Stanmore Resources: Transformational met coal leverage
About the author:
- Author name:
- By Tom Sartor
- Job title:
- Senior Analyst
- Date posted:
- 19 May 2022, 9:00 AM
- Sectors Covered:
- Junior (Emerging) Resources, Bulk Materials
- The acquisition of BMC (80%) transforms Stanmore Resources’ (ASX:SMR) operating scale, improves its risk profile and significantly improves its equity appeal.
- Fortunate timing into unprecedented coal price strength supports a ~12-month payback, rapid de-leveraging and dividend upside potential.
- Smooth BMC integration would also assist SMR to position for other coal sector divestments, delivering further potential value accretion.
- We initiate coverage with an Add rating and a (login to view) target price, noting materially higher capital upside versus peers.
Transformation into a globally significant met coal player
BMC acquisition: BMC lifts SMR’s metallurgical coal production to ~10.7Mtpa (#7 globally), with second-quartile costs driving significant cashflow leverage to good volumes over long mine lives.
Larger established assets bring embedded revenue and cost opportunities and lower portfolio risk. SMR also emerges with a more investible register.
Rapid de-leveraging: We estimate SMR held ~US$680m in net debt on the May 2 handover assuming near fully drawn acquisition facilities (~US$825m gross debt, ~US$145m cash).
Our base case price forecasts support a CY22 EBITDA of ~US$1.4bn at ~60% margins, a 12-month BMC payback (EBITDA basis) and a net cash position in early 2023 including full debt service/ sweeps but pre dividends.
Dividend upside: SMR’s CY22 dividend paying potential does sit behind its peers but improves rapidly post de-gearing. Assuming no M&A and pre dividends, we forecast accumulation of ~US$525m/A$0.82ps of net cash by end CY23 (Bull case: ~US$744m/ A$1.16ps) available for capital management and/or M&A.
Unique growth platform: SMR looks well positioned for further coal divestments via: 1) a strengthening balance sheet; 2) aligned major shareholders (assertive, liquid); and 3) northern Bowen Basin synergies.
Mitsui’s 20% BMC stake and BHP’s 50% stake in Daunia (~4Mtpa met neighbouring Poitrel) are obvious targets offering potential accretion. We note smooth BMC integration would assist in acquiring similar large assets.
SMR is too important to mis-handle: Market unfamiliarity with GEAR (64% of SMR) is a potential impediment. On page 9 we explain our comfort in the alignment of interests between minority shareholders and GEAR, but we do note SMR suits assertive, growth-oriented investors with a higher risk appetite.
Forecast and valuation
Our SMR modelling methodology (from page 5) is consistent with our approach to CRN/ WHC/NHC and we test key comps/sensitivities via four coal price scenarios.
Investment view
We are increasingly of the view that stronger-than-expected met coal pricing will persist through CY22 on solid demand ex-China, coupled with very tight supply and exacerbated by disruption to Russian exports.
The BMC acquisition has timed perfectly against this and provides a strong financial and strategic platform from which to grow, or failing that, release significant dividends.
SMR offers 48-102% upside to our base/bullish NPV scenarios, respectively (Coronado: 25-57%). Our (login to view) target price is set at an 80/20 blend of our base/bullish NPV scenarios to reflect upside risk to our coal price forecasts.
We’re attracted to:
- SMR’s compelling NPV discount;
- Superior upside leverage to higher coal prices;
- Scope for better-than-expected BMC cost-out initiatives;
- Further M&A optionality;
- Dividend upside;
- Ability to fully frank dividends.
Price catalysts
- Rapid familiarisation, de-gearing and recognition of capital/dividend upside.
- Sector asset divestments (possibly 2HCY22).
Risks
- BMC integration, influencing achieved sales and costs.
- Macro-economic sensitivity (global GDP, steel) and ESG forces.
- Register turnover (majority of ~30% free float @ A$1.10ps).
Find out more
Download Full Research Note
If you would like more information, please contact your adviser or nearest Morgans office.
Request a call
Find local branch
Need access to our research?
You are also welcome to start a two-week trial of our online platform, which provides access to detailed market analysis and insights, provided by our award-winning research team.
Create trial account
Disclaimer: The information contained in this report is provided to you by Morgans Financial Limited as general advice only, and is made without consideration of an individual's relevant personal circumstances. Morgans Financial Limited ABN 49 010 669 726, its related bodies corporate, directors and officers, employees, authorised representatives and agents (“Morgans”) do not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising from or in connection with any action taken or not taken on the basis of information contained in this report, or for any errors or omissions contained within. It is recommended that any persons who wish to act upon this report consult with their Morgans investment adviser before doing so.