10-Q: Tamboran Resources Reports Increased Losses Amidst Beetaloo Basin Development

Sentiment:

Quarterly Report


Tamboran Resources Corporation reports a net loss of $15.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024, as it continues to invest in exploration and development activities in the Beetaloo Basin.

Capital raiseThe company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on obtaining additional capital to fund ongoing exploration, appraisal, and development projects.The company may require significant additional funds earlier than currently expected in order to execute its strategy as planned.The company has secured a performance bond facility agreement with Macquarie Bank Limited, with potential for additional facilities subject to raising further capital in the amounts of at least A $62,500,000 and A $75,000,000, respectively.
Worse than expectedThe company reported increased net losses compared to the same period last year, indicating a worsening financial performance.

Summary

  • Tamboran Resources Corporation reported a net loss of $15.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, and a net loss of $22.3 million for the six months ended December 31, 2024.
  • These losses are primarily attributed to ongoing exploration and development expenses, including LNG feasibility study expenses of $3.2 million and a checkerboard fee expense of $6.0 million.
  • The company's cash and cash equivalents decreased to $59.4 million as of December 31, 2024, from $74.7 million on June 30, 2024.
  • The company is focused on developing its natural gas assets in the Beetaloo Basin, with significant capital commitments for exploration and development activities.
  • Tamboran has secured a performance bond facility agreement with Macquarie Bank Limited for A$25 million, with potential for additional facilities subject to raising further capital.
  • The company is subject to legal proceedings, including a merits review and an injunction application related to its Shenandoah South Pilot Project.

Sentiment

Score: 4

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly negative due to the increased losses and dependence on future capital raises, offset by progress in development activities and securing financing.

Positives

  • Tamboran secured a performance bond facility agreement with Macquarie Bank Limited for A$25 million, providing financial flexibility.
  • The company received $6.2 million in R&D tax credits.
  • The company successfully sold rig 403 for $8.5 million.
  • A renewal application for EP 136 was approved in July 2024, granting a five-year extension.

Negatives

  • Tamboran Resources reported a net loss of $15.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2024.
  • The company's cash and cash equivalents decreased to $59.4 million as of December 31, 2024.
  • The company incurred $3.2 million in LNG feasibility study expenses and $6.0 million in checkerboard fee expenses.
  • The company is facing legal challenges related to its Shenandoah South Pilot Project.
  • The company recognized a foreign currency translation loss of $29.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

Risks

  • The company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on obtaining additional capital.
  • The company is subject to legal proceedings that could impact its operations.
  • The company faces risks associated with exploration and development activities, including drilling failures and environmental risks.
  • The company's strategy relies on constructing additional pipeline capacity, which may not be secured.
  • The company's assets and operations are concentrated in the Beetaloo Basin, making it susceptible to region-specific risks.
  • The company has identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting.

Future Outlook

The company estimates needing to invest approximately $50.0 million for the remainder of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, to progress its development plans and expects existing cash on hand to be sufficient to fund planned fracture stimulation and flow testing of SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H.

Industry Context

Tamboran Resources is focused on developing unconventional gas resources in the Northern Territory of Australia, aiming to support the net-zero CO2 energy transition in Australia and Asia-Pacific. The company's activities are part of a broader effort to develop Australia's natural gas resources for both domestic consumption and export.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • It is difficult to compare Tamboran's results directly to industry standards due to its early stage of development and lack of revenue generation.
  • Comparable companies in the exploration and appraisal phase often exhibit similar financial characteristics, including net losses and significant capital expenditures.
  • Companies like Santos Limited, which operates EP 161, could be considered a benchmark for operational efficiency and project management in the region.
  • However, a true comparison would require a detailed analysis of Tamboran's operational metrics, such as drilling costs, completion rates, and flow rates, against industry averages for unconventional gas development.

Legal Proceedings

  • The Environment Centre Northern Territory (ECNT) lodged an Originating Application in the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (NTCAT) for a merits review of the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Securitys (Ministers) approval of TB1 Operators Shenandoah South Exploration & Appraisal Program EP98 and EP117 Environment Management Plan (Shenandoah EMP) (NTCAT Merits Review).
  • On December 6, 2024, Lock the Gate Alliance Ltd (Lock the Gate) lodged an Originating Application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking an injunction under s475(2) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act), to restrain TB1 Operator from conducting the Shenandoah South Pilot Project and a declaration under s 21 of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) that the Shenandoah South Pilot Project is an action which involves unconventional gas development and is likely to have a significant impact on a water resource within the meaning of ss 24D and 24E of the EPBC Act.

Related Party Transactions

  • The Group transacts with two shareholders identified as related parties, H&P and Mr. Bryan Sheffield (Mr. Sheffield).
  • During the three months ended and the six months ended December 31, 2024 , the Group transacted with DWE, which is wholly owned by Formentera Australia Fund, LP, which is managed by Formentera Partners, LP, a private equity firm of which Mr. Sheffield serves as managing partner.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders: The increased losses and dependence on future capital raises could negatively impact shareholder value.
  • Employees: The company's ability to continue operations and execute its development plans is crucial for job security.
  • Customers: The company's success in developing its natural gas resources could contribute to a stable and reliable energy supply.
  • Suppliers: The company's capital commitments represent potential revenue opportunities for suppliers of goods and services.
  • Creditors: The company's ability to repay its debts is dependent on its success in developing its natural gas resources and generating revenue.

Next Steps

  • The company plans to continue its exploration and appraisal drilling program.
  • The company plans to develop and commercialize its assets, including the SPCF, pipelines, and the proposed NT LNG facility.
  • The company plans to opportunistically invest in additional natural gas assets adjacent to its current positions.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2022-07-01Strategic alliance with H&P and $15,000,000 equity investment from H&P.
2022-09-09Sweetpea Petroleum Pty Ltd entered into a drilling contract with Helmerich & Payne International Holdings LLC.
2022-11-09TB1 completed the acquisition of a 77.5% share of Beetaloo Basin assets, EP 76, EP 98, and EP 117.
2023-07-01Lease commenced with H&P for the use of the FlexRig for a 25-month period.
2023-09Renewal application for EP 136 submitted to the Department of Mining and Energy.
2023-10-01The Group entered into a new lease agreement with Lendlease IMT (OITST ST) Pty Ltd for their office premises in Barangaroo, Australia.
2023-10-15The Group entered into an agreement with a third party to sublease its former office premises in Manly, Australia.
2024-03-04Falcon capped its participation to 5% in the Beetaloo Joint Ventures second Shenandoah South well pad (SS2).
2024-03-21Tamboran B2 Pty Ltd agreed to acquire Falcons interest, increasing TB1 Operators working interest to at least 95% in the wells drilled from the SS2 well pad.
2024-06-03Amended and restated joint venture and shareholders agreement dated June 3, 2024 (the TB1 Joint Venture Agreement).
2024-06-26Form S-1 declared effective by the SEC.
2024-07-04The Environment Centre Northern Territory (ECNT) lodged an Originating Application in the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Appeals Tribunal (NTCAT) for a merits review.
2024-07Renewal application for EP 136 was approved, granting a five -year extension for the period July 24, 2025 to July 23, 2030.
2024-07-30Underwriters exercised the greenshoe option granted to them to purchase additional shares of common stock of the Company.
2024-08-06The Group adopted the 2024 Incentive Award Plan (the 2024 Plan).
2024-08A variation application for EP 143 was submitted to DME.
2024-08-20The TB1 Operator was added as a respondent to the NTCAT Merits Review.
2024-09An application was submitted to DME to vary the year 2 and 3 work program.
2024-10A variation application for EP 143 was approved.
2024-10The Group completed the disposal of rig 403 at a price of $8,500,000.
2024-10The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Tamboran SPCF Pty Ltd (TR SPCF), entered into a Unit Holders and Shareholders Deed with Daly Waters Infrastructure, LP (DWI) for the establishment of a trust to be owned 50% / 50% by the Company and DWI to own the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF).
2024-11Shareholder approval took place at the Annual General Meeting on November 4, 2024 which was determined to be the grant date for the purpose of valuing the common stock.
2024-11An application was submitted to DME in September 2024 to vary the year 2 and 3 work program, and was approved in November 2024.
2024-12-01Tamboran B1 Operator signed a Development Agreement (DA) with APA Group (APA) that defines the conditions under which APA will design and construct the SPP.
2024-12-06Lock the Gate Alliance Ltd (Lock the Gate) lodged an Originating Application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking an injunction.
2024-12-19TR Ltd., as guarantor, entered into the Facility Agreement with TR West, as borrower, each a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as obligors, and Macquarie Bank Limited (Macquarie), as lender.
2025-01Sturt Plateau Compression Facility Sub Trust Pty Ltd as Trustee of the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility Sub Trust executed a contract with Enscope Pty Ltd for an anticipated contract value of up to A $35,300,000 (including 10% contingency).
2025-02-01The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.001, of Tamboran Resources Corporation outstanding as of February 1, 2025 was 14,536,774.
2025-02-12Date these condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

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