We recently published a list of 8 Most Undervalued Oil Stocks To Buy According To Analysts. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) stands against other most undervalued oil stocks to buy.
The energy sector is buzzing with change in 2024, creating a mix of exciting opportunities and new challenges for investors. As the world embraces renewable energy sources and oil prices stabilize, the market finds itself at a fascinating crossroads. Oil is no longer the untouchable giant it once was, but it’s far from fading away. Instead, it’s adapting to new realities, with smart investors eyeing undervalued oil stocks that still hold potential amidst this evolving landscape.
Brent crude oil prices are expected to hover around $82 per barrel, slightly up from $81 in 2023. This points to a return to pre-pandemic price levels, thanks to OPEC+ strategically limiting production to maintain supply-demand equilibrium. At the same time, retail gasoline prices should stay stable at around $3.30 per gallon, offering some predictability in fuel costs. Meanwhile, U.S. crude oil production is on the rise, with output expected to jump from 12.9 million barrels per day in 2023 to 13.3 million barrels per day in 2024. All signs indicate that the U.S. is gearing up to remain a key player in the global oil game.
While the U.S. economy is forecasted to grow by 2.6% in 2024, energy companies are under pressure to strike a balance between boosting production and addressing environmental concerns. The world’s demand for energy continues to rise, and geopolitical tensions add another layer of unpredictability to the market. Political unrest in countries like Libya, for instance, has raised concerns about potential disruptions in global oil supply. But even with these uncertainties, the fundamentals of the oil industry remain solid, and analysts believe that strategic production cuts by OPEC+, coupled with strong demand from developing nations, will keep oil stocks attractive.
Interestingly, oil and gas companies are ramping up their investments to meet future demand. A report by the International Energy Forum and S&P Global Commodity Insights suggests that upstream investments will need to grow by $135 billion annually to ensure a stable supply by 2030. With North America and Latin America expected to take the lead in capital expenditures, the industry is witnessing a resurgence in investment activity. Brazil and Guyana, in particular, are emerging as major contributors, reinforcing the importance of the Americas in the global oil supply chain.
Despite the rise of renewable energy, oil remains indispensable for the foreseeable future. The current environment offers a sweet spot for investors looking to take advantage of undervalued oil stocks. While these stocks often carry higher risks due to their smaller market caps, they also come with significant upside potential. As global oil consumption continues to grow, driven by the energy needs of both developed and emerging economies, savvy investors are positioning themselves to benefit from this ongoing demand.
In this dynamic setting, the search for hidden gems in the oil sector becomes even more exciting. The eight undervalued oil stocks highlighted in this article reflect both the resilience of traditional energy markets and the opportunities arising from a changing global landscape. For those looking to navigate the energy transition while still capitalizing on the growth of oil demand, these stocks present an intriguing opportunity.
Our Methodology
For this article, we use stock screeners to identify nearly 20 stocks in the oil industry that have a buy or better rating from analysts with a forward Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio of less than 15 and price target above current market price as of October 14, 2024. Next, we narrowed our list to 8 stocks with the highest upside potential. We also mentioned the number of hedge fund holdings for each stock as well. The hedge fund sentiment was taken from Insider Monkey’s Q2 database of 912 hedge funds. The eight undervalued oil stocks are listed in ascending order of their upside potential.
At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
An aerial view of an oil refinery, showing the production of refined petroleum products.
Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP)
Upside Potential: 103%
Forward Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio: 2.29
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 6
Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) is gaining attention from investors as a top contender among undervalued oil stocks. With a forward P/E ratio of just 2.29 as of October 14, the stock appears deeply undervalued. Trading at $3.94 per share, analysts have set a target price of $8, indicating an impressive upside potential of 103%. Given its promising fundamentals, Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) is worth a close look for anyone seeking hidden value in the oil sector.
Founded in 2021 and based in Athens, Greece, the company provides essential transportation services to oil producers, refineries, and commodities traders. Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) operates a diversified fleet that includes six medium-range product tankers, one Aframax tanker, two Suezmax tankers, and two handysize dry bulk carriers. The fleet’s total capacity stands at 791,000 deadweight tons, enabling the company to transport not just crude and refined oil but also edible oils, chemicals, and other commodities.
The company delivered a solid financial performance in Q2 2024. It reported $20 million in profits for the quarter, marking its second-best performance to date. Revenues grew 14% compared to Q1 2024, demonstrating the company’s ability to leverage high tanker rates and efficiently manage its fleet. Although some seasonal challenges were anticipated, such as reduced market activity in the summer, Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) strategy of maintaining 81% operational utilization ensured steady earnings. The company’s spot activity has been particularly successful, with tight conditions west of the Suez Canal supporting stronger rates.
Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) financial strength is underscored by a robust balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, providing it with significant flexibility to seize growth opportunities. As of June 2024, it held $130 million in cash, which has since grown to around $190 million, offering a solid cushion for fleet expansion. New vessel acquisitions planned for 2025 will further enhance the company’s earning capacity.
With global oil demand expected to rise, driven by the U.S., China, and India, and constrained tanker supply supporting rates, Imperial Petroleum Inc. (NASDAQ:IMPP) is well-positioned for growth. The stock’s combination of low valuation and strong fundamentals makes it a compelling choice among undervalued oil stocks.
Overall, IMPP ranks 1st on our list of most undervalued oil stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of IMPP as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IMPP but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.