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Peyto Exploration & Develop.PEY.TOCOMMENTJan 30, 2015Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 19, 2026. Market Open.
PEY has a solid balance sheet and a long history of growth. It has seen many cycles already, and was one of the first companies to convert into an income trust way back (which did benefit shareholders). It trades at only 7X earnings and barely 4X cash flow. The dividend is attractive and was more than doubled late last year. It is not guaranteed of course but is well-covered by cash flow. Payout ratio is 21%. We like management and its leverage to gas prices is very high. Some fault it because of its hedge program on prices, but of course this does also reduce risk of price volatility.
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If we stay at the current gas price for the next year, dividend is not sustainable. PEY has a good hedge position, and they're actually getting good gas pricing, so it has a buffer. He owns it in an income fund, making about 18% after selling calls. Not in his main fund, as all he wants to own is Canadian heavy oil.
LNG Canada is bringing a significant export opportunity for all Canadian nat gas companies towards the end of 2025. This will be transformational. He likes all Canadian nat gas producers on a volume basis. His preference is ARX, as it's diversified with undeveloped land. Prefers PEY to BIR; management is stronger, though its dividend will be subject to commodity prices, can grow production long-term.
One of the most sustainable and best names and is almost all natural gas. Even at $3.25 gas, their debt to cash flow is fairly reasonable at 2X, so their balance sheet is still pretty good. Their payout ratio goes to 144%, which is a whole lot better than the group of 216%. If gas prices stay low, they all will be forced to cut their dividend, but this is a quality company that continues to grow production. If you are going to bet on the natural gas play, this is a good one to own.