Ovintiv's Acquisition of NuVista Approved by Canadian Government
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 28 2026
0mins
Should l Buy OVV?
Ovintiv Inc. shares rose 3.86% as the stock reached a 20-day high amid positive developments regarding its acquisition of NuVista Energy.
The Canadian government has approved Ovintiv's acquisition of NuVista through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ovintiv Canada ULC, marking a significant milestone in the acquisition process under the Investment Canada Act. NuVista shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on January 23, 2026, reflecting investor confidence in the acquisition, which is expected to enhance Ovintiv's competitive position in the Canadian market. The Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted the Final Order for the transaction, ensuring legal compliance and reducing potential legal hurdles, thereby accelerating the completion of the deal.
This approval is anticipated to close around February 3, 2026, providing Ovintiv with greater market share and resource integration opportunities, which could positively impact its future growth and operational efficiency.
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Analyst Views on OVV
Wall Street analysts forecast OVV stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for OVV is 51.00 USD with a low forecast of 42.00 USD and a high forecast of 56.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
17 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
4 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 44.880
Low
42.00
Averages
51.00
High
56.00
Current: 44.880
Low
42.00
Averages
51.00
High
56.00
About OVV
Ovintiv Inc. is an oil and natural gas exploration and production company that is focused on developing its multi-basin portfolio of assets located in the United States and Canada. Its operations include the marketing of oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. Its segments include USA operations and Canadian Operations. USA Operations include the exploration for, development of, and production and marketing of oil, NGLs, natural gas and other related activities within the United States. Canadian Operations include the exploration for, development of, and production and marketing of oil, NGLs, natural gas and other related activities within Canada. Its assets include Anadarko Basin, Montney, and Permian Basin. Anadarko is a liquids-rich play located in west-central Oklahoma in Blaine, Canadian, Custer, Dewey, Garvin, Grady, Kingfisher, McClain and Stephens counties. Montney is a condensate and natural gas play located in northwest Alberta and northeast British Columbia.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Ovintiv Initiated with Equal Weight Rating and $44 Price Target
- Attractive Valuation: Ovintiv (OVV) was initiated with an Equal Weight rating and a price target of $44 by Stephens, which noted an estimated 2026 EV/EBITDA ratio of 3.6x, representing a 30% discount to the large-cap oil peer group average of 5.1x, highlighting the stock's appeal.
- Asset Sale Plans: The upcoming sale of Ovintiv's Anadarko Basin assets is expected to fetch approximately $3.5 billion, allowing for a reduction of net debt by over 65% this year, thereby laying the groundwork for future shareholder returns.
- Leading Drilling Efficiency: Ovintiv ranked first or second in drilling and completion efficiencies among the most active operators in the Midland and Anadarko basins over the past two years, with average well costs for 2024-25 being among the lowest in each basin, showcasing its competitive edge in cost management.
- Acquisition Expansion: The recent free cash flow accretive acquisition of NuVista Energy, expected to close in Q1, will increase Ovintiv's Montney drilling inventory by approximately 70% at a cost of around $1.3 million per location, further strengthening its market position.
See More
Ovintiv Completes $2.7 Billion Acquisition of NuVista Energy
- Acquisition Completed: Ovintiv has finalized its acquisition of NuVista Energy for a total value of $2.7 billion, which is expected to add approximately 930 net 10,000-foot equivalent well locations, significantly enhancing its resource base in the Alberta Montney oil field.
- Production Expectations Increased: The acquired assets are projected to average approximately 100 MBOE/d in daily production in 2026, including about 25,000 barrels per day of oil and condensate, which will directly enhance the company's overall production capacity and market competitiveness.
- Cost Synergies Anticipated: Ovintiv expects to achieve approximately $100 million in annual cost synergies, with per well cost savings of about $1 million, further optimizing its operational efficiency in the Montney play.
- Strong Shareholder Support: The transaction received over 99% of the votes cast, with approximately 64% of NuVista shareholders participating in the vote, indicating strong market recognition and confidence in the acquisition.
See More
Ovintiv Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Member: Ovintiv announced the appointment of Gregory P. Hill as an independent director effective January 30, 2026, whose extensive experience at Hess Corporation is expected to provide strategic guidance to the company.
