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 Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) 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).
A wide shot of oil rigs on a field, with the sun setting in the background.
Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX)
Upside Potential: 61%
Forward Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio: 4.12
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 17
Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) is a promising addition to our list of 8 most undervalued Oil stocks to buy according to analysts, with a forward P/E ratio of just 4.12 as of October 14, 2024. The stock offers an attractive upside potential of 61%, with a target price of $47.17 compared to the current share price of $29.23. As an independent oil and gas producer, Riley focuses on high-potential areas in Texas and New Mexico, specifically the Northwest Shelf and Yeso trend of the Permian Basin.
Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) recent Q2 2024 earnings highlight several key strengths that make it a compelling undervalued play. The company reported free cash flow of $38 million for the quarter and $62 million year-to-date, showcasing robust financial health. Over the last 12 months, free cash flow reached $126 million, reflecting Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) efficient operations and cash management strategies. This cash flow performance was further boosted by reduced lease operating expenses of $8.50 per barrel of oil equivalent (Boe), down by $0.50 from the prior quarter.
In addition to operational efficiency, Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) completed a strategic $18.1 million acquisition in Eddy County, New Mexico, enhancing its production portfolio. The company achieved total equivalent production of 21.3 MBoe per day, a 5% increase quarter-over-quarter, with oil production rising 4%. The outlook remains strong, with management forecasting a 13% increase in oil production for the year and over 20% reduction in spending, positioning the company for sustainable growth.
Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) has also been actively managing its debt, reducing it by $75 million over the past year and lowering its credit facility utilization from 66% to 43%. With an adjusted EBITDAX margin improving to 70% and a consistent dividend payout—marking its 22nd consecutive quarter—Riley is balancing growth with shareholder returns.
Despite some challenges, including softer natural gas prices and midstream fees, Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) ability to control costs and secure favorable service pricing indicates operational resilience. The company’s forward-looking plans, including expanding its joint venture to generate electricity for ERCOT, add further growth opportunities. With a solid financial foundation and an undervalued stock price, Riley Exploration Permian, Inc. (NYSE:REPX) offers a compelling investment case.
Overall, REPX ranks 4th on our list of most undervalued oil stocks to buy according to analysts. While we acknowledge the potential of REPX 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 REPX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA ‘Has Become A Wasteland’.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
