Stockchase Opinions

Brian Madden Vermilion Energy Inc VET-T BUY Jan 09, 2020

What stands out the most is it yields just under 13%. Stock is priced as though it's going to cut the dividend, but he doesn't think it will. Moderate risk of a cut. Good risk/reward. Likes geographic balance of production. Half is from Canada, rest is elsewhere. Leverage ratio is 1.9x, which is moderate. Payout ratio is 49%, which is manageable. Chart's bottomed. Good entry point for pretty high quality producer with leverage to oil.
$21.320

Stock price when the opinion was issued

oil gas
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DON'T BUY

Not that familiar with it, but it's had issues in France. All Canadian-based energy will do well. But VET is back on track. Not his top pick in this space.

WEAK BUY

Not his favourite in energy. If it break its 200-day moving average it will move even higher though. But if fundamentals continue to do well, so will VET. The stock is well-positioned.

DON'T BUY

The biggest knock is that they have 5 operations round the world when they need focus. It remains challenged and deserves to trade at a discount. Look elsewhere for less risk and more reward.

DON'T BUY

Too much noise. A tax-loss candidate. Don't buy. The warm winter meant weak heating demand. Also, their assets are too scattered, lacking focus, while the dividend isn't attractive enough. Some flagship assets will decline. It's a value trap.

SELL

Sell it. Value trap. Too many assets, not enough geographical concentration. The free cashflow yield that everyone's fallen in love with rolls off significantly in 2 years.

DON'T BUY

Looking at 2026, they're almost negative free cashflow because they're benefiting from European gas hedges that are about to roll off.

DON'T BUY

Too geographically exposed. Inventory light. Hedge on gas about to expire. Not a good option for investors. 

DON'T BUY

Owns shares, and has suffered share price depreciation. Europe pricing very hard on business. Company is going to have to re-evaluate Europe assets. Better options in the energy sector for investors. 

BUY

Owns shares. Believes company has a lot of potential. European gas prices have been low, but still relatively strong. Largest independent gas producer in all of Europe. Very good shareholder discipline - has paid lots of dividends. Good capital allocation. 

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick Mar 15/24, Down 37%)

Lately they've had success in exploration in Germany, but near-term capex to exploit that is questionable. Are hard hit, now trading at half their book value. Are paying a near-6% dividend. He's held on. He may use VET as a source of funds, but otherwise won't sell it.