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Dividend Stocks

Excellent Third-Quarter Results for Bank of Montreal; Raising Our FVE to CAD 130/USD 103

BMO has a well-established Canadian banking presence, an established U.S. retail operation in the Midwest, and growing commercial and capital markets capabilities. BMO has the second-largest amount of assets under management among the Canadian banks, with the largest proportion of its revenue coming from wealth-management. Additionally, BMO has the lowest relative exposure to residential mortgage loans among its peers

Bank of Montreal has taken a step up in 2021, improving operating efficiency while growing fees and managing its interest rate exposure. We expect that the bank will remain a more efficient operation going forward.

Excellent Third-Quarter Results for Bank of Montreal; Raising Our FVE to CAD 130/USD 103

Bank of Montreal reported excellent fiscal third-quarter earnings, with EPS of CAD 3.44 representing solid year-over-year growth compared with adjusted EPS of CAD 1.85 last year and higher than last quarter’s EPS of CAD 3.13. Provisioning continues to be a major driver of improved earnings, coming in at a net benefit of CAD 70 million.Bank of Montreal’s fees continue to come in better than expected. 

Net income continued to be exceptional in the bank’s capital markets segment during the third quarter, tracking above CAD 500 million yet again as investment banking remained healthy while global markets-related revenue came back down a bit. The wealth segment also continued to report excellent results, with net income up another 15% sequentially, although growth in assets under management is starting to slow, up less than 1% sequentially. The more traditional banking segments at Bank of Montreal have continued to do fine, with Canadian P&C essentially fully recovered and back to pre pandemic revenue levels while U.S. P&C is feeling a bit more pressure from a CAD perspective due to shifting exchange rates

Credit costs remained solid. Provisioning continued to decline during the third quarter while the bank continues to hold excess reserves for future credit losses. Formations of impaired loans remained subdued, and overall gross impaired loans declined once again. Higher-risk loans due to the COVID-19 pandemic remained at just under 5% of total loans, which is very manageable.

 After decreasing our credit cost projections for 2021, decreasing certain expense line items, increasing some noninterest income items, and making some additional improvements to our balance sheet growth and net interest margin outlook, we have increased our fair value estimate to CAD 130/$103 per share from CAD 115/$94

Bulls Say

  • Growth and opportunities in the bank’s U.S. markets will outweigh any slowdown in its native Canada as U.S. subsidiaries gain market share.
  • Compared with its peers, BMO has a lower exposure to the Canadian housing market.
  • BMO’s presence in the Canadian ETF market should pay off as passive investment options gain share in Canada over the next decade.

Company Profile

Bank of Montreal is a diversified financial-services provider based in North America, operating four business segments: Canadian personal and commercial banking, U.S. P&C banking, wealth management, and capital markets. The bank’s operations are primarily in Canada, with a material portion also in the U.S.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Dividend Stocks

Medtronic Begins Fiscal 2022 in Solid Fashion; No Change to Our Fair Value Estimate

For the year 2020 the firms revenue was USD 30117 million and EBIT was USD 5210 Million. We’re holding steady on our fair value estimate as these early results are generally consistent with our full year projections. 

Medtronic’s organic quarterly revenue growth of 19% year over year was fairly broad based, marked by share gains in cardiac rhythm management and surgical innovations. The diabetes franchise remains the weak link as competitors have launched new products, while Medtronic is still navigating the domestic regulatory pathway for its next-gen 780g insulin pump and Synergy sensor. In the meantime, Tandem and Insulet both posted strong second-quarter pump growth of 58% and 16%, respectively. Medtronic’s typical fiscal quarter timing, includes July, which provides a better peek into however the rise of the Delta variant has damped procedure volume growth. 

The firms Spyral HTN On-Med pivotal study results, which may be released in November will be very interesting herein the firm anticipates an interim look at the data in the next couple of months. If the findings are as favorable as seen in the earlier feasibility trial, then we’re optimistic Medtronic’s renal denervation platform could be launched by early 2023. We project this market to reach $4.2 billion by 2030, and Medtronic continues to enjoy a two- to four-year head start over competitors. 

Company Profile

One of the largest medical device companies, Medtronic develops and manufactures therapeutic medical devices for chronic diseases. Its portfolio includes pacemakers, defibrillators, heart valves, stents, insulin pumps, spinal fixation devices, neurovascular products, advanced energy, and surgical tools. The company markets its products to healthcare institutions and physicians in the United States and overseas. Foreign sales account for almost 50% of the company’s total sales.

