Vermilion Energy: Good Production In Q1 2026, But Lackluster Cash Flow Projections This Year (Rating Downgrade)

Vermilion Energy has shifted focus to natural gas, projecting 70% of 2026 production from gas, but this has muted near-term cash flow upside. VET's stock rallied 96% over the past year, outperforming peers, yet underperformed over a multi-year horizon. Q1 2026 saw solid cash flow, with C$98M free cash flow and the company reported a C$146M net loss mainly from C$301M in unrealized hedging losses.