Opinion Independent Reports Analyst: Copper Explorer Is Prime Takeout...

Analyst: Copper Explorer Is Prime Takeout Target

Streetwise Reports, Streetwise Reports

0 Comments| March 25, 2019

A Fundamental Research Corp. report explained the reasons why.

In a March 15 research note, Fundamental Research Corp. analyst Siddharth Rajeev wrote that Quaterra Resources Inc.'s (QTA:TSX.V; QTRRF:OTCQX) "low valuation metrics make it an acquisition target."

Rajeev provided evidence that Quaterra is undervalued.

Despite owning 6,700 acre-feet per year of water rights in Yerington, Nev., worth about $20 million based on its recent sale of the same for $6.02 million, the company's current enterprise value (EV) is only $9 million. This EV translates to $0.003 per pound of copper, more than eight times lower than that of its peers' average of $0.026 per pound.

Quaterra has $4.5 million in cash along with an estimated 14.86 million options and 19 million warrants. "Approximately 9.67 million options are currently in the money, indicating that the company can raise up to $0.68 million if all these options are exercised," indicated Rajeev.

Fundamental assigns Quaterra a fair share value of CA$0.49 per share. The mining company is currently trading at around CA$0.11.

Rajeev reviewed what makes Quaterra attractive to potential acquirers.

The company owns the MacArthur and Yerington projects along with an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Bear copper project, all in Nevada, and an agreement in place to acquire 90% of the Groundhog project in Alaska.

At its Nevada assets, Quaterra already has a documented copper resource. It stands at 1.48 billion pounds (1.48 Blb) in the Measured and Indicated category and 24.6 Blb in the Inferred. The historical resource there is 4 Blb copper.

Quaterra is advancing MacArthur, having started work on a prefeasibility study on the oxide part, which is expected to be completed in 2020.

At Groundhog, exploration will continue, with more geophysics and drilling to assess the potential for porphyry-style copper mineralization there. For Quaterra's earn in to the asset, it must pay $5 million to the owner-operator Chuchuna Minerals Co. for exploration over five years and $3 million afterward.

External activity taking place close to Quaterra increases "the probability of consolidation in the area," Rajeev commented. For one, neighboring Mason Resources was recently acquired by HudBay Minerals for CA$31 million. Nevada Copper's Pumpkin Hollow project, 3 kilometers away from Quaterra, is slated to start production in Q4/19.

Rajeev added that South32's recent acquisition of Arizona Mining also "supports our outlook." The all-cash deal for the company that owned the advanced-stage Hermosa zinc project in Arizona was $1.6 billion, representing a 50% premium.

Fundamental Research has a Buy rating on Quaterra.

Read what other experts are saying about:

Quaterra Resources Inc.

Disclosure:
1) Doresa Banning compiled this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. She or members of her household own securities of the following companies mentioned in the article: None. She or members of her household are paid by the following companies mentioned in this article: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in this article are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Quaterra Resources. Click here for important disclosures about sponsor fees. As of the date of this article, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports has a consulting relationship with Quaterra Resources. Please click here for more information.
3) Comments and opinions expressed are those of the specific experts and not of Streetwise Reports or its officers. The information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.
4) The article does not constitute investment advice. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her individual financial professional and any action a reader takes as a result of information presented here is his or her own responsibility. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. This article is not a solicitation for investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company mentioned on Streetwise Reports.
5) From time to time, Streetwise Reports LLC and its directors, officers, employees or members of their families, as well as persons interviewed for articles and interviews on the site, may have a long or short position in securities mentioned. Directors, officers, employees or members of their immediate families are prohibited from making purchases and/or sales of those securities in the open market or otherwise from the time of the interview or the decision to write an article until three business days after the publication of the interview or article. The foregoing prohibition does not apply to articles that in substance only restate previously published company releases. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Quaterra Resources, a company mentioned in this article.

Disclosures from Fundamental Research Corp., Quaterra Resources Inc., March 15, 2019

The opinions expressed in this report are the true opinions of the analyst(s) about any companies and industries mentioned. FRC and the Analyst do not own shares of the subject company. Fees were paid by QTA to FRC. The purpose of the fee is to subsidize the high costs of research and monitoring. FRC takes steps to ensure independence including setting fees in advance and utilizing analysts who must abide by CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Additionally, analysts may not trade in any security under coverage. Our full editorial control of all research, timing of release of the reports, and release of liability for negative reports are protected contractually. To further ensure independence, QTA has agreed to a minimum coverage term including an initial report and three updates. Coverage cannot be unilaterally terminated.

Tags:

INDUSTRIAL METALS & MINERALS