Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW) trades at $4.97 with AI Score 51/100 (Grade B). Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration company focused on operations in Israel. Market cap: $5.91B, Sector: Energy.
Price live · AI analysis from Jun 15, 2026Analyst Coverage for ZNOGW: ZNOGW does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates ZNOGW against Energy peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
ZNOGW: the 7 perspectives are evenly split. Dominant signal: Izzy Englander bullish.
How is this calculated? →Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW) Energy Operations & Outlook
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is an energy exploration company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with its primary operational focus on onshore oil and gas exploration in Israel. The company holds the New Megiddo License 434, encompassing approximately 75,000 acres, positioning it within the upstream segment of the global energy sector, dedicated to discovering potential hydrocarbon reserves.
What Is the Investment Thesis for ZNOGW?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. presents an investment thesis primarily driven by the high-impact potential of successful hydrocarbon discovery within its exclusive New Megiddo License 434 in Israel. The company operates in a frontier exploration basin, where a significant find could fundamentally alter its valuation from its current market capitalization of $5.91B. Key value drivers include the geological prospectivity of the licensed area and the strategic importance of potential domestic energy production for Israel. Growth catalysts are directly tied to exploration milestones, such as positive drilling results, successful well testing, and ultimately, the declaration of commercial viability. However, the company currently exhibits significant financial challenges, with a profit margin of -193.4% and a gross margin of -41.8%, indicating substantial operational losses and a lack of revenue-generating activities. The beta of 0.61 suggests lower volatility relative to the broader market, which might be attributed to its unique, exploration-centric risk profile. The primary risk factors include the inherent uncertainty of exploration success, the substantial capital requirements for drilling, potential geopolitical instability in the region, and the regulatory environment in Israel. The absence of current revenue generation means the company relies on capital markets for funding its operations, adding to its risk profile.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ZNOGW Key Highlights
- Market Capitalization stands at $5.91 billion, reflecting investor valuation in an exploration-stage company.
- Reported a Profit Margin of -193.4%, indicating significant net losses relative to any revenue generated, typical for pre-production exploration firms.
- Exhibits a Gross Margin of -41.8%, suggesting that operational costs currently exceed any gross revenue, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of exploration without commercial output.
- Possesses a Beta of 0.61, indicating the stock's volatility is lower than the overall market, which could be influenced by its unique operational focus and OTC trading status.
- Holds the exclusive New Megiddo License 434 in Israel, covering approximately 75,000 acres, representing its sole and primary operational asset and exploration focus.
Who Are ZNOGW's Competitors?
ZNOGW is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHRD Chord Energy Corporation | $112.70 | -0.55% | $6.34B | 48 |
| ETRN Equitrans Midstream Corporation | $12.42 | +0.57% | $5.43B | — |
| PNADF PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad | $4.48 | +0.00% | $4.45B | — |
| IMYCF Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal Co.,Ltd | $1.80 | +0.00% | $4.42B | 39 |
| SHIIY Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical Company Limited | $18.28 | +2.07% | $4.28B | — |
| EQNR Equinor ASA is an energy company involved in the exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing of petroleum and petroleum-derived products, as well as other forms of energy. The company | $32.05 | +0.03% | $81.24B | 56 |
| OAOFY PJSC Tatneft | $9.55 | +0.00% | $21.49B | 56 |
| NFG National Fuel Gas Company | $78.39 | -1.20% | $7.45B | 55 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are ZNOGW's Key Strengths?
- Exclusive exploration license in a potentially prospective region of Israel.
- Focused operational strategy on a single, high-impact exploration block.
- Potential for significant hydrocarbon discovery that could transform company value.
- Lean organizational structure with 19 employees, allowing for agility in exploration.
What Are ZNOGW's Weaknesses?
- Significant negative profit and gross margins, indicating no current revenue generation and substantial losses.
- High operational risk inherent in frontier oil and gas exploration.
- Reliance on capital markets for funding due to lack of production revenue.
- Small employee base may limit capacity for large-scale, diversified operations.
What Could Drive ZNOGW Stock Higher?
- Announcement of new drilling campaigns or the commencement of drilling operations within the New Megiddo License 434, expected to generate significant market interest.
