Veren (VRN) closed the last trading session at $5.92, gaining 7.1% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $7.99 indicates a 35% upside potential.The average comprises 10 short-term price targets ranging from a low of $6.60 to a high of $9.75, with a standard deviation of $1.09. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 11.5% from the current price level, the most ...

Company Overview - Veren (VRN) is expected to report a year-over-year increase in earnings of +31.8% to $0.29 per share, despite a revenue decline of 12.4% to $719.9 million for the quarter ended March 2025 [3][12] - The stock's price movement will largely depend on how actual results compare to consensus estimates, with a potential for higher stock prices if results exceed expectations [1][2] Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate for Veren has been revised 25% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a bullish sentiment among analysts [4] - The Most Accurate Estimate for Veren is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +13.79%, suggesting a strong likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [10][11] Earnings Surprise History - In the last reported quarter, Veren exceeded expectations by delivering earnings of $0.29 per share against an expected $0.24, resulting in a surprise of +20.83% [12] - Over the last four quarters, Veren has beaten consensus EPS estimates only once, indicating a mixed performance history [13] Industry Context - In the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - Canadian industry, Cenovus Energy (CVE) is expected to report earnings of $0.29 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of -37%, with revenues projected at $9.55 billion, down 3.9% [17] - Cenovus has seen a 1.6% downward revision in its consensus EPS estimate over the last 30 days, and its Earnings ESP is currently at 0.00%, making it difficult to predict a beat against consensus estimates [18]

Core Viewpoint - The decision to sell all oil stocks was not based on a bearish outlook for oil prices, but rather to allocate funds for a significant investment in Whitecap Resources [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The company focuses on capital management and has transitioned from engineering to finance since 2018 [1]. - The investment philosophy is rooted in fundamental analysis, emphasizing a "Margin of Safety" and a "Catalyst" for stock selection [1]. - The portfolio is typically limited to a maximum of 10 stocks, indicating a concentrated investment approach [1]. Group 2: Knowledge and Expertise - The company has acquired financial knowledge from reputable sources, including NYU Professor Damodaran and influential investment literature such as "Margin of Safety" and "The Intelligent Investor" [1]. - The writing on platforms like Seeking Alpha serves as a means to organize thoughts and share insights on the energy sector [1].

Core Viewpoint - Shares of Veren (VRN) have increased by 27.7% in the past four weeks, closing at $6.27, with a mean price target of $8 indicating a potential upside of 27.6% [1] Price Targets and Analyst Consensus - The average of 11 short-term price targets ranges from a low of $6.60 to a high of $9.62, with a standard deviation of $0.97, suggesting a potential increase of 5.3% to 53.4% from the current price [2] - A low standard deviation indicates a strong agreement among analysts regarding the price movement of VRN, which can serve as a starting point for further research [8] Earnings Estimates and Market Sentiment - Analysts have shown increasing optimism about VRN's earnings prospects, with a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions correlating with potential stock price increases [10] - Over the last 30 days, one estimate has increased, leading to a 21.2% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year [11] Zacks Rank and Investment Potential - VRN holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates, indicating strong potential for upside [12]

Veren (VRN) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given a notable revision in the company's earnings estimates. While the stock has been gaining lately, the trend might continue since its earnings outlook is still improving.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this oil producer is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price mov ...

