Amid the pandemic, the technology and gold and silver mining sectors witnessed incredible growth this year. However, with the vaccine against COVID-19 getting closer to reality, I expect business and life to soon return to pre-pandemic ways. So, it’s the right time to buy the stocks that were deeply impacted by the pandemic. This article will discuss three beaten-down stocks that could deliver superior returns over the next two years.
Suncor Energy
The progress in vaccine development led oil prices to rise over 26% this month, bringing some relief to the beaten-down energy sector. The stock price of Suncor Energy (TSX: SU)(NYSE: SU) is up 53% for this month. Despite the increase, it still trades 46% lower for this year. The weak demand for crude oil and refined products amid the pandemic-infused shutdown and higher net losses have weighed on its stock price.
Meanwhile, Suncor Energy reported significant improvement in its recently announced third quarter compared to the second quarter. Its net losses declined from $614 million to $12 million, while its funds from operations increased from $488 million to $1.166 billion. Further, the company is working on cutting down on its operating and capital expenses. It expects to achieve the target of lowering its operating costs by $1 billion and capital cost by $1.9 billion this year, which is encouraging.
During its third-quarter earnings call, the management had stated that it had completed all its maintenance activities, and its assets were operating at full capacity. So, given the increased oil prices, higher production, and decline in its operating expenses, I expect Suncor Energy’s bottom line to improve.
Air Canada
The pandemic had led many governments worldwide to impose travel restrictions, which weighed heavily on the airline companies, including Air Canada (TSX: AC). Its passenger volumes fell 96% and 88% year over year in the second and third quarters, respectively. The company also burnt $2.54 billion of cash during the same period.
Meanwhile, the vaccine could increase passenger demand and prompt governments to lift travel restrictions, boosting its lucrative international travel. The encouraging news on the vaccine has already led Air Canada’s stock to rise 60% this month. Despite the rise, the company still trades over 50% lower for this year, proving an excellent buying opportunity.
Meanwhile, the airline companies are requesting federal aid, which includes low-interest loans or airport fees markdown. Although Air Canada’s financial position is healthy, the federal aid could greatly benefit the company.
Enbridge
My third pick would be Enbridge (TSX: ENB)(NYSE: ENB), which has lost 21% of its stock value this year. Amid the weak demand for crude oil, its liquid mainline throughput declined, lowering its financials and stock price. Meanwhile, the energy sector’s long-term outlook remains positive amid the improvement in economic activities following the unlocking measures and the progress in vaccine development.
Further, Enbridge earns 98% of its adjusted EBITDA from long-term fee-based contracts, which provides stability to its earnings and cash flows. It is also continuing with its $11 billion secured growth projects, with approximately $5 billion left to spend by 2022. The management is hopeful that these projects could generate 5-7% DCF-per-share annual growth until 2022.
Enbridge’s dividend yield looks attractive at 8%. It has been increasing its dividends consistently for 25 consecutive years at a CAGR of 11%. This year, Enbridge’s board hiked its dividends by 9.8%. With the expectation of improvement in its liquid mainline throughput amid higher oil prices and its high dividend yield, I expect Enbridge to deliver superior returns over the next two years.
