EXXI Purchases Partner Interests

MICHAEL BODINO, Global Hunter Securities (11/24/2009)
"Energy XXI announced its intent to acquire certain Gulf of Mexico shelf oil and natural gas interests from MitEnergy Upstream LLC, a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (MITSY - $257.70 - Not Rated) for $283 million, or $12.30/boe on a proved basis.

EXXI is buying non-operated interests in the same group of properties it purchased from Pogo Producing Company in June 2007. The properties include 30 fields currently producing 8,000 net boepd, about 77% of which is oil and 80% of which is already operated by Energy XXI. Upon the completion of pipeline repairs damaged by 2008 hurricanes, net production is expected to reach 10,000 boepd. Offshore leases included in the purchase total nearly 33,000 net acres.

Pro forma for the transaction, 2P reserves should increase to 93 Mmboe with oil expected to make up 67% of current production and 76% classified as proved developed.

We are maintaining our Accumulate rating and price target of $4. Our price target is based on a 3.3x calendar 2010 TEV/EBITDA estimate and is at 54% discount to our estimated 2010 NAV. NAV per share for 2010 increases from $7.47 to $8.77 as a result of this transaction based on long-term commodity prices of $75 oil and $6.50 gas."

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