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Ithaca Energy PLC (GB:ITH)
LSE:ITH

Ithaca Energy PLC (ITH) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:ITH

Ithaca Energy PLC

(LSE:ITH)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
308.00 p
▲(8.45% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/20/26
The score is driven by strong cash flow generation and a clear technical uptrend, partially offset by volatile earnings (including a 2025 net loss) and a negative P/E that signals weaker earnings quality/visibility despite an attractive dividend yield.
Positive Factors
Strong cash generation
Materially higher operating cash flow and a ~45% jump in free cash flow show the company's ability to convert production into cash. Durable cash generation supports reinvestment in fields, funds dividends or debt service, and provides a buffer through commodity cycles over months.
High operating profitability
Consistently high gross and operating margins reflect efficient field operations and cost control. Strong operational profitability increases resilience to price swings, funds ongoing development and upkeep of assets, and underpins sustained cash returns independent of short-term price moves.
Focused North Sea operating footprint
A concentrated portfolio of operated and non‑operated assets in the UK North Sea means access to shared infrastructure and hub economics. That structural footprint lowers per‑project development costs, improves uptime management, and gives predictable mid‑term production cash flows.
Negative Factors
Volatile reported earnings
A swing to a net loss despite strong operating margins signals earnings volatility driven by items below operating profit. This reduces predictability of retained earnings and complicates multi‑quarter planning for capex, distributions, and covenant headroom across commodity cycles.
Rising leverage
Increasing debt relative to equity narrows financial flexibility and raises refinancing and interest expense risk. In a cyclical upstream business, higher leverage magnifies downside on cash flow stress and can constrain discretionary investment or shareholder returns over the next several quarters.
Below‑the‑line pressure and earnings quality
Significant non‑operating charges and similar below‑the‑line items make reported net income less reflective of core operations. Episodic impairments or tax swings can erode equity and ROE, complicating forecasting and making reported profits a weaker signal of sustainable performance.

Ithaca Energy PLC (ITH) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Ithaca Energy PLC Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionIthaca Energy Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in the North Sea. The company own a portfolio of assets located in Northern and Central North Sea and Moray Firth areas. As of December 31, 2021, it had proved and probable reserves, and resources of 5.6 millions of barrels of oil equivalent. The company was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Aberdeen, the United Kingdom. Ithaca Energy Limited is a subsidiary of Delek North Sea Limited.
How the Company Makes MoneyIthaca Energy primarily makes money by producing and selling hydrocarbons (crude oil, natural gas, and related natural gas liquids) from its operated and non-operated offshore fields in the UK North Sea. Revenue is generated when produced volumes are sold under physical sales arrangements, with realised prices typically linked to prevailing market benchmarks for oil and gas (net of quality adjustments, transportation, and other selling-related charges). The company’s earnings are driven mainly by (1) production volumes from its asset portfolio, (2) realised commodity prices, and (3) operating costs, including field operating expenditures and tariffs/fees paid for processing and transportation through third-party or partner-operated infrastructure where applicable. Additional factors that can materially affect reported revenue and cash flow include the mix of oil versus gas production, production uptime, depletion/decline rates and new well/field tie-ins, and the company’s use of commodity price risk management (e.g., hedging/derivative contracts) which can impact realised economics and reported results. Ithaca Energy may also generate income or reduce net costs through arrangements typical of upstream joint ventures—such as partner billings, tariffing through shared infrastructure, and cost recovery mechanisms—however, specific counterparties and commercial terms are not provided here and are therefore null.

