Market's view on Ithaca Energy
Published on April 2024
- Some stock watchers consider the dividend offerings attractive, suggesting that they may be intended to encourage small shareholder purchases due to listing requirements that stipulate a minimum public shareholding.
- Concerns are raised about the unusual ownership structure of a company where major stakeholders like Delek and ENI hold significant shares, questioning the strategic necessity of minor shareholders in this context.
- It’s noted that the company plans to sustain substantial dividends, potentially aiming for up to $500 million annually in the coming years, despite a decrease in the dividend received by original shareholders due to new equity distributions.
- Dividend expectations among stock watchers vary, with some predicting around 20p per share based on current financial trajectories and announcements.
- The strategic combination of Ithaca Energy with Eni’s UK upstream assets is highlighted, which aims to strengthen the company’s position in the UK Continental Shelf and enhance its production and growth capabilities.
- A detailed merger plan is outlined, showing benefits such as long-term growth potential, enhanced cash flow, operational synergies, and substantial dividend payments, reinforcing the company’s financial and strategic positioning.
- Discussions about share price and dividend viability suggest some skepticism, with hints that either the company is undervalued, or future dividend cuts might be necessary.
- The implications of high taxation on operations are debated, with comparisons drawn to other regions like Norway where similar tax rates are prevalent.
- The timing of stock purchases and the impact of trading without dividend entitlement are also briefly mentioned.