Should You Avoid Stocks That Rely on Commodity Prices?

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) has gotten a big boost from commodity prices, but investors know that the pendulum could easily swing back in the other direction.

The Motley Fool

There are a lot of different ways that you often hear about diversifying and minimizing your overall risk. The strategies usually circulate around diversifying and holding a balanced portfolio to help offset market-related risks. However, there are some stocks that are inherently riskier than others, and by avoiding these types of investments you can also reduce your risk.

I’m talking about stocks that depend on commodity prices. While in general, stocks will be impacted by commodities and many other factors, some investments are much more sensitive than others; a change in the underlying commodity price could have a big impact on the share price. If you’re looking to reduce your risk, consider investing in stocks that aren’t dependent on a commodity to be successful.

Oil and gas stocks have been hit hard

The past several years have been rough on the oil and gas industry, and even the companies that have survived the downturn are not getting much confidence from investors. Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) is a great example of a stock that has taken a beating through no fault of its own.

Although the company may have had a disappointing Q4, Enbridge has been able to stay in the black in each of the past five quarters, which is no small feat given the industry conditions. However, the stock has declined more than 12% in the last month, as declining oil prices have dragged down the share price.

Despite all the progress Enbridge has made in the past year, its stock has still lost more than 21% of its value.

To a lesser extent, we’ve seen TransCanada Corporation (TSX:TRP)(NYSE:TRP) see a similar cloud hover over its strong performance. Although the Keystone XL pipeline has made significant progress over the past year, TransCanada’s stock has failed to get a boost. In fact, the share price has declined more than 7% in the past 12 months, even as the company has made progress in getting approvals and securing demand for the pipeline.

Unfortunately, a strong degree of pessimism has turned investors off from oil and gas, and even though oil prices are much higher than they were a year ago, that might not last once supply cuts are lifted.

Many other examples exist

It’s not just oil prices that have presented risk, but any commodity could potentially create instability for a company and an investment. Cameco Corp. (TSX:CCO)(NYSE:CCJ) has been hit hard by low uranium prices, and the company has resorted to having to cut its dividend and production.

Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) has been on the other side of the fence, as steel-making coal prices have been on the rise, and that has meant a stronger financial performance for the company. The share price has risen more than 30% in the past year, but the stock still trades at less than nine times earnings, as investors know that a weak commodity price could easily undo the company’s strong financials.

Bottom line

Commodity prices are impacted by many different factors, and companies can often be helpless to try and offset their effects, especially when negative. Investors would be safer simply avoiding commodity-dependent stocks.

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 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Enbridge. Enbridge is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Energy Stocks

man touches brain to show a good idea
Energy Stocks

1 No-Brainer Energy Stock to Buy With $500 Right Now

Should you buy a cyclical energy stock at its decade-high? Probably not. But read this before you make a decision.

Read more »

A solar cell panel generates power in a country mountain landscape.
Energy Stocks

Top Canadian Renewable Energy Stocks to Buy Now

Here are two top renewable energy stocks long-term investors can put in their portfolios and forget about for a decade…

Read more »

oil and gas pipeline
Energy Stocks

Where Will Enbridge Stock Be in 3 Years?

After 29 straight years of increasing its dividend and a current yield of 6%, here's why Enbridge is one of…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Enbridge Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Enbridge stock just hit a multi-year high.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Where Will CNQ Stock Be in 3 Years?

Here’s why CNQ stock could continue to outperform the broader market by a huge margin over the next three years.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Energy Stocks

Is Imperial Oil Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Valued at a market cap of $55 billion, Imperial Oil pays shareholders a growing dividend yield of 2.4%. Is the…

Read more »

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Where Will Imperial Oil Stock Be in 1 Year?

Imperial Oil is a TSX energy stock that has delivered market-thumping returns to shareholders over the last two decades.

Read more »