Do Negative Oil Prices Matter for Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)?

Recent headlines about negative oil prices dominated the market. But the story is far more complicated for top energy producers like Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU).

| More on:
Oil pumps against sunset

Image source: Getty Images

History was made on Monday morning energy trading as the price for Western Canadian Select — the benchmark price for heavy oil coming from Alberta’s oil sands — briefly dipped into negative territory. That’s right. Canadian heavy oil producers like Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) were paying customers for the privilege of taking their oil.

The benchmark for North American oil is doing better, but not by much. Weighed down by a sea of supply amid the COVID-19 economic collapse, West Texas Intermediate oil prices hover around $10 per barrel as I type this. We haven’t seen prices that low since 1986.

Despite what it may seem, today’s situation isn’t quite as bad for Suncor Energy as you might think. Here why the stock is holding up surprisingly well despite this negative news.

Not really negative prices

Investors must remember something about the energy market before getting too excited about negative Western Canadian Select prices.

Monday was the last day for traders to settle their positions for the May contract. Folks were dumping these contracts because they represent the obligation to physically deliver the commodity. The last thing an oil trader wants is to do be responsible for that, so they’ll sell the contract. This pressure is what caused prices to momentarily dip negative.

When we look at future contracts, the price is hardly negative. In fact, BNN Bloomberg’s current quote for Western Canadian Select — which looks at next month’s futures — is more than US$8 per barrel, which means that domestic producers like Suncor Energy will be getting approximately $11.60 per barrel in local currency.

While that’s not great, it’s certainly a lot better than negative prices.

The bull case for Suncor Energy

That I’m arguing for an energy company in today’s world of massive oil oversupply, may seem odd, but I continue to be bullish on Suncor Energy over the long term.

First, the cure for low oil prices is low prices. This rout will devastate the marginal producers and leave the best ones — like Suncor — all the stronger at the end. With prices so depressed, most oil drillers have simply shut down production. Many will go bankrupt.

Remember, an oil sands operations is more like a mine than a traditional oil well. The cost to set up these gigantic assets is massive, easily into the billions of dollars. But the cost to extract each barrel after that is comparatively low.

Suncor Energy’s strong balance sheet will also help during this tough environment. At the end of 2019, Suncor had $2 billion in cash available and $4.7 billion in available credit. It also has one of the best balance sheets in the business, suggesting it could take on more debt if needed.

Finally, let’s talk about Suncor’s downstream operations. It owns several oil refineries spread across North America, as well as a fleet of Petro-Canada gas stations. Yes, this part of the business is hurting as well, since nobody is really travelling right now. But it will roar back — likely by this summer. There will be a lot of pent-up travel demand as lockdowns are finally lifted.

During normal times, Suncor Energy’s downstream operations have earned the company enough to pay the dividend, while management would reward shareholders with big buybacks from the oil production business. That bodes well for Suncor’s dividend, which has been one of the top choices for dividend growth investors over the last 20 years. The current payout is an eye-popping 8.7%.

The bottom line 

Investors shouldn’t sweat yesterday’s headline of negative oil prices. It’s a weird quirk in the market that doesn’t necessarily reflect reality for Suncor Energy or other top energy producers here in Canada.

But at the same time, you have to be brave to venture into the sector. There’s a ton of supply flooding the market today, and energy producers desperately need the economy to open back up again.

Suncor will survive this storm and this will look like a very compelling entry point a few years from now, but investors need oil to cooperate. If it does, you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Nelson Smith owns shares of SUNCOR ENERGY INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »