4 Emerging Stocks to Watch as Oil and Gas Demand Rises in 2024 (SITS, PTALF, ZNOG, PED)

The oil and gas industry is set to grow in the coming years due to increased oil production and higher global energy demand. World Bank experts predict that if the Israel-Hamas conflict intensifies, oil prices could reach a record high of $150 per barrel.

Efforts to reduce carbon and methane emissions are leading to a rise in natural gas production, and certified natural gas and carbon-neutral LNG are gaining popularity. The Energy Information Administration expects dry gas production to reach 105.1 billion cubic feet per day in 2024. Crude oil production is projected to increase to 13.17 million barrels per day by the last quarter of 2023 and 13.15 million barrels per day in 2024.

Forecasts suggest that global oil demand could reach 106.90 thousand barrels per day by 2030, a significant increase from 2023 levels. The U.S. oil and gas market is expected to grow at a rate of over 3% by 2027.

Considering these positive trends, exploring emerging oil and gas companies could be a solid play for the upcoming year.

Southern ITS International, Inc. (OTC: SITS)

Southern ITS International is navigating diverse industries with a strategic vision, notably in the oil and gas sector. The company’s subsidiary, Pure Oil & Gas, Inc., stands at the forefront of its emerging success story, leveraging financial flexibility to pursue oil and gas acquisitions.

In an announcement back in September, Southern ITS International revealed the successful completion of drilling operations by its subsidiary, Pure Oil & Gas, Inc., in Texas. Jeremy Larsen, President of Pure Oil & Gas, expressed gratitude, stating, “We want to thank our skilled partner and driller-operator, ICS Energy, Inc., for their continued hard work and expertise. We are very pleased with the success of this well.” The momentum continued with the commencement of oil sales from one of Pure Oil & Gas’s Texas wells. Production in October yielded three loads of oil, totaling 510 barrels, which were successfully sold to BML Inc.

Looking ahead, Pure Oil & Gas is gearing up for a four-well drilling project in Texas, scheduled to begin in the first week of December 2023. Jeremy Larsen emphasized, “We are thrilled to announce our successful entry into the Texas oil reserves and look forward to the promising opportunities that lie ahead with our upcoming four-well drilling project.” The collaboration with ICS Energy, LLC, an experienced driller-operator, further underlines the company’s commitment to efficiency and success in the energy sector.

The company proudly shared the start of their accomplishment on Twitter: “@SITS_Inc The equipment was moved onto the drilling site today to begin the drilling on our next four wells. Pipes coming tomorrow. Stay tuned! $SITS #oil.” This tweet not only provides a real-time update but also adds an element of excitement for investors anticipating the next phase of drilling operations.

Beyond the oil and gas ventures, Southern ITS International is making strategic moves in the beverage industry through an operating agreement with Ingenious Roasters, LLC. The company holds a substantial 45% stake in Ingenious Roasters, and the partnership is set to launch a revolutionary nutrition drink infused with coffee. “This partnership between Southern ITS International and Ingenious Roasters, LLC signifies a commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering unparalleled value to consumers.”

The leadership roles within Ingenious Roasters, LLC were also disclosed in an official statement: “Gil Irey has been appointed as President, Chad Shipman will serve as Treasurer, and Scott Millar will take on the role of Secretary.” The venture aims to introduce cutting-edge products and experiences to consumers, marking a significant milestone in reshaping the future of the beverage industry.

With the successes of Pure Oil & Gas, Inc. in Texas, evidenced by completed drilling operations and oil sales, Southern ITS International, Inc. (OTC: SITS) emerges as an intriguing stock to watch. In addition, Southern ITS International’s entry into the beverage industry through a partnership with Ingenious Roasters, LLC, demonstrates the SITS’ commitment to diversification and innovation. 

PetroTal Corp. (OTCQX: PTALF)

PetroTal Corp. is positioning itself as a promising player in the oil and gas sector, with a strategic focus on the development and production of oil assets in Peru. As of the latest available updates in November 2023, the company has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges such as low river levels impacting production, showcasing its commitment to operational excellence.

One key highlight is PetroTal’s consistent efforts to return value to its shareholders. The company declared a dividend payment of approximately $23 million in September 2023, representing a 4.3% quarterly yield. Moreover, the quarterly dividend payout, along with share buyback initiatives, underscores PetroTal’s commitment to maximizing shareholder value.

In terms of production, PetroTal faced challenges in Q3 2023 due to lower-than-expected river levels impacting barge capacity. However, the company maintains a positive outlook, aiming to achieve an average production of over 14,000 bopd for the full year 2023, contingent on a recovery in river levels.

The recent addition of Emily Morris, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience, to PetroTal’s board of directors is a notable move. This strategic appointment signals the company’s intent to leverage expertise in energy capital markets, M&A, and ESG to guide its future capital allocation strategies.

PetroTal’s exploration into alternative sales routes, such as the pilot oil sales shipment through the OCP Ecuador pipeline, demonstrates its commitment to diversifying revenue streams. With the backing of the Ecuadorian government, this project seeks to increase the company’s market penetration while reducing the effects of logistical obstacles.

Financially, PetroTal exited Q3 2023 with a robust position, boasting approximately $94 million in unrestricted cash and $113 million in total cash. The company’s strong liquidity provides a solid foundation for future growth initiatives, including dividends, share buybacks, and potential expansion projects.

Looking ahead, PetroTal remains focused on optimizing existing logistics, exploring new sales routes, and expanding its production capacity. As river levels gradually increase, PetroTal anticipates a ramp-up in production, aligning with its long-term goal of becoming a key player in Peru’s oil and gas landscape. Investors and industry observers will likely keep a close eye on PetroTal as it navigates market dynamics and capitalizes on emerging opportunities in the energy sector.

Zion Oil & Gas Inc. (OTC: ZNOG)

ZNOG achieved a significant milestone in its exploration endeavors in Israel. The State of Israel awarded Zion a new exploration license, Megiddo Valleys #434, announced on September 14, 2023. This license, valid for three years with the option of four 1-year extensions, covers approximately 302 square kilometers, or about 75,000 acres.

CEO Rob Dunn expressed gratitude, stating that this license is a major endorsement from the State of Israel, affirming Zion’s commitment to unlocking Israel’s onshore energy potential. The company plans to commence re-completion operations on the Megiddo-Jezreel #1 well (MJ-01) in Q4, deploying new technologies and focusing on new stimulation methods to potentially unlock hydrocarbon flows in key zones.

Zion attributes these achievements to the unwavering support of its shareholders and steadfast prayers. Founder John Brown emphasized the importance of patience and trust in God’s plans during the waiting period for the license.

In a more recent development, Zion filed Amendment No. 4 to the Prospectus Supplement on November 6, 2023, related to its Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan (DSPP). This amendment introduces a new unit option under the unit program, providing investors with an opportunity to purchase units comprising common stock and warrants.

The unit option period runs from November 6, 2023, to December 31, 2023, with each unit priced at $250. The unit consists of a certain number of shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional fifty (50) shares at a per-share exercise price of $0.25. Participants enrolling in the Unit Program and the Automatic Monthly Investments (AMI) program receive an additional fifty (50) warrants. The warrants, with the notation “ZNWBA,” become exercisable on January 15, 2024, and continue through January 14, 2025.

Zion’s proactive approach to exploring new opportunities and engaging with investors reflects its commitment to strategic growth and creating value for shareholders. As the company progresses with its exploration activities, investors will be closely watching for updates on operational developments and the impact on Zion’s overall financial outlook.

PEDEVCO Corp. (NYSE American: PED) 

PEDEVCO Corp. is an energy company with a focus on the acquisition and development of strategic, high-growth energy projects in the United States. The company’s primary assets include its Permian Basin Asset in eastern New Mexico and its D-J Basin Asset spanning Weld and Morgan Counties in Colorado, along with Laramie County, Wyoming. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, PEDEVCO recently released its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, accompanied by an operations update.

Key financial and operational highlights from Q3 2023 include an average production of 1,376 barrels of oil equivalent per day (81.0% liquids), Q3 2023 revenue of $7.33 million, and operating income of $0.9 million. Despite a decrease in net income from the previous year, PEDEVCO reported strong adjusted EBITDA growth to $4.4 million. The company maintains a healthy financial position with cash and cash equivalents of $16.7 million and zero debt.

In terms of operations, PEDEVCO is actively drilling three operated horizontal San Andres wells in its core Chaveroo Field in the Permian Basin in partnership with Evolution Petroleum Corporation. Additionally, the company has elected to participate in non-operated wells in the D-J Basin, contributing to its diversified portfolio. Notably, PEDEVCO successfully divested its non-core legacy vertical Milnesand and Sawyer Fields in the Permian Basin, generating approximately $1.12 million in consideration and reducing plugging and abandonment liabilities by over $3.2 million.

J. Douglas Schick, President of PEDEVCO, expressed satisfaction with the Q3 2023 results, highlighting increased production and stronger adjusted EBITDA despite lower oil prices. The company looks forward to the completion of ongoing projects and anticipates positive results in Q1 2024. The divestiture aligns with PEDEVCO’s focus on core assets, positioning the company for continued success in its key operational areas.