3 Reasons This High-Yield Stock Is a Great Buy Now

In the ever-evolving investment landscape, high-yield stocks often catch the eye of income-seeking investors. One such stock that deserves attention is Devon Energy (DVN), a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company. Despite a challenging 2024, DVN shares have fallen, presenting an attractive buying opportunity. Here are three compelling reasons why DVN is a great buy now.

1. Strategic Asset Acquisition: Devon Energy's acquisition of Bakken-focused Grayson Mill assets is a strategic move that enhances its high-yield status. The addition of these assets increases DVN's exposure to the Bakken region, taking its production from 50,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOED) to 150,000 BOED, or about 20% of total production. This scale enables Devon to improve operational efficiency, generate cost and marketing synergies, and potentially boost its dividend yield. Furthermore, the acquisition allows DVN to take advantage of relatively low valuations at a time of relatively high oil prices, further contributing to its high-yield appeal.

2. Core Focus on the Permian Basin: Devon Energy's strategic focus on the Permian Basin, particularly the Delaware Basin, is a key driver of its high dividend yield and long-term growth potential. The Delaware Basin accounts for 67% of DVN's production and 60% of its potential reserves, making it a core asset for the company. This focus allows Devon to benefit from the Permian's higher output and valuation premium, enhancing its cash flow and dividend yield. Moreover, DVN's acquisition of Bakken-focused Grayson Mill assets will increase its exposure to the Bakken region, enabling operational improvements and cost synergies, further boosting its dividend yield and long-term growth prospects.

3. Management Strategy: Devon Energy's management strategy, focusing on debt reduction and share buybacks, significantly contributes to its high yield and overall investment appeal. In 2024, DVN didn't pay a variable dividend, opting to allocate cash towards reducing debt and share buybacks after paying its fixed quarterly dividend of $0.22. This strategy makes sense given DVN's substantial cash flow from strong production and a relatively high oil price. By reducing debt, Devon improves future cash flow and lowers its interest payments. Meanwhile, share buybacks decrease the share count, enhancing existing shareholders' claim on future cash flow. Devon's management expects a free cash flow (FCF) yield of 8.9% in 2025, with 70% of returns potentially going to dividends, implying a 6.2% dividend yield. However, given DVN's attractive FCF yield, it's more sensible to use investors' money to buy back stock, indicating significant potential for dividend growth as FCF per share increases due to the reduced share count.

In conclusion, Devon Energy's strategic asset acquisition, core focus on the Permian Basin, and management strategy make it an attractive high-yield stock to buy now. With a diversified asset portfolio, strong cash flow, and a commitment to returning capital to shareholders, DVN is well-positioned to generate significant value for long-term investors. As always, investors should conduct thorough research and consider their risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.