CES Energy Solutions Corp. (CEU.TO)

Consumable chemical solutions for the entire lifecycle of oilfields. Nice runup, but still likes it for 7-8% upside (not huge). Ranks 9/10 on fundamentals. Analysts peg it as Buy to Outperform. Yield is ~1.5%.

Activity has stabilized, and company's been able to pass through pricing and that supports healthy margins. Fundamentals: 8/10. Sees potential upside of 20%.

Despite volatile energy prices, they have held their margins. Their US business accounts for 70% of revenue. Net debt is under 1x EBITDA, leaving room for buybacks. Valuations are attractive. Sees 12% upside.

Had a 60% correction from peak to trough earlier this year. Just now moved above the 200-day MA, and starting to see volume increase. A bit of a hedge if we do see energy move. If he's correct about starting a new cycle, it's the time to be adding small caps in anticipation of a bigger move. 

Expecting a broader pullback, and that's when he'd prefer to add. This stock should break out to new highs if we're in a new cycle. About 20-25% upside from here. Yield is 2.19%.

He's tempted, but difficult to see a near-term catalyst. Extremely strong balance sheet, very competent management. Gaining market share. Niche player. Closest competitor is not as good. Spending environment not good for service companies. Stock will struggle. He'd prefer pure-play oil yielding 9-10% or natural gas.

He sold it and did well. His interest in energy service stocks is low, because he doesn't see the US rig count increasing. Gas production growth will happen not until latter this year and into 2026. Pure play natural gas and/or oil will do better. Offshore is a potentially new market for them. Free cash flow is 19%. This and the sector are undervalued. This has good upside.

It has exceeded consensus estimates for the last 5 years with growing revenue margins, working capital and debt reduction. A recent acquisition should add to growth. Energy demand is rising and management is strong. Impressive free cash flow yield looks impressive. She sees 32% upside.

Strong performance lately. Expecting further growth. Selling drilling & production fluids. Well run company. Energy services companies have had a tough time. Very cyclical business - would recommend a small weighting. 

He is not enamored by the service fluid space. He feels there is not a strong negotiation position with customers, so he does not think they are benefiting from higher commodity prices.

They are in the services side of the energy picture. Last quarter its margins came down because of rising input costs that they have not been able to pass off. They took market share from competitors. If you look at the inflection point with OPEC, their production could go up and prices would go up as their reserves go down. (Analysts’ target: $8.14).

This sells drilling fluids and specialty chemicals. Gets about two thirds of revenue from the US, where they are expanding in the Permian play in Texas. Expects they will continue to ramp up. It has had a good run up over the last year, but is down from its highs of around $8.60 or so. He is expecting tremendous upside. Has a price target of $11. He sees continued growth from this sector in the US, and if we get a rebound in Canada as well, this company will be well positioned. (Analysts’ price target is $9.50.)

Secure Energy Services (SES-T) or Canadian Energy Services & Technology (CEU-T)? He is not really into the service names. This cut its dividend earlier this year and is only paying about .05%. Secure Energy has a 2.5% dividend yield. If you are looking for dividend exposure, Secure would be the one. Service companies are going to struggle for an extended period, particularly if oil starts to come up like he thinks it might. The balance sheet on both companies are very well positioned, but you might just have to wait on this, and right now is not the time to be buying it.

Really likes management and the company. With the commodity price coming off this much, it is probably down 60% or so. They supply the fluids to the companies that are drilling. Longer-term, this is one of the higher-quality names in terms of management and operations.