Topic: How To Invest

Q: May I have your thoughts on Baytex Energy Corp.? Many thanks for your advice over many years. My family and I have succeeded with our investments hugely, and we thank you for your wise counsel.

Article Excerpt

A: Baytex Energy Corp., $4.17, symbol BTE on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 787.3 million; Market cap: $3.3 billion; www.baytexenergy.com), explores for, develops and produces oil and gas in Western Canada and the Eagle Ford region of Texas. The company’s output is 14% natural gas and 86% oil. In June 2023, Baytex completed its acquisition of Ranger Oil Corp. (symbol ROCC on Nasdaq) for $3.4 billion. Baytex paid $13.31 U.S. in cash and issued 7.49 Baytex shares for each Ranger share. Baytex began to pay dividends after acquiring Ranger, with those quarterly payments starting at $0.0225 a share. The stock currently yields 2.2%. In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, the company’s production rose 2.6%, to 154,468 barrels of oil equivalent per day from 150,600 barrels a year earlier. Cash flow fell 7.5%, to $537.9 million from $581.6 million. Cash flow per share was unchanged at $0.68, due to fewer shares outstanding. The addition of Ranger Oil has worked out well for Baytex. It operates exclusively in the…