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Santos Limited (AU:STO)
ASX:STO
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Santos Limited (STO) AI Stock Analysis

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AU

Santos Limited

(Sydney:STO)

Rating:75Outperform
Price Target:
AU$8.50
▲(8.97%Upside)
The stock's overall score is driven by strong technical momentum and fair valuation, despite challenges in financial performance due to declining revenues and cash flow constraints. The lack of earnings call data and corporate events information means the score is primarily influenced by financial performance, technical analysis, and valuation.

Santos Limited (STO) vs. iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA)

Santos Limited Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSantos Limited explores for, develops, produces, transports, and markets hydrocarbons for homes and businesses in Australia and the Asia Pacific. Its five principal assets are located in the Cooper Basin, Queensland and NSW, Papua New Guinea, Northern Australia and Timor-Leste, and Western Australia. The company also holds an asset in Alaska; and engages in the development of carbon capture and storage technologies. In addition, it produces natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, ethane, methane, coal seam gas, liquefied natural gas, shale gas, and condensate, as well as oil. The company's proved plus probable reserves include 1676 million barrels of oil equivalent. Santos Limited was incorporated in 1954 and is headquartered in Adelaide, Australia.
How the Company Makes MoneySantos Limited generates revenue through several key streams. The core of its earnings comes from the sale of natural gas, crude oil, condensate, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The company operates multiple production facilities and pipelines that transport and process these hydrocarbons for distribution. Santos engages in both long-term contracts and spot market sales to maximize its revenue from natural gas and LNG exports. Additionally, strategic partnerships and joint ventures with other energy companies enhance its capabilities and market reach, contributing significantly to its financial performance. The company's focus on operational efficiency and cost management further bolsters its profitability.

Santos Limited Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Santos Limited demonstrates strong profitability with healthy margins and a solid equity base. However, there are challenges with declining revenues and reduced cash flow, which necessitate improvements in revenue growth and cash management.
Income Statement
72
Positive
Santos Limited has shown strong gross profit margins, consistently above 60% in recent years, indicating effective cost management. However, there is a notable decline in total revenue from 2022 to 2024, with a revenue decrease of 8.2% in 2024 compared to 2023. The net profit margin in 2024 is 22.7%, slightly lower than 24% in 2023, showing solid profitability despite revenue challenges. EBIT margin data for 2024 is missing, but EBITDA margins remain healthy. Overall, strong profitability metrics are tempered by declining revenue trends.
Balance Sheet
68
Positive
The company maintains a stable balance sheet with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43 in 2024, reflecting manageable leverage. The equity ratio of 52.4% indicates a strong equity base. However, the return on equity has decreased to 7.9% in 2024 from 9.3% in 2023, suggesting a decline in efficiency at generating profits from equity. The balance sheet remains robust, with consistent asset management, albeit with some pressure on equity returns.
Cash Flow
55
Neutral
Santos Limited experienced a significant decline in free cash flow from 2023 to 2024, dropping by 49.5%, highlighting potential cash flow management challenges. Operating cash flow data is missing for 2024, making it difficult to fully assess cash generation capabilities. Despite this, the company has maintained positive free cash flow, though at reduced levels, suggesting a need for improved cash flow management to support financial stability.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.40B5.89B7.79B4.64B3.39B
Gross Profit3.70B2.22B5.64B1.59B1.76B
EBITDA3.67B3.97B4.97B2.65B941.00M
Net Income1.22B1.42B2.11B476.94M-357.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets29.63B29.76B28.86B31.02B17.66B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.86B2.28B2.46B2.97B1.32B
Total Debt6.69B6.16B5.52B8.02B5.00B
Total Liabilities14.10B14.48B14.01B17.45B10.43B
Stockholders Equity15.54B15.28B14.84B13.57B7.23B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow449.00M889.00M2.15B1.07B1.29B
Operating Cash Flow2.85B3.26B3.86B2.14B1.48B
Investing Cash Flow-2.69B-2.90B-1.67B-76.29M-1.46B
Financing Cash Flow-206.00M-860.00M-3.40B-464.50M246.00M

Santos Limited Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price7.80
Price Trends
50DMA
7.10
Positive
100DMA
6.62
Positive
200DMA
6.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.18
Positive
RSI
71.56
Negative
STOCH
70.37
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For AU:STO, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 7.8 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 7.70, above the 50-day MA of 7.10, and above the 200-day MA of 6.66, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.18 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 71.56 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 70.37 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for AU:STO.

Santos Limited Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (52)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
AUSTO
75
Outperform
$25.05B13.577.94%4.22%-7.99%-12.27%
52
Neutral
C$2.94B-1.05-3.46%5.87%3.01%-47.13%
$2.01B33.032.70%4.21%
$906.04M7.5313.49%5.18%
AUWDS
71
Outperform
AU$45.84B8.4510.07%7.02%0.71%120.95%
AUSTX
45
Neutral
AU$430.03M57.35-4.01%801.92%-985.71%
AUTBN
35
Underperform
AU$379.26M-10.88%56.73%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
AU:STO
Santos Limited
7.80
0.18
2.34%
BEPTF
Beach Energy
0.88
-0.12
-12.00%
KRNGF
Karoon Energy Ltd
1.21
-0.09
-6.92%
AU:STX
Strike Energy Limited
0.16
-0.04
-20.00%
AU:TBN
Tamboran Resources Limited
0.16
-0.02
-11.11%
AU:WDS
Woodside Energy Group
24.40
-2.71
-10.00%

Santos Limited Corporate Events

Santos Limited Reports Strong Q2 2025 Performance and Project Milestones
Jul 17, 2025

