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:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

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. 

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Tourmaline Oil PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

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. 

Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard U.s. Total Market Index Etf right now?

Before you buy stock in Vanguard U.s. Total Market Index Etf, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Vanguard U.s. Total Market Index Etf wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Energy Stocks

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Energy Stocks

Billionaires Might Sell U.S. Stocks and Buy This Canadian Stock to Avoid Tariff Risks

Billionaires might be worried about the future of U.S. stocks with the markets the way they are, and looking for…

Read more »

Offshore wind turbine farm at sunset
Energy Stocks

Got $500? Where I’d Invest it in This Green Energy Stock for Long-Term Sustainable Returns

This green energy company’s growing scale and focus on rewarding investors make it a top bet for investors looking for…

Read more »

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system
Energy Stocks

TC Energy: Buy, Sell, or Hold in 2025?

TC Energy is up 30% in the past year. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock (TSX:ENB) a Buy for its 5.9% Dividend Yield?

This solid dividend payer has the potential to help investors generate reliable passive income for decades.

Read more »

nugget gold
Dividend Stocks

Recession Stocks Are Back: Consider Buying the Dip This April

Recession stocks are back, and this one could be a solid winner.

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Suncor vs Cenovus?

Suncor stock's 4.2% dividend yield vs Cenovus Energy's growth potential: Tariff-proof safety or growth gamble?

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn $500/Month in Tax-Free Income With Your TFSA

Canadians can earn $500 or a desired tax-free income every month by saving and investing through the TFSA.

Read more »

how to save money
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge in 2025 and Beyond

This Canadian stock has seen significant growth, but more could come for 2025 and beyond.

Read more »