- Extensive Industry Background: Hill brings over four decades of experience in the energy sector, having held senior leadership roles at Hess, Shell, and Aera Energy, managing significant portfolios across key global markets.
- Contributions to Operational Excellence: During his tenure at Hess, Hill led major portfolio transformations and operational excellence initiatives, driving significant growth in critical regions such as Guyana, the Bakken, and the Gulf of Mexico, showcasing his market expansion capabilities.
- Academic Background and Honors: Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and received an Honorary Doctorate from the same institution in 2024, reflecting his outstanding achievements in both technical and academic fields.
See More
Ovintiv Appoints Gregory P. Hill as Independent Board Member
- New Board Member: Ovintiv announced that Gregory P. Hill will join as an independent director effective January 30, 2026, bringing over 40 years of experience in the energy sector, which is expected to provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to the company.
- Extensive Industry Background: Hill previously served as President of Worldwide Exploration & Production at Hess Corporation, where he oversaw significant portfolio transformations and operational excellence, particularly in key growth regions such as Guyana, the Bakken, and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Academic Achievements: Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (with honors) from the University of Wyoming and received an Honorary Doctorate from the same institution in 2024, showcasing his excellence in both technical and academic fields.
- Chairman's Remarks: Ovintiv Chairman Peter Dea stated that Hill's technical expertise and operational leadership will provide significant insights to the board, aiding the company in enhancing long-term shareholder value.
See More
NuVista Energy Acquisition by Ovintiv Approved by Canadian Government
- Transaction Approval: The Canadian government has approved Ovintiv's acquisition of NuVista Energy through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ovintiv Canada ULC, marking a significant milestone in the acquisition process under the Investment Canada Act.
- Shareholder Support: NuVista shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on January 23, 2026, reflecting investor confidence in the acquisition, which is expected to enhance Ovintiv's competitive position in the Canadian market.
- Court Ruling: The Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted the Final Order for the transaction, ensuring legal compliance and reducing potential legal hurdles, thereby accelerating the completion of the deal.
- Expected Closing Date: The transaction is anticipated to close around February 3, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions, which will provide Ovintiv with greater market share and resource integration opportunities.
See More
NuVista's Acquisition by Ovintiv Receives Approval
- Transaction Approval: The Government of Canada has approved Ovintiv's acquisition of NuVista through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ovintiv Canada ULC, marking a significant step forward under the Investment Canada Act.
- Shareholder Support: NuVista shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on January 23, 2026, reflecting a positive market sentiment that is expected to enhance Ovintiv's competitive position in the Canadian market.
- Legal Process Completion: The transaction has received clearance under the Competition Act and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted the Final Order, ensuring legal compliance and laying the groundwork for a smooth transaction completion.
- Expected Closing Date: The transaction is anticipated to close around February 3, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions, which will provide Ovintiv with new assets and market opportunities.
See More
Ovintiv Initiated with Equal Weight Rating and $44 Price Target
- Attractive Valuation: Ovintiv (OVV) was initiated with an Equal Weight rating and a price target of $44 by Stephens, which noted an estimated 2026 EV/EBITDA ratio of 3.6x, representing a 30% discount to the large-cap oil peer group average of 5.1x, highlighting the stock's appeal.
- Asset Sale Plans: The upcoming sale of Ovintiv's Anadarko Basin assets is expected to fetch approximately $3.5 billion, allowing for a reduction of net debt by over 65% this year, thereby laying the groundwork for future shareholder returns.
- Leading Drilling Efficiency: Ovintiv ranked first or second in drilling and completion efficiencies among the most active operators in the Midland and Anadarko basins over the past two years, with average well costs for 2024-25 being among the lowest in each basin, showcasing its competitive edge in cost management.
- Acquisition Expansion: The recent free cash flow accretive acquisition of NuVista Energy, expected to close in Q1, will increase Ovintiv's Montney drilling inventory by approximately 70% at a cost of around $1.3 million per location, further strengthening its market position.
See More
Ovintiv Completes $2.7 Billion Acquisition of NuVista Energy
- Acquisition Completed: Ovintiv has finalized its acquisition of NuVista Energy for a total value of $2.7 billion, which is expected to add approximately 930 net 10,000-foot equivalent well locations, significantly enhancing its resource base in the Alberta Montney oil field.
- Production Expectations Increased: The acquired assets are projected to average approximately 100 MBOE/d in daily production in 2026, including about 25,000 barrels per day of oil and condensate, which will directly enhance the company's overall production capacity and market competitiveness.
- Cost Synergies Anticipated: Ovintiv expects to achieve approximately $100 million in annual cost synergies, with per well cost savings of about $1 million, further optimizing its operational efficiency in the Montney play.
- Strong Shareholder Support: The transaction received over 99% of the votes cast, with approximately 64% of NuVista shareholders participating in the vote, indicating strong market recognition and confidence in the acquisition.
See More
Ovintiv Appoints New Board Member
- New Board Member: Ovintiv announced the appointment of Gregory P. Hill as an independent director effective January 30, 2026, whose extensive experience at Hess Corporation is expected to provide strategic guidance to the company.
- Extensive Industry Background: Hill brings over four decades of experience in the energy sector, having held senior leadership roles at Hess, Shell, and Aera Energy, managing significant portfolios across key global markets.
- Contributions to Operational Excellence: During his tenure at Hess, Hill led major portfolio transformations and operational excellence initiatives, driving significant growth in critical regions such as Guyana, the Bakken, and the Gulf of Mexico, showcasing his market expansion capabilities.
- Academic Background and Honors: Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and received an Honorary Doctorate from the same institution in 2024, reflecting his outstanding achievements in both technical and academic fields.
See More
Ovintiv Appoints Gregory P. Hill as Independent Board Member
- New Board Member: Ovintiv announced that Gregory P. Hill will join as an independent director effective January 30, 2026, bringing over 40 years of experience in the energy sector, which is expected to provide strategic guidance and technical expertise to the company.
- Extensive Industry Background: Hill previously served as President of Worldwide Exploration & Production at Hess Corporation, where he oversaw significant portfolio transformations and operational excellence, particularly in key growth regions such as Guyana, the Bakken, and the Gulf of Mexico.
- Academic Achievements: Hill holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (with honors) from the University of Wyoming and received an Honorary Doctorate from the same institution in 2024, showcasing his excellence in both technical and academic fields.
- Chairman's Remarks: Ovintiv Chairman Peter Dea stated that Hill's technical expertise and operational leadership will provide significant insights to the board, aiding the company in enhancing long-term shareholder value.
See More
NuVista Energy Acquisition by Ovintiv Approved by Canadian Government
- Transaction Approval: The Canadian government has approved Ovintiv's acquisition of NuVista Energy through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ovintiv Canada ULC, marking a significant milestone in the acquisition process under the Investment Canada Act.
- Shareholder Support: NuVista shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on January 23, 2026, reflecting investor confidence in the acquisition, which is expected to enhance Ovintiv's competitive position in the Canadian market.
- Court Ruling: The Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted the Final Order for the transaction, ensuring legal compliance and reducing potential legal hurdles, thereby accelerating the completion of the deal.
- Expected Closing Date: The transaction is anticipated to close around February 3, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions, which will provide Ovintiv with greater market share and resource integration opportunities.
See More
NuVista's Acquisition by Ovintiv Receives Approval
- Transaction Approval: The Government of Canada has approved Ovintiv's acquisition of NuVista through its wholly-owned subsidiary Ovintiv Canada ULC, marking a significant step forward under the Investment Canada Act.
- Shareholder Support: NuVista shareholders voted in favor of the transaction on January 23, 2026, reflecting a positive market sentiment that is expected to enhance Ovintiv's competitive position in the Canadian market.
- Legal Process Completion: The transaction has received clearance under the Competition Act and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta has granted the Final Order, ensuring legal compliance and laying the groundwork for a smooth transaction completion.
- Expected Closing Date: The transaction is anticipated to close around February 3, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of other customary closing conditions, which will provide Ovintiv with new assets and market opportunities.
See More