Santos Limited reported strong financial and operational performance for the second quarter of 2025, with a free cash flow of approximately $1.1 billion for the first half. The company achieved increased production and sales volumes, maintained an investment-grade credit rating, and made significant progress in its major development projects, including the Barossa and Pikka projects. The Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage project reached a milestone of storing one million tonnes of CO2e, and Santos received recognition for its efforts in energy technology. The company remains focused on disciplined capital management, maintaining a strong balance sheet, and adapting to market dynamics to capture value-accretive opportunities.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited’s Credit Ratings Reaffirmed by Major Agencies
Jul 8, 2025

Santos Limited has had its strong credit position reaffirmed by major credit rating agencies, including Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, and Fitch Ratings. The reaffirmation of investment-grade ratings with stable outlooks highlights Santos’ financial stability, operational efficiency, and strategic management of production costs. These ratings underscore the company’s access to global debt capital markets and its commitment to maintaining a strong financial position while delivering value to shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited Reports Change in Substantial Holder Interests
Jul 3, 2025

Santos Limited has announced a change in the interests of a substantial holder, State Street Global Advisors, impacting the voting power within the company. This change reflects a shift in the distribution of voting shares, which could influence the company’s governance and decision-making processes, potentially affecting stakeholders and market dynamics.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited Enters Acquisition Talks with XRG Consortium
Jun 27, 2025

Santos Limited has entered into a process and exclusivity deed with XRG P.J.S.C., a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, for a potential acquisition of all Santos shares. This agreement grants XRG exclusive due diligence access for six weeks, with provisions for negotiating a binding scheme implementation deed. While the deal could significantly impact Santos’ operations and market positioning, there is no certainty it will proceed.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Advances Barossa LNG Project with FPSO Milestone
Jun 18, 2025

Santos Limited has announced a major milestone with the arrival and successful hookup of the BW Opal FPSO vessel at the Barossa gas field, marking progress towards first gas production in the third quarter of 2025. This development is part of the Barossa LNG project, which has seen an investment of US$3.95 billion and is expected to significantly increase Santos’ production capacity. The project is poised to deliver stable cash flows and enhance shareholder returns, while also contributing to energy security in Asia. Additionally, the company is actively investing in community development through the Barossa Aboriginal Future Fund, supporting local infrastructure and cultural projects in the Northern Territory.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited Receives Acquisition Proposal from XRG Consortium
Jun 15, 2025

Santos Limited has received a non-binding indicative proposal from the XRG Consortium, led by a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to acquire all ordinary shares of Santos at a cash offer price of US$5.76 per share. This proposal represents a significant premium over recent trading prices and is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals. The Santos Board is considering the proposal and intends to recommend it to shareholders, pending agreement on terms and absence of a superior offer.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited’s ‘BBB’ Credit Rating Reaffirmed by Fitch
Jun 12, 2025

Santos Limited has had its ‘BBB’ credit rating with a stable outlook reaffirmed by Fitch Ratings, highlighting its strong business profile and diversified asset base. The rating reflects Santos’ disciplined low-cost operating model, which has enabled the company to maintain low production costs despite industry inflation and invest in major growth projects. These projects are expected to enhance production and shareholder returns, with a target payout ratio of up to 100% of free cash flow through dividends and share buybacks by 2026. The reaffirmed credit rating supports Santos’ access to global debt capital markets and underscores its financial resilience.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited Updates Registry Address for Sydney Office
Jun 10, 2025

Santos Limited announced a change in the registry address for its Sydney office of Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited, effective 10 June 2025. This administrative update is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations, with no changes to telephone numbers or postal addresses, ensuring minimal disruption for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (AU:STO) stock is a Hold with a A$7.60 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Santos Limited stock, see the AU:STO Stock Forecast page.

Santos Limited Issues Share Acquisition Rights to Employees
May 9, 2025

Santos Limited announced the issuance of 3,428,591 share acquisition rights as part of an employee incentive scheme. This move is likely to enhance employee engagement and align their interests with the company’s growth objectives, potentially strengthening Santos’ position in the competitive energy market.

Santos Limited Announces Cessation of Share Acquisition Rights
May 9, 2025

Santos Limited announced the cessation of 7,639 share acquisition rights under the ASX security code STOAZ due to the lapse of conditional rights, as the conditions were not met or became incapable of being satisfied. This announcement may impact the company’s capital structure and could have implications for stakeholders, highlighting the importance of meeting conditional requirements in securities management.

Santos Limited Issues and Converts Unquoted Equity Securities
May 9, 2025

Santos Limited has announced the issuance and conversion of unquoted equity securities, specifically 466 ordinary fully paid shares, as of April 28, 2025. This move is part of the company’s ongoing financial strategies and may impact its market positioning by potentially increasing shareholder value and enhancing capital structure.

Santos Limited Sets Ambitious Carbon Storage Target
May 6, 2025

Santos Limited has announced an ambitious carbon storage target, aiming to enhance its operations in carbon storage projects. This target, while not a forecast, represents a significant growth goal for the company and requires extensive collaboration with stakeholders, including customers, governments, and regulators. The projects to achieve this target are in the early planning stages, and their commercial and economic viability is yet to be confirmed.

Santos Limited Announces Change in Director’s Interest
May 5, 2025

Santos Limited announced a change in the director’s interest, specifically regarding Kevin Thomas Gallagher, who has acquired an additional 566,343 share acquisition rights. This change, effective from May 2, 2025, was a result of the Long-Term Incentive Grant approved by shareholders, indicating a strategic move to align the director’s interests with the company’s long-term performance goals.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jun 17, 2025