
TSE:OBE
This summary was created by AI, based on 2 opinions in the last 12 months.
Obsidian Energy (OBE-T) has garnered attention in the market primarily due to its advantageous asset mix, comprising approximately 70% oil and 30% gas. The recent excitement surrounding its Clearwater exposure suggests potential growth opportunities, particularly given the presence of substantial tax pools that may enable the company to avoid tax obligations for the next decade. However, it does face challenges, such as a somewhat contentious leadership under the CEO, which has led to mixed sentiments among industry experts. Despite decent well results, the company's market capitalization remains small, rendering it largely irrelevant for institutional investors who are typically drawn towards larger, more stable options. For those already holding shares, the recommendation leans towards maintaining their positions, as there is potential for growth, particularly with the numerous underdeveloped acreages available.
This model works at $70 oil, but does not work at $45 oil, so he sold his holdings. The risk is, if oil prices stay where they are, they will probably have to cut their dividends again. They have good bank lines, but these days those are questionable, as he expects banks will be cutting back on them.
Had new management come in. Yield of 18% implies that they are going to have to do another cut. They are trying to sell off assets and refocus. She wouldn’t put any money into energy producers until we see stabilization in crude oil. For investors wanting to step into energy companies, they should be really buying financially strong companies that have a strong balance sheet with a hedging program in place.
This company has been in a state of turmoil. Their balance sheet is still quite levered. Have been hoping to sell off some assets and understands they will be selling off some with about 7000 barrels per day. That should help mitigate the situation. Has been some management turnover in the last couple of years, but the worst thing that is hitting them right now is the lower commodity prices while they are financially constrained. There are safer ways to participate in the oil patch, but if it survives, it could have a lot more leverage.
Operational execution has not been great. The capital structure had too much debt. They paid a non-sustainable dividend for years. They have cut that and have been trying to sell assets. There has been management turnover. The latest shoe to drop was a change in the CFO and a whole bunch of restatements of the financials. Also, believes there are some class action lawsuits. Too much debt.
Sold some assets for over $300 million. Taking some really important necessary steps. Modeling $80 oil and $3.50 natural gas, its debt to cash flow is still too high at 3.4 times. Priced pretty cheap relative to the group at about 6.4, but not cheap enough. Its payout ratio would rise for its dividend to about 161%. There are better alternatives amongst higher risk names than this.