash flow outlook. Although we expect this acquisition and financing announcement, in isolation, would show as slightly dilutive to our CFPS outlook given financing proceeds well above the transaction price, recall, the Company has completed three meaningfully accretive transactions ($148.7 mm for 2,980 boe/d) since mid-May without concurrent equity issues.
Some Recovery on Segmented Cash Flow Generation Over Q1 Though Still Down 56% Y/Y. In aggregate, the Intermediate, Mid, and Small Cap groups are expected to generate 2Q16e cash flow of $1,281 mm, $183 mm, and $53 mm, or $1.517 billion in total, that while depressed relative to the same period last year (~$2.647 billion combined), is up 17% sequentially from the prior quarter, largely on the strength of crude oil price recovery in the period. Severely weak natural gas pricing picture markedly reversed into summer, market likely to ignore financials for natural gas producers and look ahead to winter and formalization of sell-side 2018e estimates in coming months. Spot AECO natural gas prices recently crested C$2.60/mcf, and with a reasonable alignment of previously distressed NE BC Stn2 differentials, augmented by a withdrawal expected next week, view the market psyche as constructive and looking ahead, with the analogy that this market is shaping up to mirror 2012 still holding. That said, with crude oil poised to retest support levels, combined with strong stock price performance broadly observed YTD, we would characterize sentiment as slightly pessimistic in the near-term which could reduce or unwind momentum-based investment strategies that have worked thus far in 2016.
Companies: 0UG9 ARX BTE BNP 0UR7 ERF POU 0VCO PGF PWT PSK VII TOU VET WCP BNE CJ CR DEE JOY KEL LTS NVA PPY PNE RRX RMP SRX SGY TOG TET ATU CKE GXE IKM LXE MQL PRQ SPE SKX TVE TVETF YO
Impact: Positive. Spartan continues to capitalize on the low in the commodity cycle further consolidating its land base in SE Saskatchewan, adding low decline production and bolstering its well inventory at attractive metrics. We expect the Company balance sheet will continue to screen as flexible with ~$100 mm forecast to be drawn on its recently renewed and unchanged $150 mm credit facility following these transactions.
Spartan is acquiring, privateco, Wyatt Oil + Gas Inc. for $77 mm through an all-share transaction which includes the assumption of $42 mm of debt. The deal adds 1,330 boe/d, 14.6 mm 2P reserves, 45 net sections of land and 177 drilling locations in southeast Saskatchewan which are proximal to Spartan’s existing core operations. Given our revised estimates point to 10% per share accretion on a CFPS basis while 2017e/2016e PPS share growth (debt-adjusted) jumps to 13%, we are increasing our target price to $3.75 per share.
Impact: Positive. The deal brings in production and a stable of drilling locations proximal to Spartan's current assets at a reasonable valuation. This marks the Company's first significant acquisition in ~2 years.
Spartan delivered 1Q16 results that were in line on a cash flow basis, however ahead on a production basis. Spending was modestly higher than anticipated.
Neutral to slightly positive with production ~5% ahead of expectations (on higher capital spending) while cash flow overlaid our estimates. Higher 1Q16 production and mild spring break-up conditions could have positive implications for estimates for 2Q16e and beyond.
With this publication we briefly summarize our projections for 1Q16e quarterly results for the Junior E&P (Intermediate, Mid & Small Cap) segments of our coverage universe
Companies: 0UG9 ARX BTE BNP 0UR7 ERF POU 0VCO PGF PSK VII TOU VET WCP BNE CJ CR DEE JOY KEL LTS LRE NVA PPY PNE RRX RMP SRX SGY TOG TET ATU CKE GXE IKM LXE ROAOF MQL RE SPE SKX TVE TVETF YGR YO
After coming off restriction following our participation in Spartan’s $96 mm equity financing wherein the Company issued 39.9 mm shares at $2.41 per share, we summarize the Company’s 4Q15 results, 2015 reserves and 2016 capital guidance. Fourth quarter results beat both our production and cash flow estimates while the Company posted single digit 1P and 2P basis F&D costs in a relatively quiet and organic year of operations, aided by a y/y reduction in FDC. A conservative 1H16e budget of $18 - $20 mm will see volumes remain at at Spartan’s 2015 average of just over 8,850 boe/d. Our target price continues to be supported by our updated NAV methodology, offering decent returns, particularly on a risk-adjusted basis.