 (Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

Traffic is still a problem, but there is more than adequate money to get through another year of hard times.

Investment thesis

  • Recent takeover offers that have been rejected are currently supporting the share price.
  • Sydney International Airport is an appealing asset with a long-term lease, but earnings are currently being impacted by the pandemic.
  • Long-term growth in international tourism and domestic travel is expected post-Covid.
  • Prior to the pandemic, SYD delivered a consistent and growing dividend stream, which is expected to continue post-Covid.
  • New development initiatives (expand capacity & improve passenger experience).
  • Exposure to a falling dollar (cheaper to visit Australia).
  • Earnings can be increased by diversifying into hotels.
  • Potential new markets, such as India and new emerging markets, could drive growth.

Key Risks

The following are the key challenges to the investment thesis:

Bond yields (viewed as a bond proxy, rising bond yields will have a negative impact on SYD’s valuation)

  • A decline in Australian tourism.
  • A global disaster that reduces international travel.
  • Distribution growth, or lack thereof, disappoints.
  • Cost constraints / operational disruptions
  • International airlines are lowering their exposure to Australia.
  • Long-term competition from Western Sydney Airport.

Highlights of key FY21 results

  • Revenue of $341.6 million was -33.2 percent lower than the pcp. SYD had 6.0 million passengers, a -36.4 percent decrease, with domestic and global passenger numbers down by 91.0 percent and -3.1 percent, respectively.
  • Operating expenses were $74.2 million lower, a -7.8 percent decrease.
  • EBITDA was down -29.8 percent to $210.8 million.
  • SYD revealed a $97.4 million loss after income taxes. In terms of Covid-19 impacts, SYD recognised abatements and expected credit loss in the form of $77.0 million in rental abatements and $24.5 million in doubtful debt provision, and government assistance of $2.6 million in JobKeeper payments was recognised as an offset to employee benefits expense up to March 2021.
  • As of 30 June, SYD had a strong balance sheet with $2.9 billion in liquidity ($0.5 billion in available cash and $2.4 billion in undrawn bank debt facilities). On the conference call, management stated that SYD “continues to expect to remain compliant with its covenant requirements.” SYD’s credit rating remained unchanged, at BBB+/Baa1 by S&P/ Moody’s, with a negative outlook. Net debt fell to $7.5 billion from $9.1 billion in the first half of the year, with a cashflow cover ratio of 2.0x (down from 2.4x in the first half of the year) and a nett debt/EBITDA ratio of 14.0x (versus 9.3x at 1H20).

Company Description 

Sydney Airport (SYD) operates the Sydney International Airport (Kingsford Smith). The company develops and maintains the airport infrastructure and leases terminal space to airlines and retailers. The ASX listed stock consists of Sydney Airport Limited (SAL) and Sydney Airport Trust (SAT1). Shares and units in the Group are stapled.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

IRE has agreed to grant EQT for exclusive due diligence

Investment Thesis
Since 24th February 2021 IRESS’s share price appreciated and traded on less attractive trading multiples and valuations.
No Doubt in quality of IRE’s quality with strong Team Management and its upside trade captured share price and trading multiples and hence its trading range bound.
Growing superannuation/pension resources bodes well for IRE’s clients, which bodes well for IRE’s product demand.
Financial market participants in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa used use product of IRE widely. In the ANZ Wealth Management market for example, the expanding dynamic of practise self-licensing, strong client retention and increased demand for integrated solutions are major revenue drivers. More than 90% of revenue is recurring.
Strong momentum in ANZ Wealth Management’s core growth markets, including as South Africa and the United Kingdom.
The introduction of a new product provides prospects for expansion.
A strong financial position and a qualified management team.

Key Risks
Subscriptions are down due to dwindling demand from the sell-side and buy-side, as well as financial planners.
Competitive platforms/offers (new disruptive technology); competition’s better features and innovation.
Risks associated with the system, technology, and software.
Clients and their requirements are being impacted by regulatory and structural developments in the financial sector.
Deterioration in the equity and debt markets, which could have an adverse effect on terminal demand.
The company’s Canadian sector continues to deteriorate.

Key Highlight 2020

IRESS’s Revenue was up +1 to $298.7 million on a pro forma basis, as recurring sales now accounts for 90% of overall revenue.
IRESS’s Pro forma segment profit of $77.2 million and pro forma EPS of 14.2 cents were up 3% and 6%, respectively, and were in line with full-year guidance; driven by growth in Trading and Market Data, a full-year contribution from OneVue, and good progress with new client implementations across Super, Private Wealth, and in the UK, offset by expected revenue declines in the Australian financial services sector.
The cash conversion rate was 90%. (improved from 86 percent in FY20). The Pro forma ROIC was kept at 9% by IRE.
IRESS Board Declared Interim Dividend at 16cps, 80% franked.

