Zeus18 Nov 2023 22:56
Zeus have updated their coverage following Friday’s RNS.
Conclusion: The NEO farm out deal has marked a material step forward for JOG on its GBA project. This underpins the company at a 12.5% fully carried interest in the field development costs of Buchan, with further upside on a second deal that could ultimately see JOG with a fully carried interest of 20-25%. Moreover, the introduction of NEO as a partner, with its technical and funding capabilities, is a strong endorsement of the project, and should help underpin a second farm out for JOG, in our view. The company is well-funded from its end 2022 £6.6m cash holding, full carry through FEED under the NEO deal, and additional cash milestone payments totalling US$23.9m. Going forward, we expect further detail of the FPSO development plan, a potential second farm out, regulatory submission of the full Buchan development plan in H1 2024 and then FID in H2 2024. This represents a string of catalysts to help unwind the discount to our valuation – we value the shares at our total risked NAV of 702p. Given the strong position JOG is in post the NEO farm out deal, the catalysts from progressing this and the Buchan development into 2024, and the discount to our NAV, we have a positive outlook for the shares.
Note that the share valuation remains unchanged at 702p. Apart from the usual risks attached to any ongoing oil development the one big factor will be what proportion JOG can retain if they succeed in achieving another farm out, but what remains unclear to me is whether the analysts valuations are based on the expectation of another farm out or the minimum 12.5% retention with NEO taking the remaining 37.5% if JOG cannot get a deal. Either way there should be upside but the question is how much difference will it make. As to milestones I guess FID will be significant but NEO look pretty committed to this project and whilst FID cannot be taken for granted it looks highly likely. FID will only happen when the remaining farm out option has been determined but when it does you would expect the market to take note. As far as regulatory approvals JOG seems to have a good relationship with the NSTA and the project appears to tick all the right boxes so I don’t anticipate any significant problems.