Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, oil and gas explorer TransGlobe Energy (Nasdaq: TGA) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at TransGlobe's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

TransGlobe facts

Headquarters (founded) Calgary, Canada (1968)
Market Cap $737.0 million
Industry Oil and gas exploration and production
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $272.1 million
Management CEO Ross Clarkson (since December 1996)
CFO Randy Neely (since May 2012)
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 16.3%
Cash/Debt $127.3 million / $163.7 million
Competitors Dana Petroleum
Hunt Consolidated
Regal Petroleum

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 96% of the 523 members who have rated TransGlobe believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

A couple of months ago, one of those Fools, condor4956, nicely summed up the bull case for our community:

This is a lean, mean, oil-producing machine. ... They keep a low profile, in the Arab world -- as they should; their growth comes at a very reasonable price, i.e., they use their money wisely partnering with other firms to get a foothold in new areas in Egypt. ... Their growth can continue past four years if they continue to attain new bid awards at a reasonable price. Their 2012 average [barrels of oil per day] will be [approximately] 22,000 bopd, as they always under-announce and over-perform. Lower oil prices are factored into their growth estimates so this is a non-factor with prices above $75.00 per bbl.

If you want market-beating returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, TransGlobe may not be your top choice.

We've found another energy play we are incredibly excited about -- excited enough to dub it "The Only Energy Stock You'll Ever Need." We have compiled a special free report for investors to uncover this stock today. The report is 100% free, but it won't be here forever, so click here to access it now.

Want to see how well (or not so well) the stocks in this series are performing? Follow the new TrackPoisedTo CAPS account.