
TSE:ARX
This summary was created by AI, based on 45 opinions in the last 12 months.
Arc Resources Ltd (ARX-T) has garnered a mixed set of opinions from various experts, particularly in light of its recent acquisition by Shell. While some experts highlight the certainty of the deal and the potential for dividends, others express skepticism about the stock's upside and recommend selling or reallocating funds to other energy investments. The ongoing issues with the Attachie project seem to weigh on the company's outlook, especially against the backdrop of fluctuating natural gas prices. Despite this, several reviews point to the firm's strong cash flow generation, solid balance sheet, and promising long-term potential due to the underlying quality of its assets, particularly in natural gas. The consensus leans towards caution before the deal closes, urging investors to weigh their tax situations and consider future market dynamics.
ARX is 63% gas and 37% crude oil and liquids. It looks good right now, is cheap, and it has a very solid balance sheet, with debt at barely six months' cash flow. Earnings/cash flow will be lower this year on pricing, but about 10% growth is expected in 2024. The dividend was raised in May and looks secure (payout ratio 15%) at current commodity price levels.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
He's light on nat gas, owning just TOU. ARX would be his second choice in that space. Nat gas is not a must-own exposure anymore. Might get more bullish when export avenues open up on the West Coast in a couple of years. Good, low-cost producer. Undemanding multiple. Timely to trim. El Nino is a wild card.
Natural gas prices have been breaking out recently, and ARX has been following suit, alongside reporting strong earnings. Analyst estimates call for a drop in sales and earnings this year, but with earnings growth expected thereafter. Debt levels are low, profit margins are strong, its valuation continues to be cheap (7.1X forward earnings and 1.7X book), and its solid free cash flows are being used towards aggressive share repurchases and some debt repayments. For the first six months of 2023, ARC has returned 107% of free funds flow to shareholders, and it plans to renew its buyback plan for an additional 10% of the public float on September 1, 2023. This is substantial, given over the past 12 months the company has bought back ~10% of its public float. If natural gas prices remain strong, we continue to like this name here.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
Operate in natural gas (60-65% of operations), oil and liquids. Well-capitalized, and over time give back 70% of free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. Surprised many with their capex plans that will grow barrels per day only modestly, but they consistently have increased production. He's bullish energy. A good core holding.
(Analysts’ price target is $27.58)