BUY NOW: 3 Stocks Hit Hard by the Coronavirus to Get Rich

These three stocks have yet to recover and are available at big discounts.

| More on:
falling red arrow and lifting

Image source: Getty Images

Shares of a few Canadian companies hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic continue to trade low, despite the stellar recovery in the stock market. The unprecedented decline in demand, material decreases in revenues and cash flows, and continued increase in infections are primary reasons why these stocks are still available at significant discounts.

However, with the easing of lockdown measures, reopening of businesses, and an increase in economic activities, these beaten-down stocks could return to the path of recovery and fetch you exceptional gains. Though these stocks are risky bets, they have massive upside potential to make you rich.

Air Canada

Air Canada (TSX:AC) is among the top contrarian stocks to bet on right now. Though higher debt, cash burn, and closure of international borders pose a threat, its high liquidity indicates that Air Canada could easily survive the crisis. Besides, its stock is likely to recover fast as travelers return to the skies.

Air Canada is dealing with a significant drop in traffic, as reflected through a 96% decline in total passengers carried in Q2. Further, its capacity went down by 92%, while total revenues fell by 89%. The grounding of its planes eroded more than 66% value in its stock on a year-to-date basis. However, I believe the worst is over for Air Canada, and the company could witness improvement in traffic in the coming quarters, which should help reduce the cash burn rate.

Investors should note that Air Canada is likely to take two to three years to reach its past glory. Thus, investors with a mid- to long-term investment horizon can earn big through the recovery in Air Canada stock.

Cineplex

Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is the riskiest bet in my list of stocks struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its total revenues plunged 95% in the second quarter, as all of its theatres and LBE venues were closed amid mandated closure of all non-essential businesses across Canada. With the temporary closure of its businesses, Cineplex reported a net cash burn of $15-$20 million per month since March 15.

Even as the business slowly reopens, Cineplex is likely to face challenges in the near term with lower levels of customer traffic and a decline in box office revenues per patron.

Cineplex has a long road to recovery. However, the company has enough liquidity and is reducing costs to navigate the current crisis. Moreover, a massive year-to-date decline of 76% in its stock makes it an attractive buy.

Suncor Energy

The COVID-19 outbreak eclipsed demand for oil dragging the shares of Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) down by about 49% this year. With the reopening of the economy and production cut by OPEC+ nations, oil prices have bounced back strongly from the lows in April and are stabilizing. Besides, Suncor’s cost-reduction measures have driven its breakeven price to lower, which is a good sign.

Suncor stock could generate stellar growth as the economy picks up pace. Its integrated business model, product mix shift, and cost-cutting measures should help in lowering the price risk. However, Suncor could also take at least a couple of years to come out of the gloom.

Bottom line

These beaten-down stocks carry very high risk. However, shares of these companies are consolidating at the current levels, despite rising COVID-19 cases, which is comforting. The significant erosion in value indicates that the recovery in these three stocks could fetch you massive returns.

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 Sneha Nahata has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

Arrowings ascending on a chalkboard
Energy Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Canadian Natural Resources stock is well set up to beat the TSX as it continues to generate strong cash flows…

Read more »

energy industry
Energy Stocks

2 TSX Energy Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist Now

These two rallying TSX energy stocks can continue delivering robust returns to investors in the long term.

Read more »

green energy
Energy Stocks

1 Magnificent TSX Dividend Stock Down 37% to Buy and Hold Forever

This dividend stock has fallen significantly from poor results, but zoom in and there are some major improvements happening.

Read more »

oil tank at night
Energy Stocks

3 Energy Stocks Already Worth Your While

Here's why blue-chip TSX energy stocks such as Enbridge should be part of your equity portfolio in 2024.

Read more »

Solar panels and windmills
Energy Stocks

1 Beaten-Down Stock That Could Be the Best Bet in the TSX

This renewable energy stock could be one of the best buys you make this year, as the company starts to…

Read more »

Dice engraved with the words buy and sell
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Here's why Enbridge (TSX:ENB) remains a top dividend stock long-term investors may want to consider, despite current risks.

Read more »

Gas pipelines
Energy Stocks

If You Had Invested $5,000 in Enbridge Stock in 2018, This Is How Much You Would Have Today

Enbridge's high dividend yield hasn't made up for its dismal total returns.

Read more »

Bad apple with good apples
Energy Stocks

Avoid at All Costs: This Stock Is Portfolio Poison

A mid-cap stock commits to return more to shareholders, but some investors remember the suspension of dividends a few years…

Read more »