Is Baytex Energy (TSX:BTE) Stock a Buy Today?

Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX:BTE) (NYSE:BTE) is trading near its 12-month low. Is the pullback overdone?

| More on:
Gas pipelines

Image source: Getty Images

Canadian oil companies are under pressure, and investors who stayed on the sidelines during the 2019 pullback are wondering if this might be the right time to take a contrarian position in the sector’s walking wounded.

Oil prices

The price of WTI oil has been quite volatile in the past year, falling from US$76 per barrel in early October to about US$42 in late December. A new rally took it back to US$66 in late April, but weakness has returned to the market and WTI currently trades close to US$53.

Market watchers might well be scratching their heads. The plunge late last year caught most people off guard, as it was assumed that the new sanctions against Iran would tighten the market, sending prices higher. Instead, it appears that the trade dispute between the United States and China is having a larger impact.

China’s economic growth is slowing, and a prolonged trade battle could well make the situation worse. If the global economy takes a hit as a result, oil demand could fall, potentially sending prices plunging back toward the US$40 level.

On the flip side, the ongoing geopolitical challenges in the Middle East threaten to push oil prices higher. If Iran decides to block the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. would likely intervene, and oil prices would likely soar. The Middle East is already in a fragile state, and any escalation in the conflict between the U.S. and Iran could have a domino effect.

Time to buy?

Oil stocks have taken a beating, with many now trading near their multi-year lows. Baytex Energy (TSX:BTE)(NYSE:BTE) is trading at close to $2 per share at writing. Long-term followers of the stock are well aware that this used to be a dividend darling in the Canadian oil patch that trades for $48 and paid out an annualized distribution of $2.88 per share before the crash began in 2014.

Baytex got caught with a large debt load, and while the company was able to raise cash at an opportune time in 2015 and renegotiated terms with lenders, the stock continues to be out of favour. Debt is still an issue, which will continue to pressure the share price as long as oil prices remain weak. If you are of the opinion that WTI oil is headed back to US$40 by the end of the year, you should probably look for other places to invest your money today.

However, contrarian investors who see an oil rally on the horizon might want to consider a small position. Baytex has held onto most of its top assets through the downturn and the resource base, especially in the Eagle Ford shale play, is attractive. The stock tends to make big moves when oil prices shift, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Baytex take a run at $4 if oil can find a way to rally through the end of the year.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Andrew Walker has no position in any stock mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Canadian Natural Resources stock is well set up to beat the TSX as it continues to generate strong cash flows…

Read more »

energy industry
Energy Stocks

2 TSX Energy Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist Now

These two rallying TSX energy stocks can continue delivering robust returns to investors in the long term.

Read more »

green energy
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 37% to Buy and Hold Forever

This dividend stock has fallen significantly from poor results, but zoom in and there are some major improvements happening.

Read more »

oil tank at night
Energy Stocks

3 Energy Stocks Already Worth Your While

Here's why blue-chip TSX energy stocks such as Enbridge should be part of your equity portfolio in 2024.

Read more »

Solar panels and windmills
Energy Stocks

1 Beaten-Down Stock That Could Be the Best Bet in the TSX

This renewable energy stock could be one of the best buys you make this year, as the company starts to…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Here's why Enbridge (TSX:ENB) remains a top dividend stock long-term investors may want to consider, despite current risks.

Read more »

Gas pipelines
Energy Stocks

If You Had Invested $5,000 in Enbridge Stock in 2018, This Is How Much You Would Have Today

Enbridge's high dividend yield hasn't made up for its dismal total returns.

Read more »

Bad apple with good apples
Energy Stocks

Avoid at All Costs: This Stock Is Portfolio Poison

A mid-cap stock commits to return more to shareholders, but some investors remember the suspension of dividends a few years…

Read more »