Company Profile

Iress is an Australian financial software provider that specialises in the financial markets and wealth management sectors. Its mature financial markets business comprises around 25% of group EBITDA and has dominated the Australian market for around 20 years because of its leading order management platform. The wealth management software business comprises around a third of group EBITDA, and is the main contributor of group earnings growth, with superannuation and enterprise lending software comprising the remainder.

(Source: Morningstar)
General Advice Warning
Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

IRE has agreed to grant EQT for exclusive due diligence

fintech icon on abstract financial technology background represent Blockchain and Fintech Investment Financial Internet Technology Concept.

Investment Thesis 

  • Since 24th February 2021 IRESS’s share price appreciated and traded on less attractive trading multiples and valuations.
  • No Doubt in quality of IRE’s quality with strong Team Management and its upside trade captured share price and trading multiples and hence its trading range bound.
  • Growing superannuation/pension resources bodes well for IRE’s clients, which bodes well for IRE’s product demand.
  • Financial market participants in Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa used use product of IRE widely. In the ANZ Wealth Management market for example, the expanding dynamic of practise self-licensing, strong client retention and increased demand for integrated solutions are major revenue drivers. More than 90% of revenue is recurring.
  • Strong momentum in ANZ Wealth Management’s core growth markets, including as South Africa and the United Kingdom.
  • The introduction of a new product provides prospects for expansion.
  • A strong financial position and a qualified management team.

Key Risks 

  • Subscriptions are down due to dwindling demand from the sell-side and buy-side, as well as financial planners.
  • Competitive platforms/offers (new disruptive technology); competition’s better features and innovation.
  • Risks associated with the system, technology, and software.
  • Clients and their requirements are being impacted by regulatory and structural developments in the financial sector.
  • Deterioration in the equity and debt markets, which could have an adverse effect on terminal demand.
  • The company’s Canadian sector continues to deteriorate.

Key Highlight 2020

  • IRESS’s Revenue was up +1 to $298.7 million on a pro forma basis, as recurring sales now accounts for 90% of overall revenue.
  • IRESS’s Pro forma segment profit of $77.2 million and pro forma EPS of 14.2 cents were up 3% and 6%, respectively, and were in line with full-year guidance; driven by growth in Trading and Market Data, a full-year contribution from OneVue, and good progress with new client implementations across Super, Private Wealth, and in the UK, offset by expected revenue declines in the Australian financial services sector.
  • The cash conversion rate was 90%. (improved from 86 percent in FY20). The Pro forma ROIC was kept at 9% by IRE.
  • IRESS Board Declared Interim Dividend at 16cps, 80% franked.

Company Profile 

Iress is an Australian financial software provider that specialises in the financial markets and wealth management sectors. Its mature financial markets business comprises around 25% of group EBITDA and has dominated the Australian market for around 20 years because of its leading order management platform. The wealth management software business comprises around a third of group EBITDA, and is the main contributor of group earnings growth, with superannuation and enterprise lending software comprising the remainder.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Technology Stocks

Sabre Files for Potential Equity Offerings; Shares Cheap

20025825 - closeup image of businessman drawing 3d graphics

sending shares down 8%. In our view, Sabre has enough liquidity in a zero-demand environment for around a year, and probably at least two years at second-quarter 2021 demand levels. This stance is buoyed by Sabre last communicating a monthly cash burn figure of $80 million in a zero-demand environment during its earnings call on 6th Nov 2020. Since then, management said on its Feb. 16, 2021, earnings call that it expected cash burn to improve throughout 2021. On the Aug. 3, 2021, call management said cash burn improved sequentially and that Sabre had $1.1 billion in cash on the balance sheet, with no debt maturing until 2024 and no significant uses for cash in the near term. 

Sabre expects to reach free cash flow break-even levels when its air volumes reach 56%-67% of 2019 levels. Sabre’s total air bookings recovered to 51% of 2019 levels in June, up from 38% in May and 24% in its first quarter. U.S. hotel industry revenue per available room has not weakened through mid-August, and even during 2020 case surges U.S. travel demand only paused for a few weeks before continuing an improving trend, illuminating the desire to travel. Still, after holding at around 80% of 2019 levels through mid-August, U.S. air volumes have averaged around 74% for days 16-19 of the month.

