Three energy firms that should buy back stock and four that shouldn’t – Barron’s

Oil and gasoline producers are likely to train poor timing in executing inventory buybacks, Wells Fargo analyst Nitin Kumar says, and traders “needs to be involved about explorer and producer administration groups utilizing money cows from quickly elevated commodity costs to repurchase shares which are on multiyear highs,” in accordance with the most recent problem of Barron’s.

However buybacks can nonetheless work for some firms whose shares nonetheless don’t absolutely replicate the massive run-up in oil costs, Kumar says, pointing to Coterra Vitality (NYSE:CTRA), CNX Sources (NYSE:CNX) and Centennial Useful resource Improvement (NASDAQ:CDEV).

The analyst says Coterra ought to maintain shopping for again shares, largely as a result of the inventory doesn’t absolutely replicate the excessive worth of pure gasoline, though its present authorization permits it to repurchase solely ~6% of the float.

CNX additionally scores close to the highest of Kumar’s checklist, as its inventory additionally doesn’t but absolutely replicate excessive gasoline costs; its present authorization permits it to purchase again as much as 30% of its float.

CDEV is also effectively positioned to purchase again shares, and has authorization to purchase again ~20% of its float.

Alternatively, Kumar says Antero Sources (AR), Pioneer Pure Sources (PXD), Devon Vitality (DVN) and EQT (EQT) ought to maintain off on buybacks for now, because the risk-reward for the 4 appears much less favorable at present costs.

Centennial shares jumped 8% on Friday as Stifel famous improved drilling effectivity and robust shareholder returns in upgrading to Purchase.