Tourmaline Oil (TSX:TOU) Stock: How High Could it Go in 2023?

Tourmaline (TSX:TOU) could have plenty of upside potential in 2023.

| More on:

Tourmaline Oil (TSX:TOU) was a top performer last year. The stock is up 62.7% over the past 12 months. Meanwhile, the S&P/TSX Composite Index is down 8.7% over the same period. Could this outperformance continue in 2023? If so, how high could the stock go this year? Here’s a closer examination. 

Key drivers

The energy crisis was a key driver of Tourmaline stock last year. Global demand for oil and natural gas was expected to rebound sharply as several economies reopened. However, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 disrupted the global energy market and magnified the shortage. Natural gas prices have quadrupled since 2020. 

As a result, Tourmaline experienced a windfall. Net profit and free cash flow were up 44% and 78% year over year respectively in the first nine months of 2022. The team shared some of this cash flow in the form of special dividends. In 2022, Tourmaline’s total dividend payout was $7.65 per share, implying a 11.2% dividend yield based on its current market price. 

However, natural gas prices have declined in recent months. Europe averted an energy crisis by securing stockpiles, while the winter was milder than expected. Each unit of natural gas is now trading at US$4.48 — less than half its was trading at just a few months prior. Unsurprisingly, this slump impacted Tourmaline’s stock. It’s down 18.9% since September 2022. 

Looking ahead

The energy crisis may have been averted, but that doesn’t mean the shortage has been resolved. Global energy supplies are still remarkably tight, which means prices could remain stable, if not rebound soon. 

The International Energy Agency believes the European Union faces a natural gas shortfall of 30 billion cubic metres in 2023. To plug this gap, the continent will have to cut back usage or import liquified gas from Qatar and Canada. This effectively puts a floor on Tourmaline’s revenue this year. 

The company expects $3.7 billion in free cash flow in 2023. That implies a free cash flow yield of 16%. Meanwhile, management expects $12.13 in earnings per share (EPS) this year. That means the stock is trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 5.6. The three-year average P/E ratio for Canada’s oil and gas sector is 16.4. Assuming Tourmaline achieves its EPS target, and the stock’s P/E ratio rebounds to 10, each share could be worth $121.3. 

Put simply, Tourmaline stock could double in 2023 based on conservative assumptions. 

Bottom line

Tourmaline stock outperformed the market last year, but it’s still undervalued. Tourmaline’s fair value is significantly higher than current levels. It could double this year. Investors who expect a stable energy market in 2023 should add this underrated stock to their watch list. 

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 Vishesh Raisinghani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Energy Stocks

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Energy Stocks

Is Imperial Oil Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Valued at a market cap of $55 billion, Imperial Oil pays shareholders a growing dividend yield of 2.4%. Is the…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Where Will Imperial Oil Stock Be in 1 Year?

Imperial Oil is a TSX energy stock that has delivered market-thumping returns to shareholders over the last two decades.

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent Energy Stock Down 17% to Buy and Hold Forever

Down over 17% from all-time highs, Headwater Exploration is a TSX energy stock that offers you a tasty dividend yield…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Cenovus Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE) stock is primed for capital gains and strong total returns in 2025, driven by strategic buybacks and…

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks That are Screaming Buys Right Now

Natural gas stocks like Peyto Exploration and Development are yielding above 7% today and look undervalued as natural gas strengthens.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Canadian Natural Resources vs Cenovus?

Want to invest in Canadian energy? Canadian Natural Resources and Cenovus Energy are two of the largest, but which one…

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Where Will Cenovus Stock Be in 1/3/5 Years? 

Let's dive into whether Cenovus (TSX:CVE) stock is worth buying right now and where this stock could be headed over…

Read more »