CALGARY, AB, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Whitecap Resources Inc. ("Whitecap") (TSX: WCP) and Veren Inc. ("Veren") (TSX: VRN) (NYSE: VRN) are pleased to announce a strategic combination to create a leading light oil and condensate producer with concentrated assets in the Alberta Montney and Duvernay. The combined company will be the largest Alberta Montney and Duvernay landholder, a prominent light oil producer in Saskatchewan and will leverage the combined asset base and technical expertise to drive impr ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the transformation of Veren (NYSE: VRN) from a struggling company to a cash flow powerhouse, indicating a significant turnaround in its business model [2] - The author emphasizes the cyclical nature of the oil and gas industry, highlighting the need for patience and experience in navigating its boom-bust cycles [2] - The analysis includes a focus on the balance sheet, competitive position, and development prospects of oil and gas companies, suggesting a thorough evaluation process [1] Group 2 - The article is part of a service that provides in-depth research on undervalued oil and gas companies, with exclusive insights available to members [1] - The author has a beneficial long position in VRN shares, indicating a personal investment interest in the company's future performance [3] - The article serves as an example of the type of analysis provided to members, showcasing the potential for identifying investment opportunities within the sector [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company generated over CAD 640 million of excess cash flow, with nearly one-third realized in Q4 [4] - The company returned 60% of excess cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [5] - Net debt was reduced by 35%, amounting to CAD 1.3 billion [5] - Annual average production for 2024 was 191,000 BOE per day, with Q4 production at 189,000 BOE per day [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alberta Montney and Duvernay assets accounted for nearly 80% of Q4 production, showing a 10% growth compared to Q1 [7] - The company replaced 173% of its 2024 production on a 2P basis, with a strong recycle ratio of 2.1x based on 2P F&D costs [8] - New multi-well pads in Alberta Montney achieved an average peak 30-day rate of 1,270 BOE per day per well, which is 30% above the area type well [9] - Kaybob Duvernay multi-well pads generated an average peak 30-day rate of 1,000 BOE per day per well, 25% above the area type well [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates generating significant excess cash flow of CAD 625 million to CAD 825 million in 2025 based on WTI pricing of CAD 70 to CAD 75 per barrel [15] - Production guidance for 2025 is set at 188,000 to 196,000 BOE per day, with a strong start in January at 191,000 BOE per day [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on operational execution, strengthening its balance sheet, and returning capital to shareholders [15] - A strategic long-term infrastructure partnership was established to enhance operational flexibility and minimize downtime [10] - The company plans to continue optimizing completions and investing in gas egress infrastructure [10][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the 2025 outlook, emphasizing operational execution and capital return strategies [15] - The company is not currently pursuing acquisitions, focusing instead on optimizing existing assets [39][40] - Management highlighted the importance of demonstrating asset quality and execution to the market [40] Other Important Information - The company achieved an investment-grade credit rating, allowing for diversification of its capital structure [5] - The 2025 capital expenditures guidance is CAD 1.48 billion to CAD 1.58 billion, with 15% directed towards facilities [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on sliding sleeve test results - Management provided positive feedback on the initial results of the sliding sleeve test, indicating strong performance and significant oil cuts [19][21] Question: Operating cost reductions - Management noted that operating costs dropped due to higher volumes and ongoing debottlenecking efforts [23][25] Question: Capacity expansion at Gold Creek West - Management confirmed that the expansion work is on schedule for mid-March, with no expected delays [28][30] Question: Guidance revision based on well performance - Management is comfortable with current guidance but will monitor performance closely as new wells come online [35][36] Question: M&A interest in Montney - Management reiterated a pause on acquisitions, expressing satisfaction with current asset positions [39][40] Question: Gas lift utilization and optimization - Management discussed plans to utilize gas lift and evaluate its effectiveness based on higher liquids content [67] Question: Net debt comfort level - Management expressed comfort with the current balance sheet and outlined plans for further debt reduction [76][78] Question: Guidance parameters and Saskatchewan operations - Management provided details on production guidance and highlighted ongoing drilling programs in Saskatchewan [90][92]

Core Viewpoint - Veren (VRN) reported quarterly earnings of $0.29 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.24 per share, and showing an increase from $0.27 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 20.83% [1] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $767.21 million for the quarter ended December 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.55%, compared to $743.7 million in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Veren has exceeded consensus revenue estimates three times [2] Stock Performance and Outlook - Veren shares have declined approximately 6.2% since the beginning of the year, while the S&P 500 has gained 1.3% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.17 on revenues of $678.96 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $0.85 on revenues of $2.9 billion [7] Industry Context - The Zacks Industry Rank for Oil and Gas - Integrated - Canadian is currently in the bottom 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating potential underperformance compared to higher-ranked industries [8]

Core Points - Veren Inc. has filed its Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended December 31, 2024, with Canadian securities regulatory authorities [1] - The AIF includes the Company's reserves data and other oil and natural gas information as required under National Instrument 51-101 [1] - Veren has also filed its Form 40-F for the same period with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission [1] Company Information - An electronic copy of the AIF can be accessed on Veren's website, SEDAR+ profile, and EDGAR profile [2] - Veren shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VRN [3]