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Tullow Oil PLC (GB:TLW)
LSE:TLW

Tullow Oil (TLW) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:TLW

Tullow Oil

(LSE:TLW)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
7.50p
▼(-3.60% Downside)
The score is primarily constrained by significant balance sheet risk (negative equity/high leverage) despite strong operating cash generation. Technical indicators show improving near-term momentum, but longer-term trend signals remain weak. Valuation provides limited support due to a negative P/E and no dividend yield data.
Positive Factors
Operating cash generation
Strong operating cash flow provides durable internal funding, reducing reliance on external credit and supporting ongoing capex and working capital. Consistent cash generation can help smooth cyclical volatility and fund prioritized investments while management repairs the balance sheet over time.
High gross margin
A circa 49% gross margin indicates robust production economics and cost control at the asset level. This structural margin buffer helps absorb operating cost inflation and commodity swings, supporting project economics and the ability to fund maintenance and redevelopment over the medium term.
Exploration & production expertise
Longstanding technical capability and experience operating across Africa and South America create durable operational advantage. Expertise in exploration, appraisal and development secures access to production-sharing contracts and partner relationships that underpin future resource capture and field development.
Negative Factors
High leverage / negative equity
Negative equity and elevated leverage materially constrain financial flexibility and increase refinancing and covenant risk. This structural imbalance can force asset sales, limit capital investment, and prioritize debt servicing over growth, weakening resilience to sustained commodity downturns.
Volatile revenue trends
Substantial revenue decline and historical volatility reduce cash flow predictability and complicate multi-year planning. For an E&P company, inconsistent production and sales streams undermine reliable funding for development projects and increase execution risk on capital-intensive field programs.
Thin net margins & interest burden
A low net margin despite strong gross margins indicates heavy non-operating costs, notably interest, that compress retained earnings. Persistently thin profitability limits balance sheet repair, reduces buffer against price shocks, and increases sensitivity to interest rates and financing conditions.

Tullow Oil (TLW) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Tullow Oil Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionTullow Oil plc engages in the oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities primarily in Africa and South America. As of December 31, 2021, its portfolio comprised 30 licenses in 8 countries with 30 producing wells. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyTullow Oil generates revenue primarily through the production and sale of crude oil and natural gas. The company operates several oil fields where it extracts hydrocarbons, which are then sold to refineries and trading companies. Key revenue streams include revenue from production-sharing contracts, where Tullow shares a portion of its output with host governments in exchange for the right to operate oil fields. Additionally, Tullow may engage in partnerships and joint ventures with other oil companies, allowing for shared investment and risk in exploration and production activities. Factors contributing to Tullow's earnings include global oil prices, production efficiency, operational costs, and the successful development of new oil fields. The company also benefits from long-term contracts and relationships with various stakeholders in the oil industry.

Tullow Oil Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Strong operating cash flow supports the business (cash flow score 75), but the balance sheet is a major risk due to high leverage and negative equity (balance sheet score 40). Profitability is thin with a low net margin despite a strong gross margin and inconsistent revenue trends (income statement score 60).
Income Statement
60
Neutral
Tullow Oil's income statement shows fluctuating revenue and profitability. The gross profit margin for 2024 is approximately 49.1%, which is strong. However, the net profit margin is low at 3.6% due to significant expenses and interest burdens, reflecting operational challenges. Revenue growth has been inconsistent, indicating volatility in business operations and market conditions.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The balance sheet reveals high leverage with a negative equity position, indicating financial distress. The debt-to-equity ratio is not meaningful due to negative equity, and the return on equity cannot be calculated. The company's financial structure is concerning, with liabilities exceeding assets, posing significant risks.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows strong operating cash flow, indicating robust cash-generating capacity. The free cash flow to net income ratio is favorable, highlighting effective cash management despite profitability issues. However, the declining free cash flow growth rate suggests potential future challenges in maintaining cash flow levels.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue981.40M1.53B1.63B1.78B1.29B1.40B
Gross Profit381.35M754.00M790.80M1.09B646.50M402.50M
EBITDA656.85M1.11B860.20M1.20B930.80M-492.80M
Net Income-171.75M54.60M-109.60M49.10M-80.70M-1.22B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets3.61B4.05B4.46B5.04B5.54B6.56B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments187.50M548.60M499.00M636.30M469.10M805.40M
Total Debt2.47B2.71B2.99B3.46B3.73B4.39B
Total Liabilities3.93B4.32B4.82B5.50B6.01B6.77B
Stockholders Equity-329.70M-272.70M-359.40M-459.50M-466.10M-210.00M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow439.55M534.00M583.70M771.40M550.40M267.70M
Operating Cash Flow569.60M758.50M876.20M1.08B786.90M698.60M
Investing Cash Flow-107.15M-213.10M-268.50M-356.20M-101.70M84.30M
Financing Cash Flow-357.05M-492.20M-742.50M-552.80M-1.03B-271.70M

