2 Top Canadian Energy Stocks That Just Doubled Their Dividends

These two Canadian energy giants have been taking full advantage of the rally in oil prices this year, making them some of the best stocks to buy now.

| More on:

Throughout 2021, energy stocks have been some of the best investments Canadian investors could have made.

Oil prices have soared by roughly 60% this year. At the start of the year, WTI oil prices sat just below US$50 a barrel. Today, oil is sitting just below US$80 a barrel.

In addition, oil prices are now the highest they’ve been since 2014 and considerably higher than before the pandemic. So, finally, energy stocks, which were some of the last to start recovering from the pandemic, have been starting to do so.

While the energy sector has seen a strong improvement all year, it’s been lately that the biggest gains have come. Increasing inflation has sent prices soaring, and producers are reaping the benefits.

This has led to a significant increase in margins, especially for the top companies in the industry. So, here are two top Canadian energy stocks trading at attractive valuations that each just doubled their dividends.

Cenovus: A massive energy refiner and producer

Cenovus Energy (TSX:CVE)(NYSE:CVE) is one of the largest energy stocks in Canada, with a market cap north of $30 billion. The company has been taking full advantage of the strength in the energy sector this year, and its third-quarter earnings were very impressive.

Of course, the biggest announcement was a doubling of its dividend. However, the company also said it could buy back up to 10% of its shares over the next year.

The Canadian energy stock produced over 800,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d) in the quarter, which beat estimates by 4%. In addition, it also beat estimates on its funds from operations per share, showing just how much cash flow Cenovus is generating in this environment.

Since these earnings and the doubling of its dividend, the Canadian energy stock has rallied by almost 10%. However, it’s still slightly undervalued, making it an excellent investment today.

At current prices, Cenovus trades at a forward enterprise value (EV) to debt-adjusted cash flow (DACF) ratio of just 3.6 times. That’s considerably cheaper than the average of its peers.

So, if you’re looking for a Canadian energy stock to consider buying today, Cenovus is one of the best to consider.

Suncor: A top Canadian energy stock for long-term investors

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) is another massive blue-chip energy stock that’s been taking advantage of the current environment. Just like Cenovus, it doubled its dividend during its recent earnings report. Furthermore, it also said it could buy back up to 7% of the shares outstanding over the next year.

Suncor also exceeded the consensus expectations for production, with nearly 700,000 BOE/d produced in the quarter. However, the bigger takeaway for investors is the significant increase in its margins this year, which is leading the stock to earn a tonne of cash flow.

And now, with the doubling of its dividend, Suncor stock offers an appealing yield of 5.3%. Plus, it currently trades at a forward EV/DACF ratio of 4.3 times, which is slightly above Cenovus but still cheaper than several of its peers.

Bottom line

With the pullback in oil prices this week, these energy stocks have fallen slightly from their highs, offering investors an excellent discount to buy today. So, if you’re looking for a high-quality Canadian energy stock to buy and hold long term, now is a great time to invest, and these are two of the best to consider for your portfolio.

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Utility Stock to Buy for Big Total Returns

Let's dive into why Fortis (TSX:FTS) remains a top utility stock long-term investors may want to consider right now.

Read more »

Canadian dollars in a magnifying glass
Energy Stocks

The Smartest Energy Stocks to Buy With $200 Right Now

The market is full of great growth and income stocks. Here's a look at two of the smartest energy stocks…

Read more »

Top TSX Stocks

A 6 Percent Dividend Yield Today! But Here’s Why I’m Buying This TSX Stock for the Long Term

Want a great stock to buy? You will regret not buying this TSX stock and its decades of growth and…

Read more »

ways to boost income
Energy Stocks

Act Fast: These 2 Canadian Energy Stocks Are Must-Buys Before Year-End

Here are two high-potential Canadian energy stocks with stable dividends you can consider adding to your portfolio before the year…

Read more »

canadian energy oil
Energy Stocks

2 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

If you have $1,000 to invest right now, CES Energy Solutions (TSX:CEU) and Enerflex (TSX:EFX) are no-brainer options.

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Energy Stocks

Maximizing Returns: How Canadian Investors Can Profit From AI’s Growing Energy Needs

Renewable energy stocks like Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:RNW) profit from AI's extreme energy usage.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

3 No-Brainer Oil Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

The current geopolitical situation may not be conducive to oil price gains, but there are also positive catalysts.

Read more »

oil and natural gas
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Now: Suncor vs Cenovus?

Comparing Canada's energy giants: While Suncor stock dominated 2024, Cenovus could be a more compelling choice for 2025 with stronger…

Read more »