Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas (CVE:EOG) is a junior E&P with licences in highly prospective offshore acreage in Guyana and Namibia. The prize catch on offer lies in the potential of ECO’s 40% working interest in the 1,800km Orinduik Block in Guyana, which is firmed up by ExxonMobil’s (XOM US) world class Liza and Payara discoveries on the adjacent block where recoverable resources are estimated to be up to 1.4Bboe.
In light of these significant discoveries being just a few kilometres updip of Liza, ECO and its partner Tullow Oil (TLW LN) have agreed to enhance the work programme in Guyana with TLW carrying ECO for US$1.25m on the 3D seismic survey. This will refine the targets already identified from the existing 2D seismic, which TLW estimates contain prospective resources of 900mmboe, as well as scoping out new leads. ECO is also unique in that it is currently the only AIM listed oil and gas company with exposure to Guyana.
AIM Listing Raises £5m
As part of its AIM listing ECO has raised £5.09m which will be used to advance ECO’s current work programmes including enhancing the 3D seismic data programme on the Orinduik Block, funding the acquisition of new licences as well as providing general working capital.
Carried For One Well in Namibia
In Namibia ECO has working interests across four blocks with multiple leads and is again partnered by TLW and AziNam amongst others. Whilst in Namibia, ECO is contingently carried by TLW for the full costs of one exploration well on its Cooper Block. TLW and its partners are also due to be drilling on the adjacent PEL 37, once a drillable prospect is identified, which will provide read across for ECO as well as providing a catalyst for exploration in the region.
Recommendation and Target Price
We initiate coverage on ECO with a BUY recommendation and 25p 12 month target price, representing a 41% upside on the current share price. This is in line with our risked NAV using 12% WACC and a US$60/bbl flat long-term oil price.