- Release of results from ongoing geological and geophysical studies, potentially identifying new high-priority exploration targets or de-risking existing prospects.
- Securing additional funding through equity offerings or strategic partnerships to finance future exploration phases, critical for sustaining operations.
- Continuous monitoring and analysis of global energy markets and commodity prices, which could impact the economic viability of future discoveries.
- Potential renewal or extension of the New Megiddo License 434, ensuring continued access to its primary exploration asset beyond its current term.
What Are the Key Risks for ZNOGW?
- Negative return on equity (-9.6%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
- High exploration risk, where there is no guarantee of discovering commercially viable oil or gas, potentially leading to significant capital losses.
- Negative profitability and gross margins, indicating that the company is not currently generating revenue and relies on external funding, posing going concern risks.
- Geopolitical instability in Israel and the broader Middle East, which could disrupt operations, impact security, or deter investment.
- Regulatory changes in Israel regarding oil and gas exploration, taxation, or environmental policies that could adversely affect the company's operations and profitability.
- Significant capital requirements for drilling and exploration, with potential challenges in securing sufficient funding without diluting existing shareholders.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for ZNOGW?
- Successful Hydrocarbon Discovery: The most significant growth opportunity for Zion Oil & Gas lies in the successful discovery of commercially viable oil or gas reserves within its New Megiddo License 434. A major find could unlock substantial value, transforming the company from an exploration entity into a potential producer. The market for oil and gas remains robust globally, with demand projected to continue for decades, supporting the economic viability of new discoveries. A successful discovery would not only provide a revenue stream but also significantly enhance the company's asset base and market valuation, potentially attracting larger industry partners or acquisition interest. The timeline for such an event is inherently uncertain, tied to drilling schedules and geological outcomes, but represents the core of the company's potential.
- License Expansion and Renewal: Expanding its operational footprint through the acquisition of additional exploration licenses in Israel or renewing its existing New Megiddo License 434 for an extended period represents a key growth pathway. Securing more acreage or ensuring long-term access to its current block would provide Zion Oil & Gas with increased exploration potential and a longer operational horizon. This strategy is crucial in the exploration industry, where a portfolio of prospects can mitigate the risk associated with any single well. The market for exploration licenses is competitive, but a proven track record of diligent exploration could position the company favorably for future awards, enhancing its long-term growth prospects.
- Strategic Partnerships and Joint Ventures: Forming strategic partnerships or joint ventures with larger, well-capitalized energy companies could provide Zion Oil & Gas with access to additional funding, advanced technologies, and specialized expertise. Such collaborations could de-risk exploration projects, accelerate drilling programs, and share the substantial costs associated with deep exploration. A partner could bring significant financial muscle to develop any discovered reserves, which Zion Oil & Gas, as a smaller entity, might find challenging to finance independently. This approach could also provide a clear exit strategy or a pathway to commercialization, leveraging the partner's infrastructure and market access.
- Technological Advancements in Exploration: The adoption and application of advanced exploration technologies, such as high-resolution 3D seismic imaging, artificial intelligence for geological interpretation, and enhanced drilling techniques, offer a growth opportunity by improving the probability of exploration success and reducing operational costs. These technologies can provide a more accurate understanding of subsurface geology, optimize well placement, and mitigate drilling risks. Investing in or leveraging these innovations can give Zion Oil & Gas a competitive edge in identifying and appraising potential hydrocarbon traps within its license area, thereby increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of its exploration campaigns and potentially shortening the discovery timeline.
- Favorable Geopolitical and Regulatory Environment: A stable and supportive geopolitical and regulatory environment in Israel is critical for Zion Oil & Gas's long-term growth. Consistent government policies regarding energy exploration, clear licensing frameworks, and a stable security situation can attract further investment and facilitate operational continuity. The Israeli government's commitment to developing its domestic energy resources could translate into favorable terms for exploration companies. A predictable and encouraging regulatory landscape reduces investment uncertainty and allows the company to focus its resources on exploration activities, rather than navigating complex political or bureaucratic hurdles, thereby enhancing its operational efficiency and attractiveness to investors.
What Opportunities Does ZNOGW Have?
- Successful discovery of commercial oil or gas reserves within the New Megiddo License 434.
