Market Crash: 1 TSX Energy Stock I Bought and 1 I Sold

Due to the current market environment, I sold one of my long-term TSX energy stocks in order to take advantage of this major opportunity in another.

This market crash has been a great opportunity for investors to buy stocks cheap. And while a lot of industries were hit hard, no industry has been hit harder than energy. This has made TSX energy stocks extremely attractive to buy.

Many are attributing this market crash strictly to the coronavirus pandemic. But for oil companies, they were hit with a second attack.

The massive shutdown of businesses across the world was enough to impact the price of oil considerably from the demand side. Then the failure to get a deal done between Russia and OPEC caused an even bigger problem on the supply side.

This sent energy stocks into a tailspin, reducing valuations considerably for all companies. This is never a good sign for investors. However, it gives us the opportunity to average down, or rebalance our portfolios. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

TSX energy stock I bought

Suncor Energy Inc (TSX: SU)(NYSE: SU) is a stock I already had a small position in. However, the stock price collapsed below $30 and that deal became too good to pass up.

In terms of energy producers, the company is probably the most attractive stock in Canada, and one of the only Canadian stocks that Warren Buffett owns.

The reason it’s such a high-quality company is because of its integration. Suncor does more than just produce oil; it also refines it and sells it.

The midstream refining operations and downstream retail business help Suncor to mitigate the effects when commodity prices are this low. This is huge, since commodity producers are always price takers and at the mercy of the market.

Plus, in addition to all the quality assets and integration of Suncor’s operations, it’s also extremely well-run and in good shape to handle a short-term catastrophe like this.

Below $25, Suncor, the top TSX energy stock, is too cheap to ignore. And the lower it goes, the better the discount. Especially since in the long term, this stock is easily worth $40 or more.

TSX energy stock I sold

Peyto Exploration and Development Corp (TSX: PEY) is the energy stock that I sold most of my position in.

There isn’t anything necessarily wrong with Peyto, although it may run into problems in the future if the price of natural gas stays this cheap. For now, its dividend is intact but if this is sustained it may have to cut its dividend once again.

Going forward, Peyto still has considerable long-term value when commodity prices rebound, but so do many other energy companies now.

I originally owned Peyto because the stock had considerable value. However, now so many other TSX energy stocks also have major value. So I felt that my capital was better put to use in a major integrated stock like Suncor.

Like I mentioned before, the valuation on Suncor became too attractive to pass up. Additionally, I didn’t want to increase my portfolio weighting of energy producers at this time. This resulted in me deciding to sell most of my Peyto position in order to buy Suncor.

Most of these energy producers will continue to trade at depressed valuations until commodity prices recover. So for me I’d rather be invested in a larger stock that can be better relied upon, due to its integration.

Furthermore, when sentiment gets stronger for energy stocks again, investors are far more likely to buy up the big names first.

Bottom line

I’m still of the belief that you shouldn’t sell stocks in a market crash. However, sometimes a better opportunity will present itself for your capital.

It would be quite short-sighted not to take these major opportunities. Especially if it was only because you want to follow the rule of not selling stocks during a bear market.

The important thing is that you are using these market crashes to invest in as many high-quality stocks as you can. This way you can position your portfolio as optimally as possible for the next lengthy bull run.

And right now, TSX energy stocks are some of the cheapest stocks on the market.

Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa owns shares of PEYTO EXPLORATION AND DVLPMNT CORP. and SUNCOR ENERGY INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

person with spyglass looks at ocean horizon
Dividend Stocks

This 5.9% Dividend Stock Is One I’ll Never Sell — Here’s Why

This Canadian dividend stock has a great combination of a 5.8% dividend yield, resilient cash flow, and billions of dollars…

Read more »

concept of growth
Dividend Stocks

The Dividend Stock I’d Never Sell, Even in a Downturn

Fortis is a dividend stock I'd hold through a downturn. Its regulated utilities and dividend growth support a patient approach…

Read more »

frustrated shopper at grocery store
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks Retirees Can Count on for Decades

These two Canadian dividend stocks offer a great mix of essential businesses, regular dividends, and long-term growth investments that could…

Read more »

customer comparison shops in liquor store
Dividend Stocks

How Much TFSA Income Triggers an OAS Clawback?

The OAS clawback is based on net world income, with a 2025 minimum recovery threshold of $93,454, not on a…

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

Create a Set-And-Forget Portfolio With Just 3 ETFs

Build a set-and-forget portfolio with VCN, XUU, and XEF, three ETFs offering broad exposure to Canadian, U.S., and international stocks.

Read more »

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Dividend Stocks

1 Canadian Dividend Stock Down 22% I’d Buy Right Now

The Canadian dividend stock has witnessed a notable pullback, creating a buying opportunity for investors looking for steady income.

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Dividend Stocks

How to Build a Canadian Portfolio That Pays You Monthly

If you like monthly income, this mix of five real estate, industrials, and energy stocks can pay you attractive monthly…

Read more »

Concept of rent, search, purchase real estate, REIT
Dividend Stocks

The Best Monthly-Paying Dividend Stock on the TSX Right Now

This monthly dividend stock offers an attractive mix of nearly 5% yield, monthly distributions, and a deeply discounted unit price…

Read more »