Research Tree provides access to ongoing research coverage, media content and regulatory news on Spartan Energy. We currently have 31 research reports from 1 professional analysts.
Parkmead’s portfolio has evolved to the point where it is now a full-cycle E&P company with a low-cost Dutch production base and a broad spectrum of high-quality UK growth opportunities, encompassing material development projects and an attractive range of risk/reward exploration. Recently, it has diversified into renewables, future proofing its equity story and opening up a new ‘investor-friendly’ avenue of growth. A core strength of this management team is its commercial acumen and portfolio-driven approach to optimising value. Parkmead has been in portfolio construction mode to date but is now well positioned to start crystallising its intrinsic value. We initiate with a risked-NAV based price target of 155p/sh. Investors would do well to get on-board with a management team that has a strong track record of delivering shareholder value.
Companies: Parkmead Group PLC
Panoro Energy (PEN NO)c; Target price of NOK23.00: Revisiting Gabon - BW Energy provided an update on Dussafu with FY20 production guidance expectation marginally below previous guidance (14.25 mbbl/d versus 15 16 mbbl/d) due to COVID-19 restrictions and OPEC+ quotas. This results in FY20 opex expected to be US$19/bbl which is slightly above the previous guidance of US$17-18/bbl. The drilling of DTM-7H, and the tie-in of DTM-6H and -7H, has been deferred to mid-2021 with first oil expected in 3Q21 and our estimate of the timing of the field production ramp-up has been delayed by one quarter. BWE continues to expect production from the Dussafu area to reach >30 mbbl/d in 2023 and ~40 mbbl/d in 2024. The Hibiscus development is expected to offer 15% IRR at
Companies: TGL TGA 88E FEC JSE LUPE LUNE LNDNF LYV NOG GB_NTRM NSTRY 3NO PANR P3K PTHRF PTAL TETY TETY AOI ENOG PEN SDX EGY
Edison Investment Research is terminating coverage on Diversified Gas & Oil (DGOC), Vermilion Energy (VET) and Circle Property (CRC). Please note you should no longer rely on any previous research or estimates for these companies. All forecasts should now be considered redundant.
Companies: Diversified Gas & Oil PLC
• In an Important development, PetroTal has signed a contract with an international oil trader for a pilot shipment to export 0.12 mmbbl into the Atlantic region using the Amazon river through Brazil. The shipment will be sold FOB Bretana, priced at the forward month Brent ICE price, and paid within two weeks of loading at Bretana. There are no subsequent oil price adjustments. • At November 19, 2020, PetroTal had cash resources of US$9.8 mm, with accounts payable and accrued liabilities of ~US$39 mm, a reduction of ~US$11 mm from the end of 2Q20. The company has been paid US$5.5 mm for delivery of 0.192 mm bbl of oil to Petroperu in October. Production is constrained to ~5,000 bbl/d pending the reopening of the export pipeline. • We understand that the pilot should start in December. This would not only provide ~US$5 mm in cash to PetroTal but also allow production to return to recent levels (11.5 mbbl/d), effectively unlocking the fundamental value of the asset. Balance sheet considerations The potential financial derivative liability has been reduced from US$22.5 mm at the end of June to US$17 mm at the end of September. Of the US$39 mm current payables 46% are not due before 2021 and we note that the company still holds US$13 mm in account receivables and US$4.7 mm in inventory. Financials on “a back to normal” scenario with flat production We are now assuming production remains constrained at 5 mbbl/d over 4Q20 with minimum capex with cashflow and receivables being used to repay the due payables over the period. On production of just ~11.5 mbbl/d during 2021, we estimate operating cashflow of US$85 mm at US$48/bbl Brent. This would result in free cashflow of >US$40 mm assuming capex of US$20 mm to maintain production and US$20 mm to repay the remaining payables. This compares with a current market cap of just US$75 mm, suggesting FY21 free cashflow would represent over 50% of the current market cap in a no growth scenario assuming production can be exported. Our target price of £0.45 per share represents 6x the current share price.
Companies: PetroTal Corp.
EQTEC has announced today that the Company and Scott Bros. Enterprises Limited have agreed to extend the exclusivity period of the Billingham MOU until 18 December 2020. The Billingham MOU has been subject to previous extensions, as announced on 23 October 2019, 23 June 2020 and 18 September 2020.
Companies: EQTEC PLC (KEU1:FRA)EQTEC PLC (EQT:LON)
Pantheon announced that is has contracted a rig to drill the Talitha well and that drilling operations are expected to commence in January 2021. The well will target four independent reservoirs, in three separate trapping sequences, which the company estimates has the potential to contain in the region of a billion barrels of recoverable oil, although ongoing work is required to formally delineate the full potential of the targets.
Companies: Pantheon Resources plc
The Prime Minister vowed last week to “restore Britain's position as the foremost naval power in Europe” and promised an extra £16.5bn in defence spending over the next four years. Mr Johnson expects this investment to “spur a renaissance of British shipbuilding across the UK”, and specifically mentioned five locations where this would occur, including Belfast and Appledore – the location of InfraStrata's shipyards. Other supportive policy initiatives emanating from the government include Mr Johnson's pledge in October that offshore wind will power every home in the country by 2030. We believe this demonstrable support from the highest level of government vindicates InfraStrata's strategy, and demonstrates the significant opportunities available to the company as it bids on numerous shipbuilding and fabrication contracts. We reaffirm our Buy rating.
Companies: InfraStrata plc
GeoPark (GPRK US)C; Target price of US$20.00: Divesting non-core asset in Brazil - GeoPark is selling its 10% non-operated working interest in the Manati gas field in Brazil to Gas Bridge for US$27 mm. We do not see much upside to the Brazilian asset (in terms of growing reserves or through exploration opportunities) and this divestment may allow GeoPark to reallocate resources to its core operations. We would rather see management remaining focused on deploying capital on higher return assets such as Colombia and Ecuador. Even after this week’s share price appreciation, our Core NAV continues to be 60% above the current share price. Our unrisked NAV for the 2021 drilling programme is ~US$9.00 per share, which represents ~90% of the current share price. Panoro Energy (PEN NO)c; Target price of NOK23.00: 2021 will be a transformational year - 2020 has been a difficult year for the oil and gas industry and 2021 is a turning point for Panoro. In Gabon, development activities at Ruche are expected to return to normal with gross production set to grow to 20 mbbl/d. The company will also appraise Hibiscus to test the 155 mmbbl upside case (=2x existing 2P reserves). The development of Hibiscus is expected to be sanctioned. Importantly, while the existing FPSO has a nominal oil processing capacity of 45-45 mbbl/d, processing expansion is possible which allows for a potential oil production plateau of 70 mbbl/d. We estimate the value of Panoro’s reserves in Dussafu at NOK10.40 per share. Derisking the contingent resources in Gabon could add ~NOK3 per share. We estimate that the upside at Hibiscus has a further unrisked NAV of ~NOK10 per share for a total unrisked NAV of NOK23 per share for the discovered and “to be appraised” volumes in Gabon. Overall, including Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia, we estimate the unrisked value of the 2021 activities at NOK30 per share; which represents 2.3x the share price. Our target price of NOK23 per share has been set close to our ReNAV. Pharos Energy (PHAR LN)c; Target price of £0.35: Low cost. Quickly scalable. High impact, quality exploration – Pharos is a £[67] mm market cap, ~12 mboe/d oil producer that acquired the Egyptian assets of Merlon in 2019. Under the stewardship of a blue-chip management team that turned Cairn Energy from a micro-cap