Re: opinions please
STO is on track to achieve its FY06 production guidance of 60 to 61mmboe. Despite this, we had assumed a higher relative contribution from liquids in 3Q06. This results in a lower than expected average achieved price overall and our FY06 earnings forecast declines 5% to 134.8cps. Our FY07 forecast is little changed, nor our $12.65ps valuation. Long term assumptions remain US$60/bbl oil, A$/US$ exchange rate of 0.76 and a 10% discount rate. Substituting US$50/bbl oil decreases our valuation 23% to $9.95.
Our Buy recommendation is retained and reflects an expectation of a long run annual return of 13%, above the 10% minimum required for a positive bias. Key risks remain commodity prices, cost pressures and comparatively short reserve life. The previously discussed Banjar Panji mud flow in Indonesia may negatively impact to an extent. Potential is for aggressive exploration strategies, in particular LNG targets in the Timor/Bonaparte region, to deliver a much needed cornerstone replacement asset for the mature Cooper Basin. Until they do STO will remain the poor cousin of Woodside.