Tullow Oil Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price7.78
Price Trends
50DMA
6.43
Positive
100DMA
8.14
Negative
200DMA
11.15
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.31
Negative
RSI
53.01
Neutral
STOCH
33.77
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:TLW, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 7.78 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 7.24, above the 50-day MA of 6.43, and below the 200-day MA of 11.15, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.31 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 33.77 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:TLW.

Tullow Oil Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
76
Outperform
£109.46M3.9542.05%50.35%48.07%
66
Neutral
£88.70M21.211.91%6.46%-9.43%
65
Neutral
$15.17B7.614.09%5.20%3.87%-62.32%
61
Neutral
£177.09M-10.75-6.29%-32.66%72.67%
56
Neutral
£110.63M-0.70-32.47%-1490.91%
55
Neutral
£167.40M-3.98-11.54%-0.20%-25.68%
44
Neutral
£127.41M8.3656.01%4.56%
* Energy Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:TLW
Tullow Oil
7.50
-11.33
-60.17%
GB:GENL
Genel Energy
60.80
-7.00
-10.32%
GB:CNE
Capricorn Energy PLC
253.50
-60.50
-19.27%
GB:AET
Afentra
48.40
1.20
2.54%
GB:PHAR
Pharos Energy
21.50
-1.13
-4.98%
GB:JSE
Jadestone Energy Inc
23.50
-3.40
-12.64%

Tullow Oil Corporate Events

Other
Tullow Oil Announces CFO Share Vesting Under Employee Award Plan
Neutral
Dec 8, 2025

Tullow Oil plc announced a transaction involving the vesting of 39,979 ordinary shares awarded to Richard Miller, the Chief Financial Officer, under the company’s 2014 Employee Share Award Plan. This transaction, conducted outside a trading venue, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to its employee incentive programs, which could impact stakeholder perception and employee motivation.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:TLW) stock is a Hold with a £7.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Tullow Oil stock, see the GB:TLW Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Tullow Oil Appoints New Chair Amid Board Restructuring
Positive
Dec 1, 2025

Tullow Oil has appointed Roald Goethe as the new independent non-executive Chair of the Board, effective December 1, 2025, following the resignation of Phuthuma Nhleko. Goethe brings extensive experience in the African energy sector and has been a long-term supporter of Tullow. The company is undergoing a Board reset, with several directors stepping down, which is expected to reduce costs and streamline operations. This leadership change is part of Tullow’s strategy to strengthen its position in the African oil and gas sector and advance plans to refinance its capital structure, aiming to deliver value for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:TLW) stock is a Hold with a £5.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Tullow Oil stock, see the GB:TLW Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresM&A Transactions
Tullow Oil Strengthens Financial Position with Strategic Asset Sales and Operational Focus
Positive
Nov 21, 2025

Tullow Oil has made significant strides in enhancing its financial stability and operational efficiency, particularly in Ghana, by selling its interests in Kenya and Gabon for a combined total of over $400 million. The company is focusing on optimizing production and managing natural decline in existing wells, while also planning new drilling activities. Tullow is addressing financial challenges by engaging with creditors and exploring refinancing options, aiming to maintain a sustainable financial footing. The company expects its 2025 production to be at the lower end of the forecasted range and is working to resolve outstanding receivables with the Government of Ghana.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:TLW) stock is a Hold with a £8.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Tullow Oil stock, see the GB:TLW Stock Forecast page.

Regulatory Filings and Compliance
Tullow Oil Announces Total Voting Rights Update
Neutral
Nov 3, 2025

Tullow Oil plc has announced its total voting rights as of October 31, 2025, with an issued share capital of 1,475,023,041 ordinary shares, all with voting rights. This information is crucial for shareholders to determine their interests in the company under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:TLW) stock is a Hold with a £8.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Tullow Oil stock, see the GB:TLW Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 31, 2026