Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 15, 2025) - Baytex Energy Corp. (TSX: BTE) (NYSE: BTE) ("Baytex" or the "Company") today announced that it expects to close the previously announced sale of its U.S. Eagle Ford assets (the "Eagle Ford Asset Sale") on December 19, 2025.Baytex also announced the early results of the previously announced tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash, upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 1, 2025 (as it may be amend ...

Core Insights - Baytex Energy has experienced a significant increase of over 60% in the past six months, reaching a 52-week high of $3.32, driven by confidence in its post-sale strategy focusing on high-return Canadian assets [1][6] - The company has undergone a transformational simplification of its portfolio by selling Eagle Ford assets for C$3.25 billion, allowing it to concentrate on Canadian heavy oil and reduce exposure to U.S. interest costs [3][4] - Baytex's financial position has strengthened, with an estimated net cash position of approximately C$900 million and a pro forma net asset value of C$3.99 billion, positioning it as one of the financially strongest companies among its peers [4][7] Financial Performance - The sale of U.S. assets has led to a lower corporate breakeven, providing Baytex with greater flexibility in various pricing environments and enhancing its capacity for reinvestment and shareholder returns [4][6] - The company generated C$143 million in free cash flow in Q3 2025, with expectations for continued contributions despite softer commodity prices [15][16] - By year-end, net debt is projected to decline to about C$2.1 billion, indicating ongoing balance sheet improvement [16] Growth Potential - Baytex's heavy oil and Pembina Duvernay assets are expected to drive growth, with over 1,300 drilling locations and a strong production outlook [6][10] - Pembina Duvernay is anticipated to become the largest source of long-term growth, with production reaching a record 10,185 barrels of oil-equivalent per day in Q3, up 53% sequentially [10][11] - The company plans to scale development in Pembina Duvernay to achieve production volumes of 20,000–25,000 Boe/d by 2029–2030, supported by a robust well performance [11] Strategic Positioning - Baytex's strategic shift back to heavy oil, combined with modern drilling efficiencies, positions it to extract consistent value from a historically cyclical segment [9][10] - The company controls approximately 1,100 heavy oil drilling locations, providing more than a decade of future development runway, which enhances production stability and cash flow generation [9] - Baytex's leaner, more cash-efficient structure is increasingly competitive compared to larger Canadian producers like Suncor Energy and Canadian Natural Resources [2][4]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of the Zacks Rank system in identifying winning stocks through earnings estimates and revisions [1] - Value investing is highlighted as a favored strategy that seeks to find undervalued companies using fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics [2] Company Analysis - Baytex Energy (BTE) is identified as a stock to watch, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an A grade for Value [3] - BTE has a Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio of 0.9, significantly lower than the industry average P/S of 1.47, indicating potential undervaluation [4] - The strong Value grade of BTE suggests it is likely undervalued, especially when considering its positive earnings outlook [5]

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Baytex Energy (BTE) - Baytex Energy currently holds a Momentum Style Score of B, indicating potential as a solid momentum pick [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which historically outperforms the market when combined with a Style Score of A or B [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, BTE shares increased by 1.26%, while the Zacks Oil and Gas - Exploration and Production - Canadian industry rose by 2.89% [6] - In a longer timeframe, BTE's monthly price change is 37.13%, significantly outperforming the industry's 7.06% [6] - Over the past quarter, BTE shares have risen by 36.56%, and by 21.72% over the last year, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 6.55% and 14.51%, respectively [7] Trading Volume - BTE's average 20-day trading volume is 24,804,448 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, one earnings estimate for BTE has increased, raising the consensus estimate from $0.14 to $0.23 [10] - For the next fiscal year, one estimate has also moved upwards, with no downward revisions during the same period [10] Conclusion - Considering the positive price trends and earnings outlook, BTE is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of B, making it a noteworthy candidate for near-term investment [12]

