JPMorgan raises Talos Energy stock target to $13 on drilling success

Published 23/01/2025, 12:06
JPMorgan raises Talos Energy stock target to $13 on drilling success

The company's long-term prospects are seen as largely hinging on the outcomes of its drilling campaign. On January 15, Talos announced successful drilling at its Katmai West #2 well, which was completed significantly under budget and ahead of schedule. With a robust gross profit margin of 70.1% and revenue growth of 32.5% in the last twelve months according to InvestingPro, Talos demonstrates strong operational efficiency. Discover comprehensive analysis and valuation metrics in the exclusive Pro Research Report, available for TALO and 1,400+ other US stocks. With a robust gross profit margin of 70.1% and revenue growth of 32.5% in the last twelve months according to InvestingPro, Talos demonstrates strong operational efficiency. Discover comprehensive analysis and valuation metrics in the exclusive Pro Research Report, available for TALO and 1,400+ other US stocks.

The company's long-term prospects are seen as largely hinging on the outcomes of its drilling campaign. On January 15, Talos announced successful drilling at its Katmai West #2 well, which was completed significantly under budget and ahead of schedule. With a robust gross profit margin of 70.1% and revenue growth of 32.5% in the last twelve months according to InvestingPro, Talos demonstrates strong operational efficiency. Discover comprehensive analysis and valuation metrics in the exclusive Pro Research Report, available for TALO and 1,400+ other US stocks. Oil production is anticipated to remain steady at 68.0 thousand barrels of oil per day (MBo/d), with total production close to Street estimates at 97.8 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day (MBoe/d). For the full year 2024, Talos is expected to achieve an average production volume of 92.3 MBoe/d, aligning with the midpoint of its guidance range.

The company's capital expenditure for the fourth quarter is estimated at $185 million, slightly above the Street's expectation of $180 million, which includes an increased plug and abandonment (P&A) expense. Talos's full-year P&A spending is now forecasted to be around $111 million, surpassing the company's guidance. In terms of commodity pricing, Jayaram's model sets the fourth-quarter oil price realization at $69.27 per barrel, with natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) price realizations at $2.59 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) and $18.24 per barrel, respectively.

Talos Energy (NYSE:TALO) is anticipated to generate $88 million in free cash flow (FCF) for the quarter, which is likely to be directed towards repaying the remaining $125 million on its revolving credit facility, aiming to meet the year-end 2024 debt target of $1,250 million. This repayment strategy is expected to pave the way for increased cash returns to shareholders through buybacks in 2025.

The company's long-term prospects are seen as largely hinging on the outcomes of its drilling campaign. On January 15, Talos announced successful drilling at its Katmai West #2 well, which was completed significantly under budget and ahead of schedule. The well's deliverability matches pre-drill estimates, and the proved estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) for Katmai West is now around 50 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBoe) gross. First production from this well is anticipated in late second-quarter 2025.

Investor attention is also expected to turn to the Daenerys exploration well, where drilling is set to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Talos, as the operator with a 27% working interest, could announce results from this exploration around mid-year.

Amidst these developments, Talos Energy is undergoing a leadership transition. Following the resignation of interim President and CEO Joseph Mills on January 6, the company is nearing the announcement of a new permanent CEO, expected before the end of the first quarter of 2025. The management transition is not related to any operational or accounting issues, and a strong candidate has been identified for the role.

In other recent news, Talos Energy has made significant strides in its operations and financial health. The company reported a substantial oil and natural gas discovery at the Katmai West #2 well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. This find has nearly doubled the Proved estimated ultimate recovery of the field, supporting Talos's projected total resource potential for the area. Production from the well is expected to commence in the late second quarter of 2025.

On the financial front, Talos Energy and its subsidiaries have agreed to reduce their borrowing base to $925 million, a strategic move that reflects proactive management of their capital structure and liquidity. The company also reported robust third-quarter results for 2024, with record production and an EBITDA of $324 million.

Analyst firms have provided their insights on these developments. JPMorgan initiated a neutral rating on Talos Energy, citing a conservative view on oil market fundamentals and uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a permanent CEO. KeyBanc reiterated an overweight rating with a steady price target of $16.00, while Citi maintained a buy rating, raising the price target to $14.50. Both Citi and KeyBanc anticipate lower growth but increased free cash flow and flexibility in the second half of 2025's activities. These are the recent developments in Talos Energy's financial and operational evolution.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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