And importantly for Sabre, it is a later cycle recovery play tied to corporate travel improving, which is being delayed by pushouts of return to office. We are monitoring any potential impact to demand from the delta variant of the coronavirus. We currently estimate that Sabre’s second-half 2021 air bookings will reach 54% of 2019 levels, a small improvement from June levels. While share price action may remain volatile, we still see investors greatly discounting Sabre’s narrow moat, with shares trading well below our $16.20 fair value estimate.

Company Profile 

Sabre holds the number-two share of global distribution system air bookings (40.9% as of the end of 2020 versus 38.8% in 2019). The travel solutions segment represented 88% of total 2020 revenue, which was split evenly between distribution and airline IT solutions revenue. The company also has a growing hotel IT solutions division (12% of revenue). Transaction fees, which are tied to volume and not price, account for the bulk of revenue and profits.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Shares Technology Stocks

Palo Alto’s Product Demand Accelerates in Q4 As Next-Gen Security Soars

Male gamer in headphones holds joystick and playing videogame on console or desktop PC, gaming lifestyle, cybersport. Computer games player in his room with neon light, streamer

its next-generation firewall appliance altering the requirements of this essential piece of networking security. The firm’s portfolio has expanded outside of network security into areas such as cloud protection and automated response. The complexity of an entity’s threat management increases as the quantity of data and traffic being generated off-premises grows. Security point solutions were traditionally purchased to combat the latest threats, and IT teams had to manage various vendors’ products simultaneously, which leads us to believe that IT teams are clamoring for security consolidation to manage disparate solutions. Core to Palo Alto’s technology is its security operating platform, which provides centralized security management. Palo Alto’s concerted efforts into machine learning, analytics, and automated responses could make its products indispensable within customer networks.

Financial Strength 

Palo Alto ended fiscal 2021 with $2.9 billion in cash and cash equivalents and total debt of $3.2 billion in 2023 and 2025 convertible senior notes. The $1.7 billion 2023 notes mature in June 2023 and have a 0.75% fixed interest rate per year paid semiannually, while the $2.0 billion of notes that mature June 2025 have a 0.375% interest rate paid semiannually. The company announced a $1.0 billion share-repurchase authorization in February 2019, which was increased to $1.7 billion the following year with an expiration at the end of 2021, and has subsequently extended the program.

Our fair value estimate for narrow-moat Palo Alto Networks to $440 per share from $400 after its fourth quarter earnings bolstered our confidence in its long-term opportunity within the cybersecurity market. Shares are modestly undervalued, in our view, even after jumping more than 10% following the strong results in the fourth quarter. Palo Alto breezed by our lofty expectations, and previous guidance, for the fourth quarter, with 28% year-over-year revenue growth and adjusted earnings of $1.60. Billings grew by 34% year over year, and remaining performance obligations, or RPO, increased by 36% year over year to $5.9 billion. 

Subscriptions and support increased by more than 36% while product revenue accelerated to 11% growth, both year over year. Its core firewall offerings continue to outpace the market, with 26% year-over-year billings growth and software-based versions represented 47% of firewall billings in the quarter. Next-gen security billings increased by 71% year over year, and now represent 33% of total billings, as the demand for cloud security and automation ramps up in the industry. Next-gen ARR increased by 81% year over year to $1.2 billion. 

Bulls Say’s 

  • Adding on modules to Palo Alto’s security platform could win greenfield opportunities and increase spending from existing customers.
  • Palo Alto could showcase great operating margin leverage as it moves from brand creation into a perennial cybersecurity leader. Winning bids should be less costly as the incumbent, and we think Palo Alto is typically on the short list of potential vendors.
  • The company is segueing into high-growth areas to supplement its firewall leadership. Analytics and machine learning capabilities could separate Palo Alto’s offerings.