into a successful E&P that returned US$4.5 bn to shareholders, Pharos has undergone a multi-faceted transformation, enhancing governance and rebalancing its asset portfolio. Given the recent macro challenges, this process appears to have gone unnoticed by many investors. Pharos now holds ~50 mmboe 2P reserves in Egypt and Vietnam. Vietnam provides stable cash flows even at low oil prices. Egypt production can be increased rapidly (up to x2.5 to 13 mbbl/d) with additional investment. Pharos also holds world class exploration assets in Israel, Egypt and Vietnam. With a healthy balance sheet (cash: ~US$38 mm, net debt:~US$36 mm), Pharos’ shares trade at EV/DACF multiples of 5,000 bbl/d, increasing production from the Shaikan field by~15%. FY20 gross production is expected to be at the upper end of the 35,000 – 36,000 bbl/d production guidance, with the field currently producing at ~39,000 bbl/d. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA LEKOIL (LEK LN): Requisition from large shareholder to change the board of the company - LEKOIL has received a letter from Metallon, holding 15.4% of the company, requisitioning an extraordinary general meeting to vote on the replacement of the Chairman and the appointment of Michael Ajukwu, Thomas Richardson and George Maxwell as directors of the company. Orca Exploration (ORC.A/B CN): 3Q20 results - 3Q20 WI production in Tanzania was 60.9 mmcf/d. At the end of September, Orca held US$79.2 mmm in working capital including US$98.5 mm in cash and long-term debt of US$54.2 mm. Tullow Oil (TLW LN): Capital Market Day – 2020 production to date averages 75 mbbl/d with FY20 production guidance of 73-77 mbbl/d. Assuming an oil price of US$45/bbl in 2021 and US$55/bbl flat nominal from 2022 onwards, Tullow expects to generate US$7 bn of operating cashflow over the next 10 years with capex of US$2.7 bn. The first phase of investment will start in 2Q21 with the commencement of a multi-well drilling programme in Ghana. In Suriname, the prospective Goliathberg-Voltzberg North-1 well will spud in 1Q21. Victoria Oil & Gas (VOG LN): Positive licence update in Cameroon – The duration of the onshore Matanda licence has been extended by one year to December 2021. The gross unrisked prospective resources are now estimated at 1,196 bcf, up from 903 bcf previously. 19 gas prospects haven identified in shallower Tertiary-aged reservoirs, plus 7 prospects in deeper, Cretaceous-aged prospects. The Company believes the largest of these prospects has mean unrisked Prospective Resources of >65 bcf, with geological Chance of Success estimated at >40%.
Companies: VOG BPC ENQ GPRK JOG JYOGF TPC1 7M7 0GEA MAHAA PEN PHAR RBD REP SENX TLW
Salt Lake Potash's AGM update reported that the Lake Way project is now 74% complete. Construction of the process plant is on-schedule with practical completion and first SOP production planned for Q1/21. Drawdown of the Senior Facility Agreement funds and repayment of the Taurus bridge loan is expected soon.
Companies: Salt Lake Potash Limited
Jersey Oil & Gas announced today that is has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire share capital of CIECO V&C (UK) Limited, which is currently owned by two international entities headquartered in Japan. The acquisition secures an additional 12% working interest in Licence P2170 (Blocks 20/5b & 21/1d), which provides Jersey Oil & Gas with 100% of the licence. The licence contains the majority of the Verbier oil discovery in addition to three drill ready prospects: Verbier Deep, Wengen and Cortina. The acquired entity has approximately £15M of tax losses which will provide value to Jersey Oil & Gas. Consideration will consist of £150k in cash and contingent payments of i) £1.5M upon field development plan approval of Verbier within P2170 (as already discovered) by the OGA ii) £1.0M upon the 1st anniversary of attainment of first oil. The acquisition is conditional on OGA approval amongst other technicalities, which we do not anticipate will be problematic. The acquired entity will be free of debts.
