Cenovus Energy: Is it Time to Give Up?

Cenovus Energy is now extremely cheap, despite the challenges.

| More on:

What a difference a year makes. Last summer, Canadian energy stocks seemed invincible. Oil and gas giants like Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE) saw unprecedented windfalls that pushed their market value and bottom line higher. 

However, the stock has now lost more than a third (35%) of its value since June 2022. Commodity markets are shaky and investors are unsure about the path ahead. Is it time for investors to double down or give up? Here’s a closer look. 

Energy prices

Last year, most analysts and investors were expecting an energy supply crunch triggered by the war in Ukraine. With sanctions on its key energy supplier, Europe was expected to face an energy crisis, which is why crude oil and natural gas prices surged. 

However, this energy crisis did not materialize. Europe moved faster than expected to secure gas supplies while winter 2022 was milder than anticipated. Meanwhile, North American producers moved even faster to add supply for exports, which pushed prices lower. 

The price of a million British thermal units (Btu) of natural gas was roughly US$8.80 in August 2022 and is now just US$2.10. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) sees an average price of $3.02 per MMBtu this year. The agency also sees stagnant crude oil prices for the year ahead. 

Energy outlook

Long-term investors need to consider the demand for energy. This year, energy demand is likely to be lower due to the impending recession. Signs of a global recession are already emerging with the growth slowdown in China, banking crisis in America, and consumer pessimism in Canada. 

A recession in 2023 will push energy demand lower. But the long-term outlook isn’t much better. The transition to greener fuels is accelerating. Almost all countries will generate more energy from renewable sources by the end of this decade. By 2030, green energy will account for over one-third of total energy in several European countries including France, Ireland, and Germany. 

That’s bad for oil and gas producers like Cenovus. 

Cenovus valuation

Cenovus stock is arguably cheap, trading at just 8.9 times earnings per share.Analysts expect the company to deliver $3.05 in earnings per share in FY2024. Based on that estimate, the stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 5.25 – or an earnings yield of 19%! 

Management has promised to deliver more of its excess free cash flow back to shareholders if debt remains under its target. In recent quarters, the company’s debt-to-equity ratio has been below 40%, which means investors could see higher dividends and buybacks in 2023. 

Cenovus is unbelievably cheap. It could be an ideal pick for investors seeking passive income in the medium-term. However, if natural gas prices plummet or stay lower for longer than expected Cenovus could prove to be a value trap for investors. 

Nevertheless, this isn’t the right time to give up on the stock. 

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

analyze data
Energy Stocks

Buy 8,850 Shares of This Top Dividend Stock for $2,000/Month in Passive Income

Let's do the math on what it would take to generate $2,000 a month in passive income from Enbridge (TSX:ENB)…

Read more »

oil and gas pipeline
Energy Stocks

Is TC Energy Stock a Good Buy?

TC Energy stock has a lot going for it, but there are also a few red flags to consider before…

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

Is Canadian Natural Resources Stock a Good Buy?

CNRL is an energy giant with a market capitalization near $100 billion.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Energy Stocks

Is Baytex Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Baytex Energy is a TSX stock that has massively underperformed the broader markets in the past decade, but it trades…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor a Buy for its 4.2% Dividend?

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) has a 4.2% yield. Is it a buy?

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Energy Stocks to Buy Now: Top Picks for Canadian Investors

These companies have a solid business model and growing cash flows to support higher dividend payments and share prices.

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Good Buy?

Enbridge provides a 6.5% dividend yield right now.

Read more »

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Suncor stock looks undervalued as the company continues to increases cash flows, earnings, and shareholder returns.

Read more »