Finder Energy Shares Rally on De-Risking Milestones Ahead of 2026 Investment Decision

Strategic Pivot to Timor-Leste

Finder Energy Holdings Limited has marked a significant turning point in its corporate journey with its strategic move into the development of the Kuda Tasi and Jahal fields in Timor-Leste. Announced at the company's 2025 Annual General Meeting, this pivot has already begun to reshape Finder Energy’s profile from an explorer to an emerging developer with a fast-track pathway to production and cash flow.

The Chairman highlighted that this shift, made just over a year ago, has delivered transformative growth and positioned the company at the forefront of Timor-Leste’s long-term energy development plans. The KTJ Project is now the company’s highest priority, reflecting a clear focus on tangible progress and value creation.

Clear Milestones and Timelines

Finder Energy is targeting a Final Investment Decision (FID) in the first half of 2026, a critical milestone that will set the stage for project execution. The company aims to achieve first oil by the end of 2027, a timeline described as challenging but supported by the robustness of the KTJ Project and the capabilities of its management team.

The Chairman’s address emphasized the disciplined approach to meeting a series of technical, commercial, and regulatory milestones that underpin project readiness. This disciplined execution is key to managing the inherent risks of fast-tracking a development project in a relatively new jurisdiction.

Shareholder Rewards and Market Momentum

Shareholders have already benefited from a strong and sustained increase in the company’s share price and liquidity, driven by a sequence of de-risking events as the KTJ Project advances. This momentum signals growing market confidence in Finder Energy’s strategy and execution capabilities.

Looking ahead, the company sees potential for appraisal and near-field exploration to expand the scale of the KTJ development, which could further enhance the project’s value proposition and extend its production life.

Maintaining Broader Portfolio Optionality

While the KTJ Project commands the company’s primary focus, Finder Energy continues to maintain optionality across its broader portfolio, including assets in the UK North Sea and Australia’s North West Shelf. The company is pursuing low-cost technical work and selective farmout opportunities to preserve value without diverting resources from its core development effort.

Importantly, Finder Energy is actively collaborating with TIMOR GAP and the Government of Timor-Leste to foster local participation, capacity building, and shared long-term benefits, reflecting a commitment to responsible and inclusive development.

Outlook and Confidence

The Chairman expressed strong confidence in the management team’s ability to meet the demands of accelerating the KTJ Project, acknowledging the dedication required to deliver key milestones. With shareholder support and a clear strategic focus, Finder Energy is well-positioned to unlock significant value and transition into a producing energy company within the next two years.