Companies: Jersey Oil & Gas PLC
Oil rose to the highest in nearly three months with positive Covid-19 vaccine developments paving the way for a more sustained recovery in oil demand. Futures rose 5% in New York this week for a third straight weekly gain as Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE requested emergency authorisation of their Covid vaccine Friday. Moderna Inc also released positive interim results from a final-stage trial and said it is close to seeking emergency authorisation. Still, further gains were limited by broader market declines amid a dispute between the White House and the Federal Reserve over emergency lending programmes. Even with vaccines on the horizon, a recovery in oil demand faces obstacles with governments under pressure to tighten restrictions and curb the spread of the virus. UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson's officials are considering tougher pandemic rules placed on broader regions of England next month after a national lockdown is set to end and the country returns to its tiered system. Meanwhile, the shift toward working from home may have a lasting chill on gasoline demand, according to Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George. The recent climb in headline prices has been accompanied by significant moves in timespreads, where traders bet on the price of oil in different months. The spread between West Texas Intermediate for December 2021 delivery and the following month moved to backwardation, while the closely watched gap between December 2021 and 2022 WTI contracts is close to also flipping. Prices: West Texas Intermediate for December delivery, which expired Friday, rose 41 cents to settle at $42.15 a barrel. The January contract rose 52 cents to end the session at $42.42 a barrel. Brent for January settlement gained 76 cents to $44.96 a barrel. The contract rose 5.1% this week. Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine could be the first to be cleared for use, but first it must undergo a thorough vetting. The filing could enable its use by the middle to the end of December, the companies said in a statement. Yet, it could take at least three weeks for a US Food and Drug Administration decision.
Companies: FOG PVR 88E DGOC EME TRIN UOG
Hargreaves’ AGM statement confirms a positive start to FY21, building on the resilient FY20 performance. Trading is in line with expectations, the Industrial Services business has won a number of new contracts, and Hargreaves Land is said to be close to announcing the completion of its first plot sale at Blindwells. In our view, the shares are yet to reflect the earnings growth forecast for the next three years or the prospect of a 20p total dividend, which is expected to be paid first in FY22 as previously restricted HRMS profits are distributed. A further update on trading will be provided in early December, ahead of interims at the end of January.
Companies: Hargreaves Services plc
Acquisition of CIECO P2170 interest
Companies: JOG JYOGF TPC1
Shanta Gold (AIM: SHG) has announced this morning its production and operational results for the quarter ended 30th September 2020 – see Fig 1. Overall this was a robust performance (from one of the most consistent operators in the sector) in the face of the pandemic and a very busy quarter for the company at corporate level. QoQ production fell to 19,973 oz and AISC rose to $883/oz – both caused by a temporary drop in grade – but the ongoing strength in the gold price resulted in a 16% and 46% increase in EBITDA QoQ and YTD respectively. There was an increase in net debt to $5.1m which can be explained by the $7.1m cash outlay for the West Kenya projects as well as the reduction in the hedge book (they also have $5.9m of gold dore in the gold room). The company remains on track to hit its full year guidance of 80-85koz of production at an AISC of $830-880/oz which would make it the third year in a row they have hit their unaltered guidance for the year. This would be a remarkable achievement for a major gold miner operating in a developed market let alone one operating in the South West corner of Tanzania. Likewise the fact the company has recorded zero lost time injuries makes it nearly three years in a row with no LTIs. With the greenlight for Singida and a scoping study completed for the West Kenya Project during the quarter, the company can look forward to leveraging this operational expertise across a larger and longer life production base (c.220Koz of annualised production). We continue to believe the market is still to wake up to this given a market cap of US$219m, next to no debt and EBITDA annualising at $90m.
Companies: Shanta Gold Limited
Central Asia Metals (CAML LN) following a successful ramp up at Sasa, progress in the environmental clean up and confirmation of the remedial costs in line with the previously guided US$1.5m the company has declared an interim dividend of 6p/sh. This will be paid on 11 December 2020 with a record date of 20 November 2020.
Companies: Central Asia Metals Plc