Ithaca Energy PLC Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Operating performance and cash generation are strong (cash flow score 78 with sharply higher free cash flow in 2025), but reported earnings are volatile with a net loss in 2025 despite strong margins (income statement score 62). Leverage is moderate but rising versus prior years (balance sheet score 56), increasing cyclicality risk.
Income Statement
62
Positive
Revenue rebounded strongly in 2025 (up ~3.6% after two down years), and operating profitability looks very strong with high gross and operating margins in 2025. However, earnings quality is volatile: net income swung from solid profits in 2021–2024 to a net loss in 2025, indicating meaningful below-the-line pressure (e.g., non-operating items, taxes, or impairments) despite robust operating results.
Balance Sheet
56
Neutral
Leverage is moderate in 2025 (debt-to-equity ~0.60), but it has increased versus 2023–2024 and the company remains in a cyclical industry. Equity is sizable, yet returns to shareholders deteriorated sharply with negative return on equity in 2025 following modestly positive returns in 2023–2024, highlighting balance-sheet sensitivity to earnings swings.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash generation is a key strength: operating cash flow increased materially in 2025 and free cash flow rose sharply (up ~45%), supporting financial flexibility. Operating cash flow covered net income in 2025, which is particularly important given the reported net loss, though cash flow metrics have shown volatility in prior years (notably weaker coverage in 2024).
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.01B1.98B2.32B2.60B1.43B
Gross Profit1.26B842.21M1.00B1.25B549.06M
EBITDA2.07B1.04B1.15B1.79B918.11M
Net Income-85.86M153.15M215.63M1.03B620.62M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets11.40B8.27B6.25B6.76B4.73B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments170.16M178.08M156.54M253.82M44.85M
Total Debt1.53B1.07B768.71M1.27B1.44B
Total Liabilities8.83B5.23B3.80B4.30B4.06B
Stockholders Equity2.57B3.04B2.44B2.46B676.51M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow754.81M389.20M811.97M1.34B643.06M
Operating Cash Flow1.66B853.28M1.29B1.72B912.66M
Investing Cash Flow-1.48B-390.91M-492.40M-1.40B-220.15M
Financing Cash Flow-174.08M-449.48M-900.73M-107.45M-650.74M

Ithaca Energy PLC Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price284.00
Price Trends
50DMA
205.59
Positive
100DMA
195.70
Positive
200DMA
183.74
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
19.02
Negative
RSI
62.89
Neutral
STOCH
72.45
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:ITH, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 284 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 242.82, above the 50-day MA of 205.59, and above the 200-day MA of 183.74, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 19.02 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.89 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 72.45 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for GB:ITH.

Ithaca Energy PLC Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
73
Outperform
£1.70B5.300.18%10.99%-2.66%0.11%
69
Neutral
£5.80B-24.34-4.05%8.77%123.03%-330.89%
67
Neutral
£4.70B-42.84-4.67%14.05%63.10%-161.03%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
60
Neutral
£1.12B-4.70-6.09%9.30%-32.89%-239.58%
58
Neutral
£392.38M-0.47-24.56%4.36%-18.05%-634.88%
56
Neutral
£193.52M-1.9957.02%-32.47%-1490.91%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:ITH
Ithaca Energy PLC
267.50
147.08
122.15%
GB:ENQ
Enquest
20.15
8.06
66.67%
GB:HBR
Harbour Energy
302.40
118.69
64.61%
GB:SQZ
Serica Energy
264.00
150.30
132.19%
GB:TLW
Tullow Oil
12.82
-1.05
-7.57%
GB:ENOG
Energean
858.00
68.91
8.73%

Ithaca Energy PLC Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDividends
Ithaca Energy Announces $200 Million Third Interim Dividend for 2025
Positive
Mar 18, 2026

Ithaca Energy has declared a third interim dividend for 2025 of $200 million, equivalent to $0.1209 per ordinary share, to be paid on 16 April 2026 to shareholders on the register as of 27 March 2026. The payout will be made in sterling, with the dollar amount converted at the average mid-market exchange rate over three days in late March, and the final per-share sterling figure will be announced on 31 March 2026.

The dividend decision underscores Ithaca Energy’s confidence in its cash generation and balance sheet following a period of M&A-driven expansion that has made it one of the largest independent producers in the UK Continental Shelf. By maintaining substantial shareholder distributions while holding a strategic position in key North Sea assets, the company reinforces its role in supporting UK energy security and highlights its commitment to delivering sustainable returns alongside its emissions-reduction ambitions.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Hold with a £210.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Ithaca Energy lifts output, boosts cash and advances West of Shetland growth
Positive
Mar 18, 2026

Ithaca Energy reported strong operational and financial results for 2025, lifting average production to 119,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and exiting the year at about 148,000 boe/d, while cutting unit operating costs and boosting adjusted EBITDAX to $2.0 billion. Despite a reported loss driven by a non-cash tax charge linked to the extended UK Energy Profits Levy, the group generated higher cash flow, expanded liquidity to $1.5 billion and raised its dividend policy, returning $500 million to shareholders for the year.

