2 Best-in-Class Canadian Energy Stocks for Your TFSA

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) and Enerplus Corp. (TSX:ERF)(NYSE:ERF) are two high-quality energy stocks trading at attractive valuations.

| More on:
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Your TFSA is a good place to stick strong, long-term, shareholder-value-creating stocks, so you can benefit from tax-shielding in the future.

Here are two such energy stocks that fit the bill.

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) is the one energy company that is most immune to the widening Canadian oil differential, and as such, its stock price is pretty much flat versus one year ago.

Suncor has an integrated business model, which means exposure to upstream (production) as well as downstream (refining and processing) services, and little sensitivity to the Canadian oil differential. This effectively means that a large percentage of its oil production goes through its own refineries, which are exposed to Brent or WTI pricing.

In terms of its company-specific history, Suncor has a strong history of consistent shareholder value creation.

In the last six years, the company has grown its dividends per share by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20%. From 2012 to 2016, production increased at a CAGR of 6%, and from 2016 to 2020, management expects it to grow at a CAGR of 9%.

Suncor has spent the last few years investing in its business, with the goal of increasing efficiencies and driving down costs to be increasingly profitable at lower oil prices as well as to ensure it has a good inventory of production growth opportunities.

Suncor stock currently has a dividend yield of 3.05% after the company raised its dividend by 12.5% earlier this year.

According to management, a $1-per-barrel increase in the price of oil translates into $205 million in annual cash flow for Suncor.

Enerplus (TSX:ERF)(NYSE:ERF) stock has provided shareholders with steady performance in the last year, trading pretty much at the same level as one year ago.

This has been no easy feat though, as most energy stocks are down big in this time frame.

So, why has Enerplus withstood the pressure?

It’s simple: the company has been a beacon of strength in the oil and gas sector. Its top-notch balance sheet, operating performance, and cash flow growth profile set it apart from its peers.

With slightly less than half of its production coming from conventional crude oil and 90% of production coming from crude oil in general, this $3 billion oil and gas giant is set up to benefit greatly from rising oil prices.

In 2017, operating cash flow increased 72%, and so far in 2018 operating cash flow has increased 40% to $329 million.

The company’s capital plans, which are fully funded, are expected to result in strong production and cash flow growth over the next few years, and management believes, as I do, that this is not reflected in its stock price.

While the dividend yield is low at 1%, this dividend is extremely well covered by cash flows.

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 Karen Thomas has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

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

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »