Interview with Kevin Bailey, Executive Chairman & CEO of Po Valley Energy

Recording date: 27th October 2025

Po Valley Energy, a $60 million Australian-listed natural gas producer operating in northern Italy's Po Valley basin, represents a compelling investment case built on immediate cash generation, visible production growth, and alignment with Europe's energy security priorities. With a single well currently producing and plans to drill multiple additional wells over the next two years, the company offers exposure to premium European gas pricing in a geopolitically strategic market.

The company's sole producing asset, the Podere Maiar well in the Selva Malvezzi concession, has delivered consistent performance since commencing production in 2022, flowing 79,000-80,000 standard cubic meters per day and generating approximately $10,000 AUD in daily revenue. Operating at 60% free cash flow margins with minimal overhead costs of just $2 million AUD annually, Po Valley maintains a debt-free balance sheet with $15 million AUD cash on hand.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 fundamentally transformed Po Valley's economics and strategic positioning. Gas prices, which historically traded at €0.20 per standard cubic meter, now rarely fall below €0.30 and frequently trade at €0.50 or higher. The Italian government, having reduced domestic production from 40% to just 8% while becoming dependent on Russian imports, is now actively encouraging producers to accelerate development and restore indigenous supply.

Po Valley plans to drill 4-5 additional wells over the next two to three years, targeting known anticlines that ENI identified during exploration campaigns in the 1950s-1970s but did not fully develop. The company estimates this program will cost €35-40 million, of which its 63% operated interest represents approximately €22-25 million. With current cash reserves and ongoing production expected to fund 60%+ of requirements internally, Po Valley anticipates needing only modest debt financing or a small equity raising to complete the program. Once new wells are connected, production is expected to increase 3-4x to over 300,000 scm/day.

Chairman and CEO Kevin Bailey, who owns 25% of the company through open market purchases, has emphasized Po Valley's focus on shareholder returns rather than empire building. Management intends to return capital via dividends or buybacks once the drilling campaign is complete, with no interest in acquisitions or expansion beyond core assets.

Beyond its producing concession, Po Valley owns the offshore Teodorico asset containing approximately 37 billion cubic feet of 2P gas reserves, valued at $40-50 million AUD in 2022 - nearly equal to the company's current market capitalization. While not planning independent development, management will derisk this asset for potential sale to larger European operators.

View Po Valley Energy's company profile: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/po-valley-energy-limited

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