Company Profile 

Palo Alto Networks is a pure-play cybersecurity vendor that sells security appliances, subscriptions, and support into enterprises, government entities, and service providers. The company’s product portfolio includes firewall appliances, virtual firewalls, endpoint protection, cloud security, and cybersecurity analytics. The Santa Clara, California, firm was established in 2005 and sells its products worldwide.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Global stocks Shares

SYD’s share price up by 41.5% over the past year

Investment Thesis:

  • Currently share price is supported by recent takeover offers which have been rejected.
  • Earnings affected by the pandemic; Attractive asset with long-dated lease – Sydney International Airport.
  • Long-term growth is anticipated in international and domestic travel.
  • Solid and high growing dividend stream was offered by SYD before Covid, which is expected to repeat post Covid recovery.
  • Development of new projects (expansion of capacity & improvement of passenger experience). 
  • Leveraged due to a falling dollar (cheaper to visit Australia). 
  • Diversification into hotels for earnings.
  • New markets to drive business growth e.g. India, new emerging markets

Key Risks:

  • Bond rates (which is seen as a bond proxy and rising bonds yields would negatively affect SYD’s valuation) 
  • Slowdown in Australian travel and tourism. 
  • Universal calamity which might lead to downsizing of international travel.
  • Disappointment created by growth distribution and its absence.  
  • Disruptions caused due to cost pressure and operations.
  • Less exposure to Australia by International Airlines. 
  • Long-term competition majorly from Western Sydney Airport. 

Key Highlights:

  • SYD’s share price is $7.70 (+41.5% in comparison to past year); however cannot surpass the price which was at the beginning of pandemic i.e. $8.41.
  • Revenue of $341.6m indicated a sharp decline of -33.2%. The decrease in the rate of passengers of SYD was -36.4%.
  • SYD retained a financially healthy balance sheet with $2.9bn of liquidity as at 30 June.
  • EBITDA of $210.8m was down by -29.8%.
  • Revenue of Aeronautical constitutes 36% amounting to $110.82m, declined -36% or -27.0% on an adjusted basis on lower passenger volumes, down -36.4%.
  • Revenue of Retail (28% of the total revenue) amounts to $87.4m (or $27.5m when adjusted for rental abatements and doubtful debts) declined -40.6% (or -73.4% on an adjusted basis). 
  • Revenue of Property and car rental (27% revenue by segment) of $84.6m (or $83.5m when adjusted for rental abatements and doubtful debts), was down -22.3% (or up +1.1% on an adjusted basis).
  • Revenue of Car parking and ground transport consists of 9% amounting to $28.7m (or $27.8m when adjusted for rental abatements and doubtful debts), which was down -24.7%.

Company Profile:

Sydney Airport Holdings is a publicly–listed Australian holding company which owns a 100% interest in Kingsford Smith Airport via Sydney Airport Corporation. The company is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and has its head office located in Sydney, New South Wales. The principal activity of the Company is investment in airport assets. The Company’s investment policy is to invest funds in accordance with the provisions of the governing documents of the individual entities within the Company. The Company consists of Sydney Airport Limited (SAL) and Sydney Airport Trust 1 (SAT1). The Trust Company (Sydney Airport) Limited (TCSAL) is the responsible entity of SAT1.

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Commodities Trading Ideas & Charts

Ampol in Proposed Merger With Z Energy

Annual refining capacity fell by half to 6.0 billion litres, about one third of company marketed volumes, when Kurnell closed. Kurnell refinery was shut in 2014 because of operational issues and unfavourable demand for the product mix. It was built to produce petrol, but the market has moved increasingly to diesel with advancing engine technology. Strong growth in transport fuels reflects favourable market attributes. Pandemics notwithstanding, volumes in the Australian liquid fuels market grow at close to growth rates in gross domestic product, with solid increases in diesel and jet fuel consumption offsetting a slow decline in petrol.

Ampol’s extensive network and comprehensive product offerings provide some competitive advantage. The closure of refining sees Ampol’s business rest largely on fuel distribution. In this space, it wrestles with expert competition in BP, Shell, and Mobil. Potential long-term threats include substitution of diesel for alternative fuels such as liquid natural gas, or LNG, and electricity. In the case of LNG in particular, Ampol is likely to participate in any shift via its logistics network and filling stations. Ampol maintains a market-leading 35% share of all transport fuels sold. Ampol substantially rests on its competitive supply chain now that Kurnell has been converted into an import terminal.

Financial Strength 

Ampol is proposing an NZD 3.78 per share cash offer for Z Energy via scheme of arrangement. Ampol intends to fund the acquisition in accordance with its existing capital allocation framework, including an adjusted net debt/EBITDA target of 2.0-2.5 times. It says it will use new debt facilities, proceeds from any divestments, and an equity issuance in the order of AUD 600 million. Ampol may have to sell-down some NZ assets to meet NZ competition guidelines. This could include its Gull network.Z had NZD 608 million net debt at end March 2021, net debt/EBITDA of 2.67 quite high versus Ampol’s AUD 735 million at end June 2021, but this in the context of a low growth company focused on yield. Ampol’s standalone leverage is conservative at 18.6% and annualised first half net debt/EBITDA is just 0.8.