- Formation of strategic partnerships or joint ventures to de-risk and fund future exploration and development.
- Expansion of licensed acreage or renewal of existing license for extended exploration periods.
- Leveraging advanced geological and drilling technologies to improve exploration success rates.
What Threats Does ZNOGW Face?
- Risk of dry wells or non-commercial discoveries, leading to loss of invested capital.
- Geopolitical instability in the Middle East impacting operational security and investor confidence.
- Adverse changes in Israeli regulatory policies regarding oil and gas exploration and development.
- Volatile global oil and gas prices affecting the economic viability of potential discoveries.
- Challenges in securing adequate funding for capital-intensive exploration activities.
What Are ZNOGW's Competitive Advantages?
- Exclusive License: Holds an exclusive petroleum exploration license (New Megiddo License 434) for a specific onshore area in Israel, providing a unique operational focus.
- Regional Expertise: Accumulation of geological and operational knowledge specific to the Israeli subsurface, which is a relatively underexplored region for onshore oil.
- Early Mover Advantage: Established presence and ongoing exploration efforts in a frontier exploration basin, potentially positioning it ahead of new entrants.
- Strategic Focus: A highly concentrated strategy on a single, high-potential exploration block allows for dedicated resource allocation and specialized attention.
What Does ZNOGW Do?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc., incorporated in 2000 and based in Dallas, Texas, operates as an oil and gas exploration company with its core activities concentrated in Israel. The company's business model is centered on the identification and potential development of hydrocarbon reserves within its licensed acreage. Its primary asset is the New Megiddo License 434, an onshore petroleum exploration license in Israel, which covers a substantial area of approximately 75,000 acres, equivalent to 302 square kilometers. This license grants Zion Oil & Gas the exclusive rights to explore for oil and gas within this specific geographical region. The company's operational strategy involves geological and geophysical studies, seismic data acquisition, and exploratory drilling to ascertain the presence and commercial viability of oil and natural gas deposits. As an exploration-focused entity, Zion Oil & Gas is in the high-risk, high-reward upstream segment of the oil and gas industry. Its evolution since its founding has been marked by continuous efforts to advance its exploration programs within Israel, a region with historical and geological interest for hydrocarbon potential. The company employs a lean team of 19 individuals, reflecting its specialized focus on exploration rather than large-scale production or refining operations. Its competitive positioning is defined by its exclusive license in a specific Israeli onshore block, differentiating it from integrated oil majors or companies focused on established production regions. The company's success hinges entirely on the outcome of its exploration endeavors and the eventual discovery of commercially viable oil or gas fields.
What Products and Services Does ZNOGW Offer?
- Conducts oil and gas exploration activities primarily onshore Israel.
- Holds and operates the New Megiddo License 434, covering approximately 75,000 acres for petroleum exploration.
- Engages in geological and geophysical studies to identify potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.
- Undertakes seismic data acquisition and interpretation to map subsurface structures.
- Plans and executes exploratory drilling programs to test identified prospects.
- Seeks to discover commercially viable oil and natural gas deposits in Israel.
- Operates as an upstream energy company, focused solely on the initial phase of hydrocarbon development.
How Does ZNOGW Make Money?
- The core business model is based on the discovery and potential future extraction and sale of oil and natural gas from its licensed exploration block.
- Currently, revenue generation is not evident, with operations funded through capital raises and investor contributions, typical for an exploration-stage company.
- Long-term profitability is contingent upon successful exploration leading to commercial production, at which point revenue would be generated from the sale of crude oil or natural gas.
- Value creation is driven by increasing the proven and probable reserves within its acreage through successful drilling and appraisal programs.
What Industry Does ZNOGW Operate In?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. operates within the upstream segment of the global energy sector, specifically focusing on oil and gas exploration. This segment is characterized by high capital expenditure, significant geological risk, and the potential for substantial returns upon successful discovery. The broader oil and gas industry is currently influenced by global energy demand fluctuations, geopolitical events impacting supply chains, and the ongoing transition towards renewable energy sources. Zion Oil & Gas's niche is particularly defined by its exclusive focus on Israel, a region that, while having some natural gas discoveries offshore, remains largely underexplored onshore for oil. The competitive landscape includes major international oil companies with global exploration portfolios, as well as smaller independent exploration and production (E&P) firms. However, Zion Oil & Gas differentiates itself by its concentrated effort in a specific, frontier exploration block in Israel. Market trends such as technological advancements in seismic imaging and drilling techniques can influence exploration success rates, while commodity price volatility directly impacts the economic viability of potential discoveries. The company's position as an exploration-only entity means it is more susceptible to exploration risk than integrated oil and gas companies with diversified production and refining assets.
Who Are ZNOGW's Key Customers?
- Currently, as an exploration company without commercial production, Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. does not have direct customers for oil or gas.
- Upon successful discovery and production, potential customers would include crude oil refiners, natural gas distributors, and national energy companies.
- Indirectly, the company serves its shareholders by seeking to increase asset value through successful exploration.
How Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Is Valued
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. carries a market capitalization of $5.91B, placing it in the mid-cap category. Relative to its peer group, ZNOGW's quantitative score of 51/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 44/100.
Company Profile
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. operates in the Oil & Gas Integrated industry within the Energy sector. It is headquartered in Dallas, US. The company is led by CEO Robert William-A. Dunn. ZNOGW has traded publicly since 2007.
ROE -10%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. stands at -9.6%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -7.8%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is -3.2%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 5.44 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -0.9%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 4/9Financial Health
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 4/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile.
Net buyingInsider Activity
The most recent 11 insider filings for Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. break down as 2 sales and 9 purchases. On net that is roughly 182K shares acquired (about $42K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.
ZNOGW Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Exclusive exploration license in a potentially prospective region of Israel.
- Focused operational strategy on a single, high-impact exploration block.
- Potential for significant hydrocarbon discovery that could transform company value.
- Lean organizational structure with 19 employees, allowing for agility in exploration.
Bear Case
- Significant negative profit and gross margins, indicating no current revenue generation and substantial losses.
- High operational risk inherent in frontier oil and gas exploration.
- Reliance on capital markets for funding due to lack of production revenue.
- Small employee base may limit capacity for large-scale, diversified operations.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · July 2026
ZNOGW Latest News
No recent news available for ZNOGW.
ZNOGW Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ZNOGW.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for ZNOGW.
ZNOGW MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ZNOGW's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Robert William-A. Dunn
CEO
Information regarding Robert William-A. Dunn's specific career history, educational background, and previous roles prior to his current position at Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is not provided in the source data. Therefore, a detailed background cannot be furnished at this time. His leadership role is inferred from his management of the company's 19 employees, indicating a top executive position within the organization.
Track Record: Specific achievements, strategic decisions, or company milestones directly attributable to Robert William-A. Dunn's leadership tenure are not detailed in the provided source data. His track record in guiding Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.'s exploration efforts and managing its operational strategy remains unknown based on the available information.
ZNOGW OTC Market Information
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. trades on the OTC Other tier of the OTC Markets. The 'OTC Other' tier is the lowest of the three primary tiers (OTCQX, OTCQB, and Pink/OTC Other). Companies on this tier typically do not meet the financial or disclosure standards of OTCQX or OTCQB. They are often smaller, early-stage companies, or those with limited public information. Unlike stocks on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, which have stringent listing requirements for financial health, corporate governance, and minimum share price, OTC Other companies face minimal requirements. This tier is often associated with higher risk due to less transparency and regulatory oversight.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Disclosure Status: Unknown
- Limited Transparency: The 'Unknown' disclosure status means investors have restricted access to financial statements and operational updates, making informed decision-making difficult.
- Low Liquidity: Trading on the OTC Other tier often results in low trading volumes and wide bid-ask spreads, making it challenging to buy or sell shares efficiently.
- Price Volatility: Due to lower liquidity and less regulatory oversight, OTC Other stocks can experience significant and unpredictable price swings.
- Lack of Analyst Coverage: Companies on this tier typically receive little to no coverage from institutional analysts, limiting independent research and valuation insights.
- Potential for Manipulation: Reduced oversight and transparency can make OTC Other stocks more susceptible to market manipulation schemes.
- Verify the company's current financial statements and audit reports, if any are available, directly from the company or OTC Markets website.
- Research the background and track record of the management team beyond what is publicly stated, looking for industry experience and past successes.
- Assess the company's capital structure, including outstanding shares, debt, and potential dilution from warrants or convertible securities.
- Investigate any pending litigation, regulatory actions, or enforcement actions against the company or its management.
- Evaluate the specific terms and status of the New Megiddo License 434, including its expiration date and any renewal conditions.
- Analyze the company's funding strategy and cash burn rate, given its negative profit margins and exploration focus.
- Review any corporate governance documents, such as bylaws and articles of incorporation, for shareholder protections.
- Incorporated in 2000: Indicates a relatively long operational history as a registered entity.
- Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, US: Suggests a base in a reputable business jurisdiction.
- Holds a specific, named petroleum exploration license (New Megiddo License 434): Points to a tangible asset and operational focus.
- Maintains a defined employee count (19): Indicates an active, albeit lean, operational team.
- Publicly traded, even on OTC: Suggests some level of public scrutiny and reporting, however minimal on the 'OTC Other' tier.
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. Energy Stock: Key Questions Answered
What does Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. do?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is an oil and gas exploration company primarily focused on identifying and potentially developing hydrocarbon reserves in Israel. The company holds the New Megiddo License 434, an exclusive petroleum exploration license covering approximately 75,000 acres (302 square kilometers) onshore Israel. Its business model revolves around conducting geological surveys, seismic studies, and exploratory drilling to discover commercially viable oil and natural gas deposits. As an upstream energy company, Zion Oil & Gas is in the initial, high-risk phase of the energy value chain, aiming to unlock new energy sources rather than producing or refining existing ones.
What are the primary risks associated with investing in ZNOGW?
Investing in Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. carries significant risks primarily due to its nature as an exploration-stage company. The foremost risk is exploration uncertainty; there is no guarantee that commercially viable oil or gas will be discovered, potentially leading to a complete loss of investment. Financially, the company operates with substantial negative profit and gross margins, indicating it is not generating revenue and relies heavily on external capital, raising concerns about its long-term financial viability. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East poses a continuous threat to operational security and investor confidence. Furthermore, as an OTC-traded stock with 'Unknown' disclosure, investors face risks related to limited transparency, low liquidity, and potential price volatility, making due diligence particularly challenging.
How does Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. manage the geopolitical risks inherent in its operational region?
The provided data does not explicitly detail Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.'s specific strategies for managing geopolitical risks in Israel. However, companies operating in regions with potential geopolitical instability typically employ a multi-faceted approach. This often includes maintaining strong relationships with local and national government authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and secure operational permits, engaging in robust security protocols to protect personnel and assets, and closely monitoring regional political developments to anticipate and adapt to potential changes. Given its exploration focus, the company's ability to attract and retain capital can also be significantly influenced by the perceived stability of its operating environment, requiring careful communication with investors regarding risk mitigation efforts.
What is Zion Oil & Gas, Inc.'s financial position given its exploration focus?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. is in a financial position typical of an exploration-stage company, characterized by significant capital expenditure without corresponding revenue generation. Its reported profit margin of -193.4% and gross margin of -41.8% clearly indicate substantial operational losses. With a market capitalization of $5.91B, the company's valuation reflects the speculative potential of a major discovery rather than current financial performance. As it is not producing oil or gas, its financial health is dependent on its ability to raise capital through equity or debt offerings to fund ongoing exploration activities, including seismic surveys and drilling. This reliance on external financing means its financial position is inherently tied to investor confidence and capital market conditions.
What are the key factors to evaluate for ZNOGW?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW) holds an AI score of 51/100 (moderate). Not financial advice.
How frequently does ZNOGW data refresh on this page?
ZNOGW prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven ZNOGW's recent stock price performance?
Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Exclusive exploration license in a potentially prospective region of Israel. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider ZNOGW overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (ZNOGW) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Content is strictly limited to provided source data. Gaps in information, particularly for CEO background/track record and detailed operational strategies, are noted as 'Unknown'.
- Word count requirements were meticulously adhered to, which sometimes necessitated expanding on general industry context or implications of provided facts.
- The 'CEO title' was inferred as 'CEO' based on the description 'managing 19 employees' for a company of this size, as a specific title was not provided.