How to Benefit From Canada’s Balancing Act

As interest rates continue to head higher, investors can benefit from the country’s balancing act by investing in shares of Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP).

| More on:
The Motley Fool

As interest rates creep ever higher, investors are having a much more difficult time finding bargains in the value section of the market. Instead, it is Canadian technology companies and the oil industry that may become the biggest benefactors of a higher cost of borrowing (interest rates). Here’s how investors can best capitalize from this.

To begin with, the technology sector has been one of the most exciting sectors since the technology crash of 2000, as many entered the sector with high hopes for excess profits. After nearly two decades, things are finally starting to become “normal,” as many companies in the space have businesses that are both sustainable and able to be scaled in a large way. As profits start to mushroom, the expectations will finally be fulfilled!

One of the best names for investors to consider is none other than Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP), which, at a price in excess of $200 per share, has a lot of potential priced in, but it could be a home run over the next decade. Essentially, the company facilitates the on-boarding of new companies onto the web, as many businesses continue to transition from a brick-and-mortar approach to online delivery. In spite of what was previously believed to be essential face-to-face transactions (such as the need to try on shoes before buying them), even the naysayers have been forced to realize the shift.

As interest rates continue to make borrowing more expensive, many companies will continue to exit (or downsize) their expensive office space and become leaner along the way. Serving the customer online will become the norm. Why not get in on the ground floor?

How do we balance this out?

As the technology sector is rich on intangibles (and usually free of debt), the opposite direction for investors would be the oil sector, which is asset rich and typically made up of a mix of debt and equity.

After close to three years of low oil prices, many companies in the sector are trading at prices that are at a discount to the amount of tangible book value that is available to shareholders in the event of a liquidation. At the current price under $9 per share, Crescent Point Energy Corp. (TSX:CPG)(NYSE:CPG) continues to offer a dividend yield of 4% and incredible potential for capital appreciation, as the company has sold off to such an extent that investors can receive $1 of assets for close to $0.56. At these levels, it’s a steal!

The challenge, of course, is how the company will perform in an environment of rising interest rates. Although there may be challenges, the reality is that the entire oil sector will be under strain, as it will become costlier to finance new projects, which will, in turn, keep the supply of oil subdued for at least a few more months. The only question is just how fast management can monetize the assets before a higher price of oil brings out more production.

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 Ryan Goldsman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of Shopify and SHOPIFY INC. Shopify is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

how to save money
Investing

The Best TSX Stock for Canadians to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (TSX:XIU) could be a great starter investment for new investors in Canada.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With This Cash-Gushing Dividend Stock

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) stock could do well in the year ahead.

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Monthly Income: Top Dividend Stocks to Buy in November

Here are two of the best monthly dividend stocks in Canada you can buy in November 2024 and hold for…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Investing

A Top TSX Stock to Buy Now for Real Wealth Later

Intact Financial (TSX:IFC) stock is a fantastic dividend-growth play for the next 15 years and beyond.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Thursday, November 14

The U.S. wholesale inflation data and Fed chair Jerome Powell’s remarks about the economy will remain on TSX investors’ radar…

Read more »

Man data analyze
Tech Stocks

3 Reasons Celestica Stock Is a Screaming Buy Now

These three reasons make Celestica stock a screaming buy for long-term investors.

Read more »

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn Ultimate Passive Income

If you have a TFSA, then you have the key to creating ultimate passive income. All you need is a…

Read more »