Our fair value estimate for Ampol by 9% to AUD 31.00. The increase is in accord with the terms of a proposed merger and our prior stand-alone fair value estimates. Merger and acquisition activity continues at a frenetic pace in the Australasian fossil fuel space, coronavirus fragility and carbon concerns marking some as prey. The latest is apparently the fourth in a series of nonbinding offers from Ampol, including at NZD 3.35, NZD 3.50 and NZD 3.60 along the way. And there is logic to a merger– Ampol and Z have very similar business models. 

Z Energy’s board wouldn’t have opened the books if the chance of a deal proceeding was low. At NZD 3.78 Ampol will be getting Z Energy at a material 33% discount to our NZD 5.60 standalone fair value. This accounts for the 9% Ampol fair value uplift. On a stand-alone basis, our AUD 28.50 stand-alone fair value estimate for Ampol is unchanged. Ampol intends to fund the acquisition in accordance with its existing capital allocation framework, including an adjusted net debt/EBITDA target of 2.0-2.5 times. It says it will use new debt facilities, proceeds from any divestments, and an equity issuance in the order of AUD 600 million.

Bulls Say’s

  • Group returns on invested capital improved materially with the closure of the high-cost Kurnell refinery and the
  • modernisation of Lytton refinery. Quarantining of refinery losses and redirection of free cash flow to marketing and distribution drove the improvement.
  • Dismantled refining leaves Ampol reliant on third parties for two thirds of its fuel requirement and removes an inbuilt hedge, albeit an unprofitable one in some prior years.
  • Ampol wrestles with formidable competition in BP, Shell, and Mobil in the distribution and retail sector.

Company Profile 

Ampol (nee Caltex) is the largest and only Australian-listed petroleum refiner and distributor, with operations in all states and territories. It was a major international brand of Chevron’s until that 50% owner sold out in 2015. Caltex transitioned to Ampol branding due to Chevron terminating its licence to use the Caltex brand in Australia. Ampol has operated for more than 100 years. It owns and operates a refinery at Lytton in Brisbane, but closed Sydney’s Kurnell refinery to focus on the more profitable distribution/retail segment.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning

Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.

Categories
Commodities Trading Ideas & Charts

Vipers updated Fair Value Estimate increased to $21

and the announced Swallowtail acquisition, the fair value estimate of the company increased to $21 per unit while maintaining its narrow moat rating. With second-quarter results, Viper boosted its 2021 production guidance by 2% at the midpoint to just over 26,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, mainly due to higher activity levels from third-party private operators versus public operators such as Diamondback.

After essentially halting acreage acquisitions in May 2020, Viper has returned to the M&A market with a large transaction. The deal is a $500 million cash and stock (55% stock, 45% cash) purchase of 2,302 net royalty acres in the Midland basin from Swallowtail Royalties, a private mineral rights firm where its acreage deals are financed by Blackstone funds. The price on a per acre basis is at over $200,000 per acre, roughly 80% higher than historical pricing and 40% higher than its last significant deal activity in May 2020.

Despite the high per-acre price, Viper has advantages, as 65% of the acres are operated by Diamondback with a net royalty rate of 3.6%. The value of the deal is demonstrated by the fact that Viper was able to offer a clear long-term growth trajectory for its Diamondback acres, substantially reducing uncertainty around future cash flows, but it wasn’t able to do the same for its non-Diamondback acres.

Company’s Future Outlook

The deal is expected to be completed by the early fourth quarter, and expected post-deal leverage will be about 2 times, which is considered reasonable. The Diamondback development plan is essentially minimal production today to 1,000 barrels of oil per day (bo/d) in 2022 to over 5000 bo/d by 2024. It is expected that this path to generate a solid amount of value for Viper.

Company Profile
Viper Energy Partners was formed by Diamondback Energy in 2014 to own mineral royalty interests in the Permian Basin. It is publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed by Diamondback to own and acquire mineral and royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily in the Permian Basin. Since May 10, 2018, the company has been treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. At the end of 2020, Viper owns 24350 net royalty acres that produced 26551 boe/d. Proved reserves are mostly oil, and at the end of 2019 stand at 99392 mboe.

(Source: Morningstar)

General Advice Warning
Any advice/ information provided is general in nature only and does not take into account the personal financial situation, objectives or needs of any particular person.