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TICKERS: GTE

Energy Co. 'Represents Good Value,' Analyst Says
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This Canadian oil and gas firm, trading at a discount, offers investors a potential return of 136%, noted a Research Capital Corp. report.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (GTE:TSX; GTE:NYSE.MKT) restarted wells in the Acordionero oilfield in Colombia in Q3/23, and they contributed materially to total production during the quarter, reported Research Capital Corp. analyst Bill Newman in a November 1 research note.

Undervalued, Offering 136% Gain

Gran Tierra is currently trading at about CA$9.12 per share, noted Newman.

"We believe Gran Tierra represents good value, trading at a large discount to our estimated proven reserve after-tax net asset value of CA$29.44 per share and at a 2.7x multiple of our 2024 enterprise value:debt-adjusted cash flow," Newman commented.

Research Capital's target price on the Canadian oil and gas explorer/developer/producer is CA$21.50 per share, reflecting a compelling projected return of 136%.

Gran Tierra is a Buy.

Acordionero Back Online

In his report, Newman wrote that Gran Tierra's Q3/23 operational and financial results were "broadly in line" with Research Capital's expectations, of which he provided the highlights.

Net production during the quarter (before royalties) was a miss, coming in at 33,940 barrels per day (33,940 bbl/d) versus Research Capital's forecast of 35,500 bbl/d.

However, production from the Acordionero field averaged about 17,000 bbl/d after being restarted following the drilling of 10 development wells there earlier in the year.

Other Financial Figures

Gran Tierra's Q3/23 adjusted funds flow was US$79 million (US$79M), reported Newman. This result, driven by a higher-than-expected realized oil price and lower operating costs, exceeded Research Capital's estimate of US$61.9M.

Capital expenditures in Q3/23 totaled US$43M, significantly lower than those in Q1/23 of US$70.1M and in Q2/23 of US$65.6M. Free cash flow was US$35.9M.

Net debt at Q3/23's end was US$685.87M.

Post Q3/23 Transactions

Gran Tierra pursued two notable financial changes subsequent to Q3/23, Newman reported.

In October, the company obtained a new US$488M secured senior note to replace the two prior ones. The new note has a 9.5% interest rate and is due in 2029. In comparison, the two prior notes had interest rates of 6.25% and 7.75% and maturation dates of 2025 and 2027, respectively.

Also, the energy company entered into 15,000 bbl/d put options from October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024, with a floor price of US$80 Brent. Based on a US$3.10/bbl premium price, Research Capital estimated the total cost of the contract at US$8.5M.

"We view the hedging strategy as prudent given the recent volatility of oil prices," Newman wrote.

Suroriente Contract Extended

Regarding its contract with partner Ecopetrol for the Suroriente block, Gran Tierra, in Q3/23, met all conditions necessary for the extension to become effective. The extension, for 20 years, was put in place in April of this year, in advance of the contract expiration in June.

"Gran Tierra has committed to spending US$123M over three years to be invested in infrastructure, enhanced oil recovery programs, and appraisal drilling," Newman explained.

Near-Term Catalysts

Newman provided the upcoming events that could move up Gran Tierra's stock price.

One is drilling in both the Acordionero oilfield and the northern extension of the Coystayaco oilfield, slated for December 2023.

Next, in Q1/24, is the commencement of high-impact exploration in Ecuador.


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Important Disclosures:

  1. Doresa Banning wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor.
  2. The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.

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Disclosures for Research Capital Corp., Gran Tierra Energy Inc., November 1, 2023

Analyst Certification I, Bill Newman, CFA, certify the views expressed in this report were formed by my review of relevant company data and industry investigation, and accurately reflect my opinion about the investment merits of the securities mentioned in the report. I also certify that my compensation is not related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. Research Capital Corporation publishes research and investment recommendations for the use of its clients. Information regarding our categories of recommendations, quarterly summaries of the percentage of our recommendations which fall into each category and our policies regarding the release of our research reports is available at www.researchcapital.com or may be requested by contacting the analyst. Each analyst of Research Capital Corporation whose name appears in this report hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in this research report accurately reflect the analyst’s personal views and (ii) no part of the research analyst’s compensation was or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific conclusions or recommendations expressed in this research report.

Relevant Disclosures Applicable to Companies Under Coverage Relevant disclosures required under IIROC Rule 3400 applicable to companies under coverage discussed in this research report are available on our website at www.researchcapital.ca

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RC USA INC. Information about Research Capital Corporation’s Rating System, the distribution of our research to clients and the percentage of recommendations which are in each of our rating categories is available on our website at www.researchcapital.com. The information contained in this report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed, nor in providing it does Research Capital Corporation assume any responsibility or liability. Research Capital Corporation, its directors, officers and other employees may, from time to time, have positions in the securities mentioned herein. Contents of this report cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of Research Capital Corporation.

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