TSE:CVE
Cenovus Energy (CVE.TO)
Financials 
Technical Analysis 
Sep 8, 2026, 12:00 amThis summary was created by AI, based on 29 opinions in the last 12 months.
Cenovus Energy (CVE) is viewed favorably by a number of analysts, who emphasize its strong operational performance, particularly following the MEG Energy acquisition. The company is recognized for its cost-effective operations and impressive refining margins, with significant upside potential suggested, ranging between 50-60%. It has been actively paying down debt and is expected to direct a large portion of its free cash flow back to shareholders, predominantly through buybacks. Despite some caution regarding its current valuation and debt levels, many see it as a solid investment choice, especially with rising oil prices and robust asset quality. Overall, while some analysts prefer other companies like CNQ, the general sentiment leans towards CVE being an attractive option for energy sector investors.
Recent CEO retirement not a concern.
Is a top pick and is buying more shares.
Recent selloff unclear as to the reason.
30+ years of reserves.
$70 oil equates to 3.4x cash flow per share.
Pledged to return 100% of free cash flow later this year.
Expecting a $38 share price this year.
Eric Nuttall;fill-opacity:1;'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M31%2018.6001V30H8V18.6001L14.1334%2022.4334L19.4999%2014L24.8669%2022.4334L31%2018.6001Z'%20fill='%23EE5432'%20style='fill:%23EE5432;fill:color(display-p3%200.9340%200.3310%200.1956);fill-opacity:1;'/%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
Premium contentOur PAST TOP PICK with CVE has triggered its stop at $23. To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time. This will result in a net investment loss of 9%, when combined with our previous buy recommendation.
Premium contentWe reiterate this Canadian major energy producer as a TOP PICK. The company announced it will buy out its partner’s share of the 160 mbd refinery in Ohio, with a capacity to consume 90 mbd of heavy production. We like it has aggressively been retiring debt and buying back shares, while still growing cash reserves. It trades at under 2x book. Recently reported earnings support a ROE of 25%. We continue to recommend a stop at $23, looking to achieve $33 -- upside potential of 28%. Yield 2.4%
(Analysts’ price target is $32.97)
It has good holdings. The energy sector is in the beginning of a long up-cycle. These cycles have periods of three month relative lows so aim to buy in one of these periods.
David BurrowsPledged 100% of cash flow return to shareholders.
Confidence in new CEO.
Laser focused on reducing debt.
30 year reserve life index.
Expecting meaningful share growth.
6x multiple on share price not out of question.
Good company for long term shareholders.
Eric NuttallCVE’s recent quarter result was solid given the tailwind of high oil prices, and shares are now trading at 7.5x times' Forward P/E.
In the 4Q, CVE’s revenue grew 2% to $14B, missing estimates of $14.4B and EPS was $0.29 also missing the estimate of $0.61.
The balance sheet is strong, with long-term debt (excluding leases) of $8.7B, significantly reduced compared to $12B last year.
Total debt is around 1.2x times trailing twelve-month free funds flow (FFF) of $7.3B, and free cash flow grew nicely around 55% compared to $4.7B last year.
Based on consensus estimates, sales are expected to decline by 12%, while EPS is expected to decline by 5% in 2023.
CVE also announced a CEO transition, as the COO will now be in charge, and the old CEO would be the executive chair, we don’t think this would change the company’s fundamentals much in the near term.
The company has been actively repurchasing shares over the last two years and raising dividends as a result of operational tailwinds from high oil prices.
However, going forward the company’s performance will largely depend on oil prices.
It is priced well and has good potential, depending on what commodity prices do.
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Premium contentPremium contentEric Nuttall'%20fill='%23ffffff'%3e%3cg%20id='Pager'%20transform='translate(423.000000,%201755.000000)'%3e%3cpath%20d='M243.295367,17.286474%20C243.68919,16.9045087%20244.327703,16.9045087%20244.721525,17.286474%20L249,21.4361302%20L253.278475,17.286474%20C253.672297,16.9045087%20254.31081,16.9045087%20254.704633,17.286474%20C255.098456,17.6684393%20255.098456,18.2877274%20254.704633,18.6696927%20L249.35654,23.856763%20C249.159628,24.0477457%20248.840372,24.0477457%20248.64346,23.856763%20L243.295367,18.6696927%20C242.901544,18.2877274%20242.901544,17.6684393%20243.295367,17.286474%20Z'%20id='Path'%20transform='translate(249.000000,%2020.500000)%20scale(-1,%201)%20rotate(-90.000000)%20translate(-249.000000,%20-20.500000)%20'%3e%3c/path%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
'%20fill='%23ffffff'%3e%3cg%20id='Pager'%20transform='translate(423.000000,%201755.000000)'%3e%3cpath%20d='M243.295367,17.286474%20C243.68919,16.9045087%20244.327703,16.9045087%20244.721525,17.286474%20L249,21.4361302%20L253.278475,17.286474%20C253.672297,16.9045087%20254.31081,16.9045087%20254.704633,17.286474%20C255.098456,17.6684393%20255.098456,18.2877274%20254.704633,18.6696927%20L249.35654,23.856763%20C249.159628,24.0477457%20248.840372,24.0477457%20248.64346,23.856763%20L243.295367,18.6696927%20C242.901544,18.2877274%20242.901544,17.6684393%20243.295367,17.286474%20Z'%20id='Path'%20transform='translate(249.000000,%2020.500000)%20rotate(-90.000000)%20translate(-249.000000,%20-20.500000)%20'%3e%3c/path%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
He owns CNQ instead, mainly because ESG is treating big oil companies like pariahs. So big oil's focus is to buy back shares, keep capex flat, increase dividends, and pay down debt. The bigger companies throw off a lot of free cash as oil price goes up.