Should You Buy, Sell, or Hold Canadian Oil Sands Ltd. Today?

Canadian Oil Sands Ltd.’s (TSX:COS) stock has remained relatively flat since it released first-quarter earnings on April 30. What should you do with it today?

The Motley Fool

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 More

Canadian Oil Sands Ltd. (TSX:COS), the company with a 36.74% ownership interest in the Syncrude oil sands project, announced first-quarter earnings results after the market closed on April 30, and its stock has remained relatively flat in the trading sessions since. Let’s take a closer look at the operating results to determine if we should consider establishing long-term positions, or if we should look elsewhere in the industry for an investment today.

Lower oil prices lead to year-over-year declines

Here’s a breakdown of Canadian Oil Sands’ first-quarter earnings results compared with its results in the same period a year ago.

Metric Q1 2015 Q1 2014
Earnings per share ($0.38) $0.35
Revenue $634 million $1.06 billion

Source: Canadian Oil Sands

In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, Canadian Oil Sands reported a net loss of $186 million, or $0.38 per share, compared with a net profit of $172 million, or $0.35 per share, in the same quarter a year ago, as its revenue decreased 40% to $634 million.

These very weak results can be attributed to two primary factors. First, Canadian Oil Sands’ average realized synthetic crude oil selling price decreased 47.1% to $55.95 per barrel, which more than offset a 1.9% increase in its average sales volume to 107,305 barrels per day. Second, the company reported a $159 million foreign exchange loss on its U.S. dollar denominated long-term debt compared with a loss of just $54 million in the year-ago period.

Here’s a breakdown of eight other notable statistics from the report compared with the year-ago period:

  1. Syncrude’s total production increased 0.4% to 26.4 million barrels, or 293,700 barrels per day
  2. Cash flow from operations decreased 78.7% to $76 million
  3. Cash flow from operations decreased 78.4% to $0.16 per share
  4. Total operating expenses decreased 22.5% to $345 million
  5. Total operating expenses decreased 23.9% to $35.71 per barrel
  6. Paid out a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share for a total cost of approximately $24 million, compared with a dividend of $0.35 per share for a total cost of $170 million in the year-ago period
  7. Average foreign exchange rate ($USD/$CDN) decreased 11% to $0.81
  8. Ended the quarter with $120 million in cash and cash equivalents, an increase of 263.6% from the beginning of the quarter

What should you do with Canadian Oil Sands’ stock today?

Canadian Oil Sands’ first-quarter earnings results were very weak, so I think its stock has responded correctly by remaining relatively unchanged since the release. I also do not think there is any reason to own the stock today, as it trades at expensive valuations and only yields 1.5%. I think Foolish investors should avoid the stock for the time being and only revisit it if it experiences a significant pullback in the weeks ahead or if a positive press release of any kind occurs.

Just Released! 5 Stocks Under $50 (FREE REPORT)

Motley Fool Canada's market-beating team has just released a brand-new FREE report revealing 5 "dirt cheap" stocks that you can buy today for under $50 a share.

Our team thinks these 5 stocks are critically undervalued, but more importantly, could potentially make Canadian investors who act quickly a fortune.

Don't miss out! Simply click the link below to grab your free copy and discover all 5 of these stocks now.

Claim your FREE 5-stock report now!

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 Joseph Solitro has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Energy Stocks

golden sunset in crude oil refinery with pipeline system
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock (TSX:ENB) a Buy for its 5.9% Dividend Yield?

This solid dividend payer has the potential to help investors generate reliable passive income for decades.

Read more »

nugget gold
Dividend Stocks

Recession Stocks Are Back: Consider Buying the Dip This April

Recession stocks are back, and this one could be a solid winner.

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Energy Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Suncor vs Cenovus?

Suncor stock's 4.2% dividend yield vs Cenovus Energy's growth potential: Tariff-proof safety or growth gamble?

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn $500/Month in Tax-Free Income With Your TFSA

Canadians can earn $500 or a desired tax-free income every month by saving and investing through the TFSA.

Read more »

how to save money
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge in 2025 and Beyond

This Canadian stock has seen significant growth, but more could come for 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

oil and natural gas
Energy Stocks

Here’s How Many Shares of Enbridge You Should Own to Get $2,000 in Yearly Dividends

Solid dividend stocks like Enbridge could help you generate reliable passive income for decades.

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

3 Canadian Oil and Gas Stocks to Watch for in 2025

Oil companies like Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) are doing well this year.

Read more »

Aerial view of a wind farm
Energy Stocks

The Best Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Before They Take Off

Here are two of the best Canadian renewable energy stocks you can buy today and hold for the long term…

Read more »