Core Viewpoint - Baytex Energy Corp. has initiated a cash tender offer for its outstanding 7.375% Senior Notes due 2032, utilizing proceeds from the divestiture of its U.S. Eagle Ford assets, while also planning to redeem its 8.500% Senior Notes due 2030 [1][2][18] Group 1: Tender Offer Details - The tender offer is for all US$575 million of the 2032 Senior Notes, with a total consideration of US$1,040 for each US$1,000 principal amount, which includes an early tender payment of US$40 [2][8] - The tender offer will expire on December 30, 2025, with an early tender date of December 12, 2025, for holders to receive the early tender payment [5][9] - Holders can withdraw their tendered notes until the withdrawal deadline of December 12, 2025 [6] Group 2: Redemption of 2030 Senior Notes - Baytex plans to issue a conditional notice of redemption for all US$759.44 million of its 8.500% Senior Notes due 2030, scheduled for December 22, 2025, contingent on the completion of the Eagle Ford Asset Sale [18] Group 3: Conditions and Management - The tender offer is contingent upon the successful completion of the Eagle Ford Asset Sale, expected to close in late 2025 or early 2026, subject to regulatory approvals [11] - RBC Capital Markets, LLC has been retained as the dealer manager for the tender offer, while Global Bondholder Services Corporation will act as the information and tender agent [14]

Industry Overview - Oil prices are under pressure due to changing government regulations, OPEC+ supply decisions, and global conflicts, leading to the largest yearly drop since the pandemic [1] - Major oil exporters are increasing production faster than expected, while the U.S. is achieving record output levels, reducing expectations for tight oil markets next year [1] - Current lower prices are creating a price floor, encouraging consumption, and steady demand trends remain strong [1] - OPEC+ is cautious about adding more supply, indicating potential stabilization in the oil market [1][4] Demand and Supply Dynamics - U.S. oil consumption is stable, and refining margins remain healthy, suggesting that the overall demand for oil has not crashed [3] - As winter approaches, natural seasonal dynamics may support a gradual price recovery [3] - If OPEC+ maintains its cautious approach and monitors global conflicts, high inventory pressures may ease as winter progresses [4] Investment Opportunities - Quality value names like Drilling Tools International (DTI), Baytex Energy (BTE), and W&T Offshore (WTI) are highlighted as appealing investments due to strong fundamentals and discounted stock prices [2][6] - Smaller energy stocks trading under $5, often referred to as "penny stocks," may offer opportunities with relatively low risk of major losses [4][6] Company Profiles Drilling Tools International (DTI) - DTI specializes in downhole tools and has a fleet of over 65,000 tools, supporting well construction across major U.S. basins [7] - The company has expanded its portfolio from 2 to 16 patented products and participates in approximately 60% of North American drilling rigs [9] - DTI's share price is just over $2, with a 120% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings over the past 60 days [10] Baytex Energy (BTE) - Baytex is a Canadian oil-weighted exploration and production company with diversified assets across Canada and the U.S., focusing on high-return Canadian assets [11][12] - The company emphasizes disciplined capital management and plans to accelerate shareholder returns following a significant asset sale [12] - Baytex shares trade at $3.22, with a 64% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings over the past 60 days [13] W&T Offshore (WTI) - WTI is an independent oil and natural gas producer with a strong presence in the Gulf of America, holding interests in 50 offshore fields [14] - The company has a drilling success rate near 90% and has generated positive cash flow for over 28 consecutive quarters [15] - WTI shares trade for less than $2, with a projected 32.6% growth in 2025 revenues according to the Zacks Consensus Estimate [16]