The company advanced major West of Shetland growth projects, with Rosebank entering its final development stages toward first production in 2026/27 and Cambo and Tornado moving through key regulatory and technical milestones targeting investment decisions within the next year. Ithaca also deepened its UKCS footprint through additional stakes in Seagull and the Cygnus gas field, while sustaining high activity across core assets to keep medium-term production above 120,000 boe/d, reinforcing its role as a key North Sea player and infrastructure partner.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Hold with a £210.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Ithaca Energy Executives Acquire Shares Under All-Employee Incentive Plan
Neutral
Mar 11, 2026

Ithaca Energy has disclosed that its executive chairman, chief financial officer and chief executive officer each acquired ordinary shares in the company under its HMRC-approved Share Incentive Plan, with purchases executed on 6 March 2026 via the plan trustee on the London Stock Exchange. In addition to the bought shares, the three senior executives also received matching share awards at nil cost under the same all-employee scheme, underscoring the company’s continued use of equity participation to align management and staff interests with shareholders and meet regulatory transparency requirements.

The transactions, carried out at a price of £2.42692 per share for the purchased stock alongside additional matching shares, reflect routine remuneration and incentive arrangements rather than a change in strategic direction. By publicising these PDMR dealings in accordance with EU Market Abuse Regulation, Ithaca Energy reinforces governance standards and provides stakeholders with visibility over insider participation in its share capital.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Sell with a £1.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Ithaca Energy Executives Receive Shares Under All-Employee Incentive Plan
Positive
Feb 10, 2026

Ithaca Energy has disclosed routine share purchases and awards to senior executives under its HMRC-approved Share Incentive Plan, an all-employee scheme that allows staff to acquire ordinary shares via monthly salary deductions. On 5 February 2026, Computershare Share Plan Trustees bought small tranches of shares on behalf of Executive Chairman Yaniv Friedman, CFO Iain Lewis and CEO Luciano Vasques at £1.87510 per share, alongside the grant of additional matching shares at nil cost.

The transactions, conducted on the London Stock Exchange, underline the alignment of top management with shareholder interests through increased equity participation. While modest in volume, the activity reinforces Ithaca Energy’s use of share-based incentives as part of its remuneration framework, supporting employee ownership and potentially strengthening long-term commitment across the organisation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Sell with a £1.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Ithaca Energy Lifts Output, Cash Flow and Dividends on Strong 2025 North Sea Performance
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

Ithaca Energy reported a strong operational and financial performance for 2025, with average production rising to 119 kboe/d and an exit rate of about 148 kboe/d, supported by new wells at Cygnus, Seagull and J Area, improved safety and emissions metrics, and a material reserves base exceeding 350 mmboe of 2P reserves and 300 mmboe of 2C resources. Adjusted preliminary EBITDAX increased to $2.0 billion while unit operating costs fell to $19/boe, underpinned by a robust hedging programme, low leverage of 0.56x and $1.5 billion of available liquidity; the company reaffirmed its $500 million FY 2025 dividend target after paying out the full amount during the year, advanced its UKCS consolidation strategy through acquisitions and targeted capital spending, and progressed its flagship Rosebank and broader West of Shetland growth plans, reinforcing its position as a scale consolidator and cash-generative player in the North Sea for investors and the UK energy market.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Hold with a £184.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

DividendsRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ithaca Energy Executives Reinvest Dividends into Company Shares Under Incentive Plan
Positive
Feb 4, 2026

Ithaca Energy plc has disclosed routine share dealings by senior management under its Share Incentive Plan, in line with market abuse regulation reporting requirements. Dividends paid on 18 December 2025 on shares held in the plan were automatically reinvested through the scheme’s trustee to purchase additional ordinary shares on behalf of Executive Chairman Yaniv Friedman, Chief Financial Officer Iain Lewis and Chief Executive Officer Luciano Vasques at £1.6219 per share on the London Stock Exchange, modestly increasing their holdings and underscoring ongoing alignment between the leadership team and shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Hold with a £183.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Ithaca Energy Executives Receive Shares Under All-Employee Incentive Plan
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

Ithaca Energy has disclosed purchases and awards of ordinary shares to senior executives under its HMRC-approved all-employee Share Incentive Plan, with the SIP trustee acquiring shares on 5 January 2026 on behalf of Executive Chairman Yaniv Friedman, Chief Financial Officer Iain Lewis and Chief Executive Officer Luciano Vasques. The transactions, involving salary-funded purchases and nil-cost matching share awards, modestly increase management’s equity exposure and align leadership and wider employee interests more closely with shareholders, reinforcing the company’s commitment to share ownership across its workforce.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:ITH) stock is a Hold with a £163.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Ithaca Energy PLC stock, see the GB:ITH Stock Forecast page.

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: Mar 20, 2026