Is Bonterra Energy Corp. the Top Small-Cap Energy Stock to Buy Today?

Bonterra Energy Corp.’s (TSX:BNE) stock has remained flat since it released first-quarter earnings on May 12. Should you buy this small-cap now?

| More on:
The Motley Fool

Bonterra Energy Corp. (TSX:BNE), one of Canada’s largest producers of crude oil and natural gas, announced first-quarter earnings results after the market closed on May 12, and its stock has responded by remaining relatively flat in the trading sessions since. The company’s stock still sits more than 46% below its 52-week high, so let’s take a closer look at the results to determine if we should consider initiating long-term positions today, or if we should avoid the stock for the time being.

Lower commodity prices lead to very weak results

Here’s a summary of Bonterra’s first-quarter earnings results compared with its results in the same period a year ago.

Metric Q1 2015 Q1 2014
Earnings Per Share ($0.06) $0.73
Revenue, Net of Royalties $39.12 million $73.85 million

Source: Bonterra Energy Corp.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, Bonterra reported a net loss of $1.94 million, or $0.06 per share, compared with a net profit of $23.04 million, or $0.73 per share, in the same quarter a year ago, as its total revenue, net of royalties, decreased 47% to $39.12 million.

These very weak results can be attributed to the steep decline in commodity prices over the last year, which led to the company’s average realized selling price of crude oil decreasing 49.5% to $48.70 per barrel, its average realized selling price of natural gas liquids decreasing 67% to $22.36 per barrel, and its average realized selling price of natural gas decreasing 51.8% to $2.97 per thousand cubic feet.

Here’s a quick breakdown of eight other notable statistics from the report compared with the year-ago period:

  1. Realized oil and gas sales decreased 48.5% to $42.48 million
  2. Production of crude oil increased 7.4% to 8,128 barrels per day
  3. Production of natural gas liquids increased 9.7% to 791 barrels per day
  4. Production of natural gas decreased 11.6% to 19.71 million cubic feet per day
  5. Funds flow from operations decreased 59.4% to $22.09 million
  6. Funds flow from operations decreased 59.9% to $0.69 per diluted share
  7. Cash flow from operations decreased 46.9% to $26.08 million
  8. Capital expenditures decreased 28.2% to $38.96 million

Should you be a buyer of Bonterra Energy today?

The first quarter was very weak for Bonterra, so I think the lack of movement in its stock is warranted, especially since it has already fallen over 46% from its 52-week high. With this being said, I think the stock has bottomed and represents an attractive long-term investment opportunity today.

First, I think commodity prices will continue to recover over the next 12 months, including the price of crude oil heading back towards about $75 per barrel and the price of natural gas heading back towards about $4 per thousand cubic feet, which will lead to higher sales and profitability for Bonterra. This will also lead to an increased demand for the stocks of energy companies, sending them much higher.

Second, Bonterra pays a monthly dividend of $0.15 per share, or $1.80 per share annually, giving its stock a very high 5.1% yield at today’s levels. This high yield will provide significant returns to investors while they wait for the rebound in commodity prices, while also providing protection to the downside in times of market volatility.

With all of the information provided above in mind, I think Bonterra Energy represents one of the best small-cap investment opportunities in the energy sector today. Foolish investors should take a closer look and consider beginning to scale in to positions.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

This 7.8% Dividend Stock Pays Out Every Month

Not all monthly dividend stocks are created equal. And this top stock is certainly a strong choice for passive income.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Is TMX Group Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

TMX Group (TSX:X) stock has been a consistent wealth-builder, generating 4,630% in total returns since 2002. Should you buy, sell,…

Read more »

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

2 Deeply Undervalued Dividend Stocks to Buy in November

Here are two stocks that I view as deeply undervalued this November.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 2 Best Canadian Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Now

Blue-chip stocks can be some of the best stocks to have in any portfolio. But when they're trending upwards, investors…

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Dividend Stocks

Here Are My Top 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

These top dividends stocks have consistently paid and increased their dividends. Further, this trend will continue.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

These smartest dividend stocks can consistently pay and increase their dividends in the coming years, irrespective of the macro uncertainty.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

3 Utility Stocks That Are Smart Buys for Canadians in November

These utility stocks benefit from regulated businesses and generate predictable cash flows that support higher dividend payouts.

Read more »