Core Insights - Baytex Energy Corp. (NYSE:BTE) experienced a significant share price increase of 25.4% from November 7 to November 14, 2025, making it one of the top-performing energy stocks during that week [1] Company Overview - Baytex Energy Corp. is involved in the acquisition, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas, primarily in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and the Eagle Ford region in the United States [2] Recent Developments - On November 12, Baytex announced the sale of its U.S. Eagle Ford assets for approximately $2.305 billion in cash, which produced 82,765 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day in Q3. This divestiture represents the entirety of Baytex's operations in the U.S. and aims to enhance the company's balance sheet and focus on high-return opportunities in Canada [3] - Following the announcement, Baytex's stock reached a 52-week high, attracting attention from analysts [3] Analyst Upgrades - BMO Capital upgraded Baytex from 'Market Perform' to 'Outperform' and increased its price target from C$3 to C$6 [4] - Scotiabank also upgraded the stock from 'Sector Perform' to 'Outperform', setting a price target of C$5.25 [4] - Raymond James similarly upgraded Baytex from 'Market Perform' to 'Outperform' and raised its price target from C$3.5 to C$5.5 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Baytex Energy Corp. has experienced significant stock performance, rising 25.4% week-on-week, driven by a bullish rating from Raymond James Financial and the announcement of exiting the US market through the sale of its Eagle Ford assets for $2.305 billion [1][2][4]. Group 1: Financial Performance and Transactions - Baytex Energy signed a definitive agreement to sell its Eagle Ford assets for $2.305 billion, which is expected to strengthen its balance sheet and enhance capital allocation to high-return opportunities [2]. - The proceeds from the sale will be used to repay outstanding credit facilities and notes due in 2030, supporting the company's return to a net cash position [3]. - The transaction is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year or early next year, pending closing conditions and regulatory approvals [3]. Group 2: Market Reaction and Analyst Ratings - Following the announcement of the asset sale, Raymond James Financial upgraded Baytex Energy's stock rating to "outperform" from "market perform" and raised its price target from C$3.50 to C$5.50 [4]. - The stock's performance has been positively influenced by an eight-day rally, reflecting investor confidence in the company's strategic decisions [1]. Group 3: Shareholder Returns - Shareholders as of December 15 are expected to receive dividends of C$0.0225 per share on January 2, 2026, which translates to approximately $0.0161 per share for US shareholders at a foreign exchange rate of C$1.40 [5].

Core Insights - Baytex Energy Corp. (NYSE:BTE) has been performing well in the market, achieving a new 52-week high and extending its winning streak to seven consecutive sessions, driven by positive analyst coverage [1][4] - Raymond James Financial upgraded Baytex Energy's stock rating to "outperform" and raised its price target from C$3.50 to C$5.50, following the company's announcement of exiting the US market by divesting its Eagle Ford assets for $3.25 billion [2] - The CEO of Baytex Energy stated that monetizing the US Eagle Ford assets will strengthen the company's balance sheet and allow for better capital allocation towards high-return opportunities, ultimately benefiting shareholders [3] Company Actions - Baytex Energy plans to complete the divestment of its Eagle Ford assets by the end of the year or early next year, pending regulatory approvals [4] - The company aims to return to a net cash position upon closing the deal, with proceeds allocated to repay outstanding credit facilities and notes due in 2030 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Baytex Energy Corp. is experiencing a significant stock performance boost following its decision to exit the US market by divesting its assets for $2.3 billion, allowing the company to focus on its Canadian operations. Group 1: Stock Performance - Baytex Energy's stock has extended its winning streak to six consecutive days, reaching a nearly one-year high [1] - During trading, the stock peaked at $3.10 before closing at $3.03, reflecting a 13.48 percent increase [1] Group 2: Business Strategy - The company has signed a definitive agreement for the sale of its US Eagle Ford assets to an undisclosed buyer, aiming to concentrate on the more robust Canadian market [2] - Baytex's President and CEO, Eric Greager, emphasized that monetizing the US assets will strengthen the balance sheet and enhance capital allocation to high-return opportunities [3] Group 3: Financial Implications - The transaction is expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026, pending regulatory approvals [4] - Upon closing, Baytex anticipates returning to a net cash position, with part of the proceeds allocated to repaying outstanding credit facilities and notes due in 2030 [4]