Rising Oil Prices: The Winners and Losers

Shares of Student Transportation Inc. (TSX:STB)(NASDAQ:STB) and Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) could go in opposite directions if the oil rally continues into 2018.

| More on:
win

The spot price for oil fell over 3% as trading came to a close on November 14. A report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed over 6.5 million barrels of crude oil inventory the week ending November 10. Gasoline inventories also increased to 2.4 million over the course of the same week.

Oil prices have been in an impressive rally since late June. Inventories reduced due to the U.S. hurricanes in August and September combined with tensions rising in the Middle East have sparked a run that has brought oil to its highest point since January. I covered the political crisis in Saudi Arabia and how further escalation could lead to higher prices for oil stocks. With an OPEC meeting slated for November 30, and experts projecting an extension on a production cut, oil could have more room to run.

Today, we are going to take a snapshot of some possible winners and losers if this rally continues into the last weeks of 2017.

WINNER: Suncor Energy Inc.

Suncor Energy Inc. (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) stock has increased 3.7% in 2017 as of close on November 14 and 15% year over year. Suncor CEO Steve Williams made comments in an interview in September that turned out to be surprisingly prescient considering the boom in oil prices and the stock that followed. He declared that the oil sands would be profitable well into this century and beyond. In its third-quarter results, Suncor posted record production of 739,900 barrels of oil per day. Suncor stock also offers a solid dividend of $0.32 per share with a 2.8% dividend yield.

LOSER: Air Canada

Shares of Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) have surged 68.4% in 2017 and 78% year over year. In a September article, I discussed how lower oil prices had helped profits at airliners due to reduced fuel costs. Air Canada stock has declined 16.9% month over month, even after positive third-quarter results released on October 25. In addition to downward pressure due to higher oil prices, a sour turn for NAFTA negotiations are also striking fear into airliners.

LOSER: Student Transportation Inc.

Student Transportation Inc. (TSX:STB)(NASDAQ:STB) is a school bus contractor that operates in rural and suburban areas. The stock has dipped 2% in 2017 and 4.1% year over year. Higher fuel costs for its fleet of over 11,500 vehicles could eat into profits in the coming months. The company released its third-quarter results on November 9. Revenue jumped 5%, while the company reported a lower net loss of $7.9 million compared to $11.7 million in the previous year. The stock does, however, offer an attractive dividend yield of 7%.

WINNER: Husky Energy Inc.

Husky Energy Inc. (TSX:HSE) is a Calgary-based integrated energy company. Shares of Husky have dropped 0.25% in 2017 and climbed 13.2% year over year. The company possesses a significant footprint in western Canada and heavy oil, and it boasts a number of pipelines and refineries. Husky also operates over 500 retail locations in Canada, which will see a boon from higher gasoline prices.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Investing

Is Canadian National Railway Worth Buying for its 2.2% Dividend Yield?

Let's dive into whether Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a top buy for long-term investors at this point in the…

Read more »

nuclear power plant
Energy Stocks

Is Cameco Stock Still a Buy?

Cameco stock recently reported earnings that showed the Westinghouse investment is creating some major costs. But that could change.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Investing

2 No-Brainer Growth Stocks to Buy Now With $5,000 and Hold Long Term

Market conditions today are ideal for growth investing, and two rising stocks are no-brainer buys in November.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

If you want consistent income, look to consistent dividend payers. These three stocks are